Page 105 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

DRIVE 8: Côtes-d’Armor: Land of the Sea 103

7 Fort la Latte dual carriage (N12/E50) to and around
Côtes-d’Armor, Bretagne; 22240 Saint-Brieuc for another 14 km (9 miles).
Breathtakingly positioned 60 m Exit onto the coastal road, D786, and
(197 ft) above the ocean on a rocky drive 40 km (25 miles) to Paimpol. From
outcrop, this 14th-century feudal Paimpol follow signs to take the ferry
castle is separated from solid ground to Île-de-Bréhat on D789.
by two huge crevasses, traversed by
drawbridges. Built for a French count, 9 Paimpol
the castle was modi fied in the 17th Côtes-d’Armor, Bretagne; 22500
century and fully restored in the early At the height of its booming fishing
20th century. From Le Chemin de industry in the 19th century, Paimpol
Ronde, the circular fort-top passage- was regularly flooded by high tides
way, there are 360-degree views over until seawalls were built. From the
the Côte d’Émeraude. old port, stroll through the streets
ª Return to the main road (D16A), of the Latin Quarter, admiring the
turn right and continue to Cap Fréhel, medieval houses on the Place du
where visitors can either pay to pass a Martray and particularly the Maison
tollgate and access the parking at the Jézéquel. Three kilometres (2 miles)
end of the cape, or walk in. from the port is another protected
building, the 13th-century monas-
tery Abbaye de Beauport.
Paimpol is the embarkation point for
those wanting to visit the Île-de-
Bréhat, two islands that are joined by
a bridge. The islands’ land scapes vary
drastically. While the northern island
is wild and covered in heath, the Top Cathédrale Saint-Tugdual in Tréguier
southern is more mild, flourishing with Above Panoramic view from Saint-Cast-le-
mimosa, aloe and palms. Several well- Guildo Left Handsome house in Paimpol
signed walks take in villages, coastal
scenery and monu ments such as the
citadel, light house of Paon and Moulin
à Marée at Birlot.
ª Take the Route de Kergrist, and turn
right onto the D786 to Tréguier.
0 Tréguier
Côtes-d’Armor, Bretagne; 22220
8 Cap Fréhel With its immaculately landscaped port ACTIVITIES
Côtes-d’Armor, Bretagne; 22240 and parklands facing the Jaudy river,
One of the largest moorlands in the medieval centre of Tréguier is a GOLF
Europe, Cap Fréhel is covered with treasure chest of bell towers and Fréhel Golf-Club des Sables d’Or
www.frehel-golfsablesdor.fr
4 sq km (1.5 sq miles) of wild grass- Gothic arcades and courtyards. Key
lands. The headland culminates in sights include the three-steepled
pink sandstone cliffs which plunge Cathédrale Saint-Tugdual with its
EAT AND DRINK
70 m (230 ft) to the sea. The cape Roman, Gothic and Classical towers;
and its four islets, classified as an the Hôtel-Dieu, the town hall housed
TRÉGUIER
ornitho logical reserve, is a great in a former Augustine con vent; the
place to spot some of the seabirds timber houses or maisons en bois on Crêperie du Cloître inexpensive
In the square facing the cathedral,
which nest in the area. The 17th- Place Notre-Dame-de-Coatcolvezou
this crêperie is housed in an old stone
century granite lighthouse, Tour and the Maison de Madame Taupin
building with authentic Breton decor.
Vauban, stands alongside its replace- on the Place du Martray. Fifty-eight 1 place du Martray; 02 96 92 17 88;
ment. Climb the 145 steps of the elliptical prehistoric stones, the closed Thu low season
lighthouse for a stunning view. Mégalithes du Tossen Keller, are found La Maison de Jeanne
ª Take the D34A, direction Erquy/ along the riverside on Rue du Port. inexpensive–moderate
Lamballe/Saint-Brieuc. At Pléhérel- ª Continue on the D786. Take the This café-crêperie-gallery also serves
meat and vegetable dishes in a rustic
Plage continue on the D34 to Saint- first exit at the roundabout and
dining room with paintings based on
Brieuc. After Plurien turn right on the continue on the D6. Then turn right
marine themes on the walls.
D786 to Erquy/Saint-Brieuc. Continue to Perros-Guirec, pass the town and 24 rue Ernest Renan; 02 96 92 29 28;
for 14 km (9 miles), then get on the continue to Ploumanac’h. closed Mon, Tue
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €20; moderate, €20–€40; expensive, over €40