Côtes-d'Armor Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > BrittanyPerfect holiday destination for everyone
If you disregard the fact that the weather is only marginally warmer and sunnier than that of the south of England, there can hardly be a more desirable holiday destination than the Côtes-d'Armor. Stunning beaches, lively resorts, gorgeous historic towns and festivals galore all mean that everyone can find something to please them in this beautiful department. It's perfect for families too, with entertainment and attractions for kids of all ages, as well as sports and leisure activities for adults.Top 5 things to see and do in the Côtes-d'Armor
1. Enjoy the seaside
There are so many choices when it comes to spending a day at the seaside on the Côtes-d'Armor. The Pink Granite Coast is perhaps the most picturesque, while the Emerald Coast has the long, safe sandy beaches so perfect for families with young kids.2. Eat scallops in Saint Quai Portrieux
Saint Quai Portrieux is the scallop town, where these delicious shellfish are brought ashore, sold at the fish auction and finally make it to the tables of the restaurants of the town and to the fishmongers' shops. There's also a scallop festival held here every year (known as Noix Saint Jacques in France).3. The Nantes Brest Canal
The Nantes Brest Canal runs though the department, and you can enjoy this by walking, cycling or even riding a horse along the towpath, or by taking a boast trip for a leisurely and enjoyable way to discover the countryside of the Côtes-d'Armor.4. Go island hopping
Exploring the islands that lie off the coast of the Côtes-d'Armor is a great holiday activity. You can get a ferry across to the Iles de Bréhat from Ploublazlanec. There are also opportunities to go sea fishing or to take tours around the islands with boats leaving from various locations during the summer. Details and timetables should be provided by tourist offices in the nearby coastal towns.5. Play golf
Golf has really taken off as a sport in the Côtes-d'Armor, and there is no shortage of excellent courses in the department. You can find access to driving ranges, putting greens, nine-hole and eighteen-hole courses to suit every golfer. Dedicated golfing holidays are becoming ever more popular in the department.Top 5 towns and cities in the Côtes-d'Armor
1. St Brieuc
The department's capital city is St Brieuc. It isn't really a tourist orientated town, but as such offers the chance to get a real sense of what life is like in an authentic, working Breton town. There are one or two sights of note, one of which is the cathedral, but probably the best thing about St Brieuc is the annual music festival, which draws music fans from all over France and beyond.2. Dinan
Dinan is the picture postcard town of the department, its treasure and pride. This fortified town has everything from stunning ramparts to mediaeval buildings and streets to a picturesque river port. Browsing the shops is a delight as there are many arts and crafts outlets showcasing the work of local artists. It gets a bit busy in the summer, as it is so popular, but it really is a must see.3. Guingamp
Guingamp is an inland town, deeply attractive and with a peaceful ambience. It's notable for its traditional festivals, and also for its excellent twice weekly markets. Its three castles were sadly destroyed, but three towers remain to be seen today. The town has quite a bit of original architecture to enjoy.4. Lannion
The town of Lannion is another important town in the Côtes-d'Armor. The historic centre is charming, with some lovely examples of traditional houses, often half-timbered and dressed in original Breton slate. You can visit churches, a monastery and a lively street market which is held every Thursday.5. Tréguier
Tréguier makes a good base for a holiday in the Côtes-d'Armor. It oozes Breton identity, and has many attractions that make it worth a day trip even if you aren't staying in town. The river port is always a vibrant place to be, and is the scene of much comings and goings as holiday cruisers arrive to tour the town. Restaurants and shops are plentiful, the cathedral is stunning, and there are a large number of wonderful houses to see, built from local pink granite or in the mediaeval style with external timbers. There's also a Pardon Festival, peculiar to Brittany, held in the town, where "lawyers" parade through Tréguier to beg forgiveness for their wrongful deeds!Food and drink in the Côtes-d'Armor
It's mainly about seafood, of course, because this is Brittany, land of the sea. Fishing is and always has been, big business for the people of the department, and the gastronomy of the Côtes-d'Armor reflects this in the tastiest of ways. Shellfish are perhaps the most popular of all the treasures of the sea in this department, with oysters and Noix St Jacques being of the highest quality.Traditional Breton crepes are another local treat, eaten plain or with a sweet or savoury filling. Galettes are excellent too. Although wines are available in all restaurants and shops, beer and cider are often preferred by the locals.
