Armoripark in Bégard is THE family leisure park in the Côtes d’Armor:  indoor and outdoor swimming pools heated to 29°C, giant slides, a zipwire, treetop nets...  In the water, in the air, amongst the trees, on solid ground, the activities just keep on coming, with fantastic experiences for all the family to share!

Let the kids take charge, and relax

A cocktail of sensations for all ages

Every activity gave us a different experience:

• the kids went crazy on the trampolines and the giant inflatables
• we battled each other on the giant games
• we took a pedalo on the lake and strolled around the park, petted the animals
• the parents had a race down the Pentogliss potato sack slide
• we defied gravity in the 300m² of nets in the treetops
• some of us even dared to ride the 150 m zipwire over the lake, and we gave a nod to the film Cool Runnings on the summer sledge run winding through the pine trees.

Store up some wonderful family memories

5 o’clock strikes, and we haven’t seen the time pass.  We share our impressions over an ice-cream, near the pedalos.  In the end we haven’t had time to go to the swimming pool, but not to worry, we’ll be back!  The kids are grinning from ear to ear, and we feel as if we’ve stored up some wonderful family memories, far from our day-to-day life.

The Vélomaritime® follows the north coast, from Roscoff in Brittany all the way to the Belgian border.  Between Paimpol and Plouha the route takes the rider past beaches, high cliffs and natural coves.

Bathed in beautiful September sunlight, the air still scented with summer, the Costarmorican part of the route that awaits us today is only a tiny stretch of the Vélomaritime.  To be precise, it’s the section between Paimpol and Bréhec, to the highest cliffs in Brittany.  Piece of cake...

The Bay of Plouafret

The journey begins near the port, at the plage de la Tossen beach, much loved by local inhabitants for its proximity and its seawater swimming pool.  A labyrinth of quiet streets leads to the bay of Plouafret and its activity centre.

Some choose an electric bicycle while others, like Luigi, an experienced cyclist who honed his skills on the roads of Tuscany, prefer muscle-power.  Near the tidal windmill there’s a little beach of fine sand which invites you to linger awhile...

We leave the tarmac roads to cycle along the coastline, following the green and white way markers of Euro Vélo 4.  A glance at Luigi, to get his first impressions.  “Easy”, he replies, with his slight Italian accent.  “It’s well signposted and the landscapes are amazing!”  As a young father, he makes sure to check if the track is wide enough for a bicycle and child trailer.  “A bit tight, but OK.”

Beauport Maritime Abbey

The track leads gently to one of the jewels of the coast:  Beauport Abbey, where we have to dismount as we’re in a classified natural site.  The landscape is utterly charming.  Two Pie Noir cows are grazing in the meadow.  Opposite, on the foreshore, Kérarzic marine farm invites you to take a break and sample a taste of the sea.  The oysters are tempting...

A nice chat with Nadine and Jean-Claude from the Corrèze, experienced road-trippers who love the sense of liberty.  Going through the wood at Kérity, the path winds over narrow wooden bridges before taking the road that climbs to the heights of Sainte-Barbe - Come on, Luigi!  From the orientation table, there’s a fabulous view of the colourful bay, l’île Saint-Riom and blue swathes of hydrangeas.

The blue pebble beach

Another breathtaking view and another treasure of the coast, le Moulin de Craca windmill, the last of the twelve windmills once in Plouézec.  We cycle happily  towards the Pointe du Minard.  The Route des Islandais, the sea in the background, a pure delight...

Soon, we’re looking down at Porzpin, ‘the blue pebble beach’, with transparent turquoise waters loved by swimmers.  Seen from above like this, it reminds Luigi of Italy.  It’s true that the cove is almost lagoon-like, with an air of the rocky inlets of the Mediterranean.

With the wind in our hair, the journey continues, almost like a rollercoaster, until the final dizzying descent which was once tackled during the Tour de France, but in the other direction...

L’anse de Bréhec

Luigi’s having a whale of a time, his companion too.  Our reward is down here in Bréhec.  A little port nestling among the cliffs, with the promise of sharing a beer on the terrace of the P’tit Bar, which has its home in an old blockhouse fortification.

Although our adventure ends here, it’s possible to continue to the Pointe de Plouha, at a height of more than 100 metres, and, for hardened adventures, to Dunkirk then the Belgian border, and for true fans, as far as Ukraine...

On a smaller scale, to get back to Paimpol we can also ask Pascale, the landlady of the P’tit Bar, for the loan of one of her old bicycles to take the coast road home.  But that’s another story...

