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5 reasons why Brittany’s Emerald Coast should be on your holiday hotlist

A creative’s paradise: inspiring landscapes and vibrant colours…

It’s so easy to fall in love with Brittany’s Emerald Coast, following in the footsteps of writers and artists who over the centuries have come to pen their novels and paint their art, using the dramatic landscapes as inspiration. Let’s see if you too can be seduced by the charms of this beautiful region in north-west France.

  1. The stunning scenery

Picasso sat on the beaches of the Emerald Coast and perfected his impressionism, Matisse daubed the wild landscapes and Monet painted the rocky coast of Belle-île in nearly 40 of his paintings. The contrasting pink granite cliffs and white sandy beaches that encircle the turquoise seas are beautiful and with the landscape’s rugged exterior, you will immediately be mesmerised by the entire region’s undiscovered feel. Bright red poppies contrast with the white sands, blue sea and blue sky. Walking or cycling the uncrowded coastal paths and quiet country lanes you’ll feel the warm sea breeze against your skin and get to explore hidden forests and mediaeval towns. Pass by traditional Breton fishing ports and colourful sailing harbours, admire preserved walled towns from the Middle Ages and stop off for lunch at a local eatery, where you could sample the region’s signature dish, the seafood platter.

  1. The defining landmark

Cap Frehel

The Cap Fréhel is one of the most beautiful spots on this section of the Brittany coast. The lighthouse was built in 1950 to replace the previous one, which was destroyed during WWII. It is not open to the public; however occasionally, the lighthouse keeper will allow a few lucky visitors to climb to the top of the gallery. Walk to the left of the lighthouse and follow the path out to the Fauconnière rocks (there is a restaurant here open in high season only) for a stunning panorama. On a clear day, you can see as far as Jersey. The red, grey and black cliffs are often crowded with hundreds of seagulls and cormorants.

  1. The lovely locals

When stopping at a local café or restaurant, the owners make you feel welcome; they talk to you and genuinely want to know how you’re doing. One of our Headwater staff found an old photo of their parents from 1964, taken outside a café in Dinan. When they went on the Brittany cycling holiday they took the photo and found the café, totally unchanged except for new tables and chairs, with the same owners. They showed the owners the photo and they were so excited that they had returned almost 50 years later!

  1. Mediaeval towns

Dinan

Culturally charming and packed with history, Brittany’s towns are a welcome contrast to the calming beaches – although bustling, they’re haven’t succumbed to tourism. Dinard is one of the most famous and upmarket seaside resorts in Europe, boasting beautiful Belle Epoque villas that have become historic monuments. Following the banks of the River Rance, you’ll step back in time as you pass sleepy hamlets, forgotten fishing ports and postcard-pretty St Suliac, officially rated one of the most beautiful villages in France. Dinan is an ancient walled town, with riverfront ports and picturesque narrow cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops. Walking through the coastal city of Saint-Malo is utterly atmospheric – encased within old town walls there is an undeniable energy that dances through the city’s cobbled roads, as you listen to street music, watch passers-by from a quaint café or stand on the city walls to catch the spectacular sunset over the sparkling coast.

  1. The beautiful beaches

You could almost be forgiven for thinking you were in the Caribbean on the Emerald Coast…they’re totally unspoilt and deserted with gorgeous soft white sand that feels like silk in between your toes. Often the only people you’ll see are locals with shrimping buckets wading the beaches or fishermen cleaning out shells by hand. Perhaps you could take a dip in between walking or cycling, a refreshing way to rest your feet and relax.

Explore the Emerald Coast on foot or by bike with Headwater:

Brittany’s Emerald Coast Walk – from £989

8 nights/self-guided/all continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals/experienced Headwater rep/Headwater cider service/luggage transfers

Backroads of Brittany Cycling – from £1,109

8 nights/self-guided/all buffet breakfasts and 4 evening meals/experienced Headwater rep/high-quality bikes provided/luggage transfers

 


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Mother of three grown-up daughters I am the ultimate multi-tasker and am passionate about my role as Silversurfers Website Editor and Social Media Manager. Always on the lookout for all things that will interest and entertain our community. Fueling fun for the young at heart!

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