The Pink Granite Coast, in the department of Côtes-d'Armor, between Trébeurden et Perros-Guirec, is named after the gigantic blocks of granite that emerge from the moor by the coast.
This is the kingdom of little coves full of white sand and turquoise water, wild landscapes and the customs officers' path. This is best travelled on foot to better enjoy the charms of an unusual and unspoilt natural environment.
Three coastlines in the world have this particularity of pink granite, which comes from a mixture of three minerals, mica, feldspath and quartz: one is located in China, the other in Corsica and the last one in Brittany. This natural geological curiosity is worth more than one visit, for the beauty of the natural sites and the plant life, and to make the most of Brittany's wild and mysterious charms.
From east to west, the trail begins at the Ploumanac'h rocks in Perros-Guirec, an old fishing harbour that is now a seaside resort, with its two marinas and three big beaches. Also worth a look in Perros-Guirec are the Chapel of Our Lady of Clarity, a listed Historic Monument, and the Museum of History and Traditions of Lower Brittany.
The charming village of Ploumanac'h was voted "France's favourite village" in 2015. A popular hiking path named the GR 34 stretches out from here, so you can explore the whole Coast. Discover spectacular rocks by the sea and flowery moors inland. From the lighthouse, an emblematic building of Ploumanac'h, you can see Costaérès Castle and the Seven Islands Archipelago (Rouzic, Malban, Les Costans, Bono, Moines Island, Plate Island and Les Cerfs). This nature reserve is home to metropolitan France's biggest seabird colony. Gulls, cormorants, penguins and peregrine falcons all gather there, and there is even a colony of grey seals! Only Moines Island is accessible by boat. Feel free to stop there, or explore the archipelago by boat to admire the tens of thousands of birds who have made it their home!
Another sight to see in Ploumanac'h is the Oratory of St. Guirec, a monument that seems to float on the sea at high tide…
The route continues to Trégastel and its boating harbours, where you can visit a marine aquarium. From there, near Trébeurden, another nice outing in the Le Quellen marsh provides a chance to see fauna and flora, and sometimes Camargue horses.
From Bihit headland, you will have stunning views of the Bay of Lannion and Losquet Island.
The small and charming town of Lannion is worth a look. Take a walk around its cobbled streets to discover its mansions and half-timbered houses.
Between land and sea, this superb wild coast offers many sports activities in the tourist season: catamaran, windsurfing, sea kayak or ?? can all be practised at the local water sports clubs. And swimming of course, at the big beaches or in the clear water of the small, sheltered coves.