Texte by David Kerhervé - Publihebdos

The port and its boats, the wooded headland of Guilben, Beauport Abbey, oysters at Kerarzic... The GR®34 coastal path is a voyage of discovery for the senses.  The coastal pathway allows you to experience the myriad charms of the bay of Paimpol.  A spectacular experience, changing at the whim of the tides.

The Port of Paimpol

Looking for the famous cliffs celebrated by the singer Théodore Botrel, I walk through the port, the Kernoa quay,  leaving the proud multicoloured shellfishing boats on my left.  I’m heading for the jetty, where Paimpol plunges into the sea.  But, looking port and starboard, I still can’t see any cliffs.

I thought I knew Paimpol pretty well, but obviously not!

Concentrating on horizon, my eyes are drawn to a pine wood that juts out into the sea.  A landscape with an air of the South which bears the name Pointe de Guilben.  It’s indicated on a sign at the entrance to the GR®34 coastal path.  Let’s go and have a closer look.

From the Pointe de Guilben to Beauport Abbey

The customs officers’ footpath follows the coast.  The falling tide reveals a growing shoreline where seabirds share the space with shellfish gatherers - rake or shrimp net in hand.

A holiday atmosphere at Tossen Beach

The GR®34 coastal path soon overlooks a little beach with a huge seawater swimming pool.  It’s an ideal place to stop off with the family, especially as the beach is supervised.  It’s a bit early for me, but I’ll definitely be going for a dip on the way back.

The path winds its way towards Guilben, with some welcome shade in the woods.  The view emerges gradually, and we can make out the little fishing port of Pors Even, Ploubazlanec, l’île Saint-Riom and the oyster beds.

The cliffs at Plouézec

Guilben is a rocky headland that advances proudly into the bay, dividing it in two.  At the very end, the path veers south and a new landscape opens up.  And there, on the horizon, are the cliffs promised by Botrel!  They’re in the neighbouring commune of Plouézec.  A little too far for today’s walk.

L’anse de Poulafret

The Goëlo coast is certainly not lacking in charm, but Paimpol still has some more treasures to show us.  The GR®34 coastal path continues, going through l’anse de Poulafret with its leisure and swimming areas.  There’s even a little lake where children can learn to sail.

A lovely spot to daydream for a while, before continuing the walk.  I can see Beauport Abbey, built at the beginning of the 13th century, and now classed as a Historical Monument.  One of the treasures of local heritage, and not to be missed.

A visit to Beauport Abbey

A visit to Paimpol without stopping off at Beauport maritime abbey is simply out of the question.  The site, which is owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral, is a marvel.  The various 13th century buildings are structured around the cloister, following a design used by the majority of abbeys of the time.

This layout is still visible today.  The Salle des Hôtes (guest hall), the Salle au Duc (Duke’s hall), the Salle Capitulaire (Chapter House) and the cellars offer some fine examples of Gothic architecture.  The abbey takes pride of place in a protected natural setting of around 60 hectares with its own ecosysterms, a marshland area and wooded hillsides, all of special interest to the visitor.

The oyster bar on the presqu’île de Kerarzic

From one of the Abbey windows, a distant point draws my eye.  I’m told that it’s the presqu’île de Kerarzic.  The Arin oyster farm has been there for four generations.  They opened an oyster bar a few years ago.

It’s the perfect spot to sample seafood and shellfish at the water’s edge, with a stunning view of the bay.  It’ll soon be time for a snack, so I let myself be tempted by a taste of the sea.

It’s a delightful experience.  I’m enjoying my half-dozen oysters as the crew comes back after having turned the oyster bags in the beds.  The tide is coming in, it’s time for me to head home.

Back to Paimpol

To get back to the port quickly, avoiding a return journey via the pointe du Guilben, you can take the rue de Kerlegan, Kernoa and du Four à chaux.  Returning via the same route as the outward journey enables you to discover a different landscape - the bay at high tide. And of course, the possibility of a swim in the plage de Tossen seawater swimming pool...

Text by Fanch Le Pivert - Publihebdos

Before visiting the island of flowers and pink rocks, why not experience approaching it from the sea?  A tour of the island on one of the Vedettes de Bréhat boats allows you to discover a unique and ever-changing maritime environment, sprinkled with dozens of islands and islets bathed by the currents and tides.

Starting from Ploubazlanec

Boarding from the slipway at l’Arcouest, 9.30, on a lovely sunny morning.  On an ebb tide, the trip around the island starts to the west, once we’ve crossed the channel - known as the ferlas - that separates the archipelago from the mainland.

