Lézardrieux is a commune in the Côtes-d'Armor, in the Brittany region, 7 km west of Paimpol.
Located in the Trégor peninsula, its territory of almost 12 km² borders the left bank of the Trieux, a coastal river which flows into the English Channel a few kilometers north of the town.
Covered with cultivated land and agricultural areas which make up nearly 80% of its area, Lézardrieux was for a long time, like many coastal towns, specialized in the harvesting of seaweed.
The creation of a bridge spanning the Trieux in 1840 and, during the 20th century, the development of a commercial port and then a marina allowed Lézardrieux to highlight its tourist attractions. The wild beauty of its coasts dotted with a few beaches, its heritage (church, chapels, lighthouse) and its leisure offer now make it a popular place to stay (Georges Brassens had his habits there for a long time) or a choice stopover during holidays. on the Côte de Granit Rose…
After having paid heavy tribute during the world wars, the town where there are now some 1500 inhabitants has everything to seduce you without the hubbub and the crowds of the big seaside resorts...
On the village and the various hamlets of the locality, a rich heritage is to be discovered, in particular on the religious level.
Thus, the parish church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, on the square, dates from the 16th century and its bell tower typical of Trégor was added in the 18th century. The building which occupies the site of a former priory was also enlarged at this time. Inside, carved wooden sandboxes representing hunting scenes (15th and 16th centuries), wooden statues, a 16th century tabernacle and a fine 19th century pulpit have been preserved.
On this same town square, the houses built in pink granite obviously contribute to the charm of the site.
Nearby, the metal suspension bridge, whose deck is 154 meters long, has spanned the Trieux since 1925. It then replaced a wooden structure from 1846. They both enabled the village to become a strategic commercial axis … then touristic, linking the left bank of the river to Paimpol. Previously, a ferry ensured the connection.
A few kilometers to the north, in the hamlet of Kermouster which faces the Bréhat archipelago, the Saint-Maudez chapel was rebuilt in 1740 in place of a former 12th century oratory. Sold during the Revolution, it was only bought by the town in 1953. Inside, a wooden Christ from the 15th century, polychrome wooden statues from the 17th and 18th centuries, and ex-votos are preserved. In the enclosure of the chapel, a stone cut in pink granite had a long reputation for curing children with motor disorders. Open every day except Monday in summer. Guided tour possible. Information on +33 2 96 20 10 20.
Halfway between the town and Kermouster, you will also notice the chapel of Kermaria (18th century) which houses old statues.
To the northeast, in another register, the Bodic lighthouse was built in 1949, replacing an earlier building destroyed by the Germans. Securing the traffic on the estuary and the Channel although located in the open field, dominating the sea level from 49 meters high, it has a cylindrical tower attached to a trapezoidal facade wall with exposed stones at the corners. Its range is 21 nautical miles (nearly 39 km). Automated since 2011, the lighthouse cannot be visited but it can mark out a pleasant walk.
In terms of culture, events and shows are offered regularly at the Salle Georges Brassens. Inquire on +33 2 96 20 10 20.
For athletes, tennis courts are available (reservation with the club on +33 6 07 21 95 80) and it is easy to practice rowing on the course of Trieux (contact the club at +33 7 66 14 57 84).
Head towards the banks of the coastal river then, to discover the small commercial port: managed by the department's CCI, 25,000 tonnes of sand are unloaded there each year. Upstream, the marina was then developed. A sculpted "head" from the Triagoz lighthouse dating from the 19th century is on display. 724 berths are available on pontoons or moorings, including 430 in deep water. Well equipped with toilets, water and electricity terminals, fuel station, in particular, the port also includes a technical area. Close to the town and the shops, but also to the beaches, the site allows you to reach the sea via a few kilometers of navigation on the Trieux while remaining well sheltered in case of bad weather. Open all year round and 24 hours a day. Information on +33 2 96 20 14 22. Several clubs or associations are based in the marina: the diving club (info on +33 2 96 16 51 42), the Yacht-Club (contact on +33 2 96 33 72 40) or that of "fishermen-boaters" (join +33 2 96 22 10 82).
For an original nautical trip, it is always possible to embark on a boat which offers to reach the right bank of the Trieux after discovering the natural and ecological charms of the estuary. Operates from the end of March to the end of October. Information on +33 6 21 07 30 72.
In summer, the small beaches (also known as the shores) that line the coast are not supervised but allow you to cool off. Information on +33 2 96 05 60 70.
The coastal path which runs along this same coast, the islets and granite rocks, including the Île à Bois which faces Kermouster and which was an outpost of the Germans during the last war (remains of blockhouses remain), the Perdrix natural area, areas planted with maritime pines and many viewpoints over the estuary and Bréhat can all year round prove to be excellent hiking goals. Trails are also traced "inland", punctuated by crosses... Maps and information on 02 96 22 23 or +33 2 96 05 60 70.
These landscapes are also the subject of horseback riding: contact the club of the Cavaliers de l'Estran on +33 6 07 25 80 52.
