The Guide
The Côte de Granit Rose is short: everywhere is less than twenty minutes away by car. The real choice is the atmosphere of the town where you set down your bags.
It’s the largest and liveliest town on the coast. Here you’ll find the large Trestraou beach, the marina, the market, restaurants, the thalassotherapy centre, the casino and the ferry terminal, from which boats depart for the Sept-Îles archipelago. The coastal footpath (the old customs officers’ trail) links Trestraou to Ploumanac’h along the rocks.
Who it’s for: Those who want a bit of evening life, amenities and all the water sports on the doorstep. The corniche neighbourhoods, like Trestrignel, are quieter than the Trestraou seafront.
Ploumanac’h is part of Perros-Guirec. This is where you’ll find the Mean Ruz lighthouse, the Saint-Guirec oratory on the beach and the most famous rocks on the coast; the village was voted France’s ‘favourite village’ in 2015. The downside: the crowds in summer, and few holiday rentals available.
Who it’s for: Couples visiting out of season, who want the scenery right on their doorstep.
Trégastel is smaller and more family-friendly. It has numerous sheltered sandy beaches (Coz-Pors, la Grève Blanche, Tourony opposite the Château de Costaérès), the Renote peninsula is a protected natural site, and the sea aquarium is built into the rocks. The village centre has its shops, bakery and restaurants: once you’ve arrived, you can forget about the car.
Who it’s for: Families with children and those who want to do everything on foot, including the beach.
Trébeurden marks the western edge of the Côte de Granit Rose, with Tresmeur beach, its harbour and the Île Milliau, accessible on foot at low tide. It’s a little off the beaten track compared to the most visited sites.
Who it’s for: Those looking for peace and quiet who don’t mind driving to Ploumanac’h.
Lannion is the main town in the area, about twenty minutes from the coast, with its high-speed rail station and old town of half-timbered houses. It’s handy for a business trip or a tight budget, but you lose the one thing that matters: waking up facing the sea.
For a first stay, choose Perros-Guirec or Trégastel: these are the two towns that put the most within walking distance, and Ploumanac’h sits between the two. That’s exactly where our two holiday cottages are:
Perros-Guirec · 3-star rated
A two-bedroom house and a separate studio set around an enclosed garden, on the Perros-Guirec coast road. Jacuzzi facing the bay, with Trestrignel beach a 5-minute walk away.
Trégastel · 3-star rated · Clévacances-rated
A renovated three-bedroom house in the heart of Trégastel village, facing the Ploumanac'h lighthouse and Costaérès castle. Jacuzzi all year round, with the beach less than 100m away.
