The Lighthouse Trail and the Pink Granite CoastBrest, Roscoff, Perros-Guirec, Saint-Malo...
Step 01
Brest
Brest, the largest bay in Europe, is a town focused on the sea. Its port is the stage for gatherings of traditional sailing boats, including the “International Maritime Festivals”. Its magnificent bay opens onto the archipelago of the islands of Molène and Ouessant. Don’t miss: Les Ateliers des Capucins. These buildings, steeped in history, are becoming the symbol of urban renewal of the Brest metropolis. Brest Castle, a rare vestige of the city’s history, houses the National Marine Museum. Lastly, Océanopolis, the ocean discovery centre, is unique in Europe.
Step 01
The Lighthouse Route
With breath-taking landscapes, emerald-green-coloured sea, white sand, abrupt cliffs and green oases, the Lighthouse Route allows you to discover authentic Brittany. This maritime headland has one of the largest concentrations of lighthouses and beacons in France. On Pointe Saint-Mathieu, the striking lighthouse watches over the ruins of a former abbey. Built between 1896 and 1902, the lighthouse of Ile Vierge, standing 82.5 metres tall, is the tallest lighthouse in Europe and the tallest in hewn stone in the world.
Step 02
Roscoff
Roscoff, a Small Town of Character, is both a seaside resort and an important port for departures for England and Ireland. The streets are lined with richly decorated shipowners’ houses. The town is home to a flamboyant Gothic church. Opposite, visit Batz Island and its Georges de la Salle Gardens where an exuberant exotic garden thrives, proving the acclimatisation of exotic plants to the very mild climate here.
Step 01
The parish closes
The churchyards from the 15th to 17th centuries celebrate regional devotion and the prosperity of the textile factory. Well-known in Europe for their picturesque embellishments, they compete in magnificence. In a closed space they contain: an ossuary, a calvary decorated with characters, a chapel, a triumphal gate and a cemetery. The most famous are: Saint Thégonnec, Lampaul Guimiliau, Guimiliau (there is a presentation at the Tourist Office) and Sizun
Step 02
Perros-Guirec and the Pink Granite Coast
It is a splendid natural site in the middle of a unique landscape on the edge of the coastal path, scattered with pink granite rocks that have been shaped by erosion. The site of Ploumanac’h is a listed natural site covering 60 hectares of moorlands. It boasts vast ecological diversity and a surprising mineral landscape
Step 03
Paimpol and the isle of Bréhat
Paimpol became famous thanks to fishing in Iceland, which has left its mark on the place. Today, its port is a pleasant marina lined with restaurants. Its historic centre accommodates beautiful houses that once belonged to the shipowners, and half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Not far from here is Pointe de l’Arcouest and its jetty to set sail to isle of Bréhat. A 15-minute crossing will take you the island of flowers. Its micro-climate, which is particularly mild in winter (average of 6°C), favours a wide diversity of flowers and exotic plants. Don’t miss a visit of the oyster parks.
Step 01
Cap Fréhel and Fort la Latte
Dominating the sea at over 70 metres high, the shale and pink sandstone cliffs of Cap Fréhel offer one of the most beautiful views of Brittany. This exceptional site is a bird reserve. A walk through reeds and heathers leads to the famous Fort La Latte.
Step 02
Dinan
Entirely contained within its ramparts, Dinan, an 11th-century medieval gem, has unique and preserved heritage: belfry, churches, convents, half-timbered houses… Dinan enjoys an exceptional situation on the estuary of the Rance Valley. Don’t miss the Lehon abbey.
Step 03
Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo, a Town of Art and History, a privateer town, synonymous with dreams and adventures, has been world famous since the 16th century. Its fortified city architecture adds unique character. The citadel is encircled with impressive ramparts that offer an exceptional view of the bay, Dinard and Cap Fréhel. Numerous excursions of Saint-Malo bay are possible, along with departures for the Channel Islands and England.