Discover la Côte d'Emeraude et the north of Britanny
Discover Fréhel Dinan St Malo Dinard la Bretagne
Stretching from Cancale to Cap Fréhel, the Emerald Coast is a nature-lover’s paradise, with over 350 kilometres of trails. There are hundreds of things to discover. To help you make the most of your stay, here’s a short guide to some of the most popular destinations, as well as some lesser-known ones.
Le Mont Saint Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel is an emblematic monument of French heritage. Situated at the junction of Brittany and Normandy, it is an emblematic and majestic destination that will leave you speechless. The mountain dominates the entire bay and is an extraordinary work of architecture with both religious and military influences. We recommend that you lose yourself in the meandering streets and enjoy the sea air.
St Malo
Saint-Malo is one of Brittany's jewels. Get ready to travel back in time and relive the city's golden age, when adventurers, sailors and privateers set sail from Saint-Malo to conquer the Atlantic. During your visit, don't forget to take a tour of the ramparts to admire the magnificent views, and if the sea is low you can also visit the Grand and Petit Bé.
A medieval day in Dinan
Dinan is the medieval town par excellence. Make sure you have the right shoes for exploring the cobbled streets and climbing the famous Côte du Jerzual, which links Dinan's picturesque port to the town's historic centre. If you're interested in Breton history and heritage, then a visit to Dinan is a must. For a magnificent view, don't forget to pass through the Jardin Anglais and look up to admire the half-timbered houses.
Beach days less than 20 minutes away by car
The Emerald Coast is famous for its magnificent beaches. Saint-Cast-le-Guildo is ideally situated less than 20 minutes from La Pénate. Here you'll find large sandy beaches, ideal for family beach days. The Saint Jacut peninsula is not to be outdone, offering a diversity of 11 beaches. Lancieux also offers wild beaches less than 30 minutes away by car.
Other places to discover
01.
The GR34
The GR 34, also known as the customs trail, is a coastal path running from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire, a distance of over 1,700 kilometres. If you want to go hiking while enjoying magnificent views of the coast, the GR 34 is for you.
02.
Les Ebihens
Les Ebihens, or little island in Breton, is an archipelago off Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer. Well-known to the locals, the island is accessible on foot at low tide. Get ready for a bucolic walk on a small, well-preserved island.
Be warned: access to the Ebihens can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to the tide times, as you could get stranded on the island. Drop in to find out more 🙂
03.
Jugon les Lacs
Jugon-les-Lacs is a magnificent town of character surrounded by a large lake where life is good. Many water activities are available (fishing, kayaking, paddle) and a few kilometres away, you can discover the Chateau de la Hunaudaye, built in the 13th century.
04.
Le Tertre de Brandfert
The Brandfert mound, just a few minutes’ drive from La Pénate, is an exceptional island of ordinary biodiversity. 800 species of terrestrial animals have been spotted here. If you’re looking for a day out in the forest, the tertre de Brandfert is the place for you.
05.
Le Lac De Pleven
Beneath its Canadian-look lake, Lac de Pleven is magnificent and wild, and will suit travellers looking for a sporting hike. Be warned, this is not an easy route, but the beauty of the scenery is well worth the effort.