Next we set course for the port of Loguivy-de-la-Mer.  It’s not possible to take the Kerpont channel that separates Bréhat, the largest island in the archipelago, from her smaller sisters Raguenès and Béniguet, so we head for the chain of islands from the south. Approaching the Trieux estuary, the boat travels northwards to pass l’île Verte et l’île Maudez. In the distance is the presqu’île de Pleubian, the Sillon de Talbert and the Héaux lighthouse.

Looking to the east, for a glimpse of the entrance to the port of La Corderie and the Chapel of St Michel, to be explored later during a walk around Bréhat.  The boat follows the coastline of the north island of Bréhat.  Wilder than the southern part of the island it’s buffeted by the prevailing north and north west winds, which explains its more austere appearance and sparse vegetation.

There are few dwellings on this part of the island, but it’s from here that the semaphore and the Rosédo lighthouse watch over the shipping.  Right at the end, the Paon lighthouse dominates its pink granite outcrop.  Although it’s automated nowadays, before the war it was operated by France’s first female lighthouse keeper, who worked there until her death at the age of 87.

A chain of 96 islands and islets

In the archipelago, the most visible islets have the prettiest names:  the Billy Goat, the Nanny Goat, the Lambs and the Tusks.  The majority of islands are privately-owned; Raguenès and Béniguet are to the south-west.

Travelling northwards, at the limit of the Trieux estuary, we pass in front of l’île Verte which is owned by Les Glenans sailing school at Paimpol.   During the summer, it’s the perfect base for learning advanced sailing techniques.  Here, you need to know how to deal with reefs on the water’s surface and the currents too.

Further north-west, l’île Maudez belongs to the commune of Lanmodez.  It is said that Saint Maudez settled there in the 6th century, bringing Christianity to Brittany.   On the eastern side of the archipelago are the islands of Lavrec and Logodec.  The latter, which is near the Guerzido beach on Bréhat has the distinction of being the most wooded island of the archipelago.

Shellfish, seaweed and mussels

A quick trip past the port of Loguivy-de-la-Mer where for many years the fishers have specialised in shellfish, spider crab and lobster, as we can see from the pots submerged in the entry to the port.

A little further along, near the Rompa beacon, buoys indicate the presence of the seaweed farm which belongs to the seaweed development centre (Ceva), based in Pleubian.  But the waters of the archipelago are also suitable for mussel farming.  Two rope-grown mussel farms are located in the waters on each side of Bréhat.

One of the largest tidal ranges of the coast

The Bréhat archipelago has an exceptionally high tidal range:  the difference in the water height between high and low tide can reach 14 metres on the north side, towards the open sea, in only 6 hours during periods of strong coefficients.  It’s not rare to see lows of 3 to 4 metres.  This tidal range is one of the largest of the French coast, after Mont Saint-Michel.

The permanent currents and numerous reefs make this an area to be tackled only by experienced sailors.  In fact, it’s said that people who can successfully sail the archipelago can sail anywhere.  It’s a favourite playground for sailboaters and kayakers, navigating among the rocks.

Text by : Publihebdos

Guingamp is known throughout France for its football team, En Avant de Guingamp.  But it’s also a town rich in history and heritage, which in 2018 was awarded the classification Petite Cité de Caractère® or Little Town of Character.  Let’s explore Guingamp together.

To start, we suggest you park in the Place du Vally where the market is held every Friday morning.  From there, you’ll have a magnificent view of Château Pierre II, with the basilica of Notre Dame de Bon-Secours towering above.

Guingamp prison

Next, head for the former prison, just 200 metres away.  Construction took place from 1834 to 1840, and the prison was put into service in 1841. It was used as a prison until 1934, and classified as a historical monument in 1997.

It contained 35 cells for male prisoners and 6 cells for women and children.  Decommissioned in 1951, it passed into the ownership of the town of Guingamp in 1992.

Today, it is home to the GwinZegal arts centre, where photographic art of exceptional quality is exhibited.  It will also soon be home to l’Institut National d’Éducation artistique et culturelle, the National Institute for Artistic and Cultural Education.

The town hall

Near the prison is Guingamp town hall, which is well worth a look.  It was originally a convent, built to accommodate the hospitaller nuns who arrived in Guingamp in 1676.  The building was a hospital until the Revolution, when it was converted into a prison with the chapel being used as stables.

