Ploumanac’h and the Pink Granite Coast
Ploumanac’h and the Pink Granite Coast
You won’t believe your eyes ! Ploumanac’h, voted France’s favourite village in 2015 has impressive pink rocks which appear to melt into the sea. This emblematic site on the Pink Granite Coast is an exceptionally beautiful natural attraction : imposing masses of rock shaped by the sea and the wind offer visitors incredible views, which leave both adults and children speechless. Children love running between the huge, round rocks, a great place to play hide-and-seek ! The massive pink granite rocks of Ploumanac’h, between the beaches of Trestraou and Saint-Guirec, are famous throughout the world. The 300 million year old national heritage and conservation site extends over 25 hectares of spectacular scenery which has over a million visitors a year. The former fishing village, which is part of the town of Perros-Guirec, has become a major tourist attraction and visitors come from far and wide to marvel at the strangely shaped rock formations with names like Napoleon’s hat, the lovers’ shelter and the mushroom. The largest are more than 20m high. At sunset the pink granite takes on an orange hue, a magnificent sight. Strolling around the harbour is a sheer delight and you may see the head of a seal pop up !
The beautiful resort of Perros-Guirrec…
The wild, unspoilt scenery continues along the Pink Granite Coast from Perros-Guirec past the Sept-Iles to the Bay of Lannion. With its casino, fine sandy beaches, seaside resorts, strangely-shaped rock formations, coastal footpath, lighthouses, harbours and islands, Perros Guirec offers visitors a wide choice of activities and attractions. The 1km long, fine sandy beach at Trestraou is very popular with summer visitors enjoying the Brittany sunshine, swimming and having a go at the many activities on offer at the water sports centre : catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and sea wading. 1km from the town centre, Trestrignel beach is more untamed and is at the head of an inlet between the Pointe du Château and the Pointe du Sphynx. Along the sea front, houses and country mansions dating from the Belle Epoque overlook the turquoise waters of the bay. A well-known seaside resort, Perros-Guirec is at the heart of a part of Brittany known for its formidable strength of character both on the coast and in the countryside.
Along the coast to Lannion
Follow the well-known GR34 coastal footpath westward from Perros-Guirec to Trégastel, where granite rocks and boulders are everywhere both by the sea and also further inland in places steeped in legend like the Vallée des Traouïero, a conservation area where a little stream runs through trees, ferns and moss. After Trégastel go to the Renote peninsula, another conservation area, from where you can see the Sept-Iles (islands), Ploumanac’h lighthouse, the Ile du Gouffre and the Château de Costaérès, a late 19th century neo-medieval manor house (not open to visitors). In the seaside resort of Trégastel, water sports are the order of the day, just like at Trébeurden, 9km away. In summer, families get together on the long beach at Tresmeur. Goas Treiz, another beach (no lifeguards) is a well-known spot for kite surfing and windsurfing. Not far from there, the Marais du Quellen is the starting point of a lovely walk to discover local flora and fauna. There is a good chance that you will pass some Camargue horses on the way. For a wonderful view of the Bay of Lannion and Ile Losquet, go to the Pointe du Bihit, a headland covered in bracken, heather and gorse. Continue along the coast to the estuary of the River Léguer and Lannion. This tranquil town has plenty of charm with cobbled streets, half-timbered and slate-covered houses, manor houses, churches and flower-bedecked quaysides. From here you can explore the Vallée du Léguer as far as the pretty villages of Plouaret and Cavan, deep in the countryside where the murmur of the forest echoes that of the sea along the Pink Granite Coast. This is the other Brittany, its rural heart, full of mystery and hidden secrets waiting to be explored.
How to get to the Pink Granite Coast
« My favourite day out, which we do once or twice every year, is a family outing to Trégastel. We leave the car in the main car park on Boulevard du Coz Pors and walk 150m to spend the morning at the Forum de la Mer, (sea water leisure complex) overlooking the beach. Next we have a picnic just opposite between the sand and the rocks. Then we go to the Aquarium 50m away to contemplate the undersea world before rounding off the day with a superb walk around the Presqu’ile de Renote (peninsula). It’s simply THE best day out ! says Armelle who works at Gîtes de France Côtes d’Armor. There are always plenty of people walking on the coast, the scenery changes with the tide so it’s different each time.
Take the TGV train to Lannion. By car, leave RN12 dual-carriageway at Guingamp onto RD767 (also a dual-carriageway) to Lannion. Then the D788 takes over as it runs all along the coast from St Quay Portrieux and Perros-Guirec to Trébeurden."
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