La Roche Jagu and the Trieux Valley

At the heart of the Trégor region, overlooking the Trieux estuary, the Château de La Roche-Jagu shows two very different sides to its character. The main façade with its many windows suggests a residential style, whereas the rear offers the appearance of an austere, military fortress. But the most impressive feature is the splendid view across the whole valley. Overlooking a sharp bend in the river, La Roche-Jagu stands on an excellent look-out point where a motte-and-bailey castle, built during the 11th century, was gradually transformed into a stone fortress. After being destroyed in the 14th century, the castle was rebuilt by Catherine de Troguindy from 1405 onwards with the permission of Jean V, Duke of Brittany. Admission is free to the grounds which are a lovely place for a family walk. Attractions include medicinal herb gardens, the ‘bassin aux chevaux’ pond, camelias, a pergola walk, retting ponds, a palm grove and the harbour further down on the River Trieux. The view from the top of the hill is a feast for the eyes, offering a panorama of the whole region !  The castle itself is the venue of superb annual exhibitions and numerous events.

 

Further upstream, the Trieux rises in Kerpert at 230m altitude and flows through the town of Guingamp. 18 species of fish have been recorded in it. The Trieux is the second most popular coastal river after the Léguer for anglers. In addition, the GR341 hiking path runs alongside the Trieux from Guingamp until it meets the Leff. The Trieux basin has lots of heritage curiosities including the fountain at Chapelle Pimpinot in Bourbriac, St Sauveur wash pools in Guingamp, Menhir du Touldu at Plésidy and Manoir de Kertanguy at Squiffiec...

How to get to the Trieux Valley ? 

The best way to get to the river bank is by road. Take the RN12 to Guingamp then the D787 northwards through the Trieux valley to Pontrieux and other villages."