Page 107 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

DRIVE 8: Côtes-d’Armor: Land of the Sea 105

surrounded by a string of islets and
the barren landscape is dramatically
shaped by the tides. Up until 1910,
millions of tonnes of blue and white
granite were extracted from Île
Grande’s quarry helping to pave
the streets of Paris and quays of
Dunkerque. Now the Kastel Erek
quarry is the heart of an ornitho-
logical reserve and bird hospital run
by the League for the Protection of
Birds. A megalithic site of standing
stones – Allée Couverte de Ty-ar-
kornandounezed – lies in the centre Above Seascape of Trébeurden as viewed
of the island. The site dates back to r Trébeurden from the cliffs Below Cosy little bar in
around 2,300 BC. Either drive there or Côtes-d’Armor, Bretagne; 22560 Trégastel Plage
pass it on a circular trek of the isle, From the densely forested cliffs
which takes about 2 hours. above Trébeurden the seascape
ª Return via the D21, also known as takes in multiple coves, beaches and
the Rue de l’Île Grande, and then turn islands, including the Île Milliau. The EAT AND DRINK
right onto the D788 (Corniche de Goas town is also home to the Holy Trinity
Treiz). Next turn left onto the D65 to Church, built in the shape of a Latin TRÉGASTEL PLAGE
reach Trébeurden. cross. Walk out to the granite out- Restaurant Les Triagoz expensive
crop, the Presqu’Île Le Castel, where Waves will lap at diners’ feet as they
fabulous rock forms sculpted by the sip or eat on the terrace of this
ocean have names such as Père modern bistro, with a seafood-
dominated menu and modern takes
Trébeurden. On the Pointe de Bihit, on traditional Breton dishes.
where visitors may catch otters Place du Coz-Pors, 22730;
sunbath ing among the ferns and 02 96 15 34 10;
heather,there is an orientation table closed Tue, Wed lunch
with views reaching as far as the TRÉBEURDEN
Finistère coastline. From the main
Manoir de Lan Kerellec expensive
beach, Goas Treiz, head into the Grand cuisine, seafood and rural
wetlands of the Marais de Quellen, a produce, at one-star Michelin hotel-
haven for birders and trekkers. Its restaurant with views towering
hedged farmlands are home to a over the coast.
Allee Centrale de Lan Kerellec, 22560 ;
population of Camargue horses from
02 96 15 00 00;
the south of France, offering another www.lankerellec.com; closed
way of visiting the area. Mon–Thu for lunch and Dec–Feb
DAYTRIP OPTIONS Vallée de la Rance heath-covered north and the island
The first two day trips work well for At the northern end of the Dinan 3 of flowers in the south.
those who wish to stay near the Côte port area, nature and maritime lovers
Head out of Perros-Guirec on the D6,
d’Emeraude. The ideas for the last two can start exploring the Vallée de la
turn left into the D786 and continue
trips are for those who base them- Rance, its canals, cycle paths and
via Tréguier to Paimpol. Take the D789
selves on the Côte de Granit Rose. riverbank walking trails. From there
to the Pointe de l’Arcouest, where boats
visitors can drive off to see the adja-
Trip to the beach ply to Port-Clos.
cent villages and countryside manors.
After exploring all of Saint-Malo’s 1
ramparts, drive to Cap Fréhel 8 in From Dinan port, the D12 heads off Trégastel Plage
the afternoon and take a cruise to Lehon, while the D676 leads to Children will love a lazy day on the
(www.compagniecorsaire.com) to Lanvallay, and then to La-Vicomte-sur- beach and learning about the sea
see the beautiful headlands from Rance. The port is accessed from the creatures, tidal phenomena and
the sea. old town via Rue du Général de Gaulle. pink granite at the eco-friendly
Marine Aquarium.
From Saint-Malo take the D168 then Île-de-Bréhat
the D768 towards St-Jacut, then the The day trip to the Île-de Brehat Take the Boulevard du Coz-Pors to
D786. At Sainte-Aide continue on the allows visitors to encounter the Trégastel Plage and continue on the
the D16/D16A to Cap Fréhel. varied landscape between its wilder, same road for the aquarium.
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €20; moderate, €20–€40; expensive, over €40