In 1803, the former convent was given back to the religious order, but as the wards had fallen into ruin, a new hospital was built.  The building was later bought by the town, with a view to housing the mairie there.  In 1914, the gardens were turned into a public park.

Château Pierre II

From the town hall, the famous rue Notre-Dame shopping street leads to the Château Pierre II, an ancient fortified castle dating from the beginning of the 11th century.  Until the 20th century it was home to a primary school.

After redevelopment work starting in 2015, it has become much appreciated by tourists and locals alike, with a magnificent view over the Trieux river which runs below it.

The basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours

From the château, it’s only a short walk to the magnificent basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, one of the must-see Guingamp heritage sites.  Construction of the gothic structure began in the 14th century, on the remains of a Romanesque chapel whose foundations date from the 11th century.

The place du Centre

Leaving the basilica, it’s time to head for the Place du Centre with its beautiful half-timbered houses.  The famous the 15th century Fontaine de La Plomée has become the symbol of the town, and is a popular meeting place.

Once you’ve completed your little tour of Guingamp centre, you’ll understand why the town had no problem in obtaining the status of Petite Cité de Caractère® in 2018.

The banks of the Trieux

From the Place du Centre, the narrow alleyway le Moulin de la Ville leads to the Trieux river.  Cross the footbridges that span the water and take a gentle stroll along the charming wooded river bank.  An ideal place for a peaceful walk or jog.

Text by : Publihebdos

Avant d’arpenter l’île aux fleurs et aux rochers roses, pourquoi ne pas tenter une approche par la mer ? Le tour de l’île à bord d’une des Vedettes de Bréhat permet d’appréhender un univers maritime unique, peuplé de dizaines d’îles et îlots baignés par les courants et les marées. Les paysages comme la balade sur l’eau se renouvellent en permanence.

Au départ de Ploubazlanec

Embarquement sur la cale de l’Arcouest, 9h30, par un petit matin ensoleillé. Par marée descendante, le tour de l’île commence à l’ouest toute, une fois traversé le ferlas. « C’est ainsi que l’on nomme le chenal qui sépare l’archipel du continent ».

Direction le port de Loguivy-de-la-Mer. Impossible d’emprunter le chenal du Kerpont qui sépare Bréhat, la plus grande île de l’archipel, de ses sœurs Raguenès et Béniguet. On aborde donc le chapelet d’îles en longeant ces dernières par le sud. En approche de l’estuaire du Trieux, le bateau remonte vers le nord pour passer devant l’île Verte et Maudez. Au loin la presqu’île de Pleubian, le sillon de Talbert et le phare des Héaux.

Regard à l’est, le temps d’apercevoir l’entrée du port de la Corderie et la chapelle Saint-Michel, à découvrir plus tard en visitant Bréhat à pied. Le bateau remonte le long de l’île nord de Bréhat. Plus abrupte que sa partie sud, « elle est balayée par les vents dominants de nord et norois », ce qui explique son côté plus austère et sa végétation plus rase.

On trouve peu d’habitations sur cette partie de l’île, mais c’est de là que le sémaphore et le phare du Rosédo veillent sur la navigation alentour. Tout au bout, le phare du Paon domine sur son promontoire de granit rose. Aujourd’hui automatisé, il a connu avant-guerre, la première gardienne de phare en France, qui y travailla jusqu’à sa mort à 87 ans. »

Un chapelet de 96 îles et îlots

Dans l’archipel, les îlots les plus repérables portent de jolis noms : le Bouc ou la Chèvre, les Agneaux ou les Tusques. Quant aux îles, la plupart sont privées : Raguénès et Béniguet se trouvent au sud-ouest.

En remontant vers le nord, au sortir de l’estuaire du Trieux, on passe devant l’île Verte qui appartient à l’école de voile des Glenans de Paimpol. L’été, c’est la base idéale pour apprendre les techniques de navigation les plus ardues. Ici, il faut savoir jongler avec les récifs à fleur d’eau et les courants.

Encore plus au nord-ouest, l’île Maudez appartient à la commune de Lanmodez. Saint Maudez s’y serait établi au VIe siècle en venant évangéliser la Bretagne. Du côté est de l’archipel, ce sont les îles Lavrec et Logodec. La dernière, proche de la plage du Guerzido sur Bréhat a la particularité d’être la plus boisée de l’archipel.

Crustacés, algues et moules...

Petit passage devant le port de Loguivy-de-la-Mer, où les marins se sont depuis longtemps spécialisés dans la pêche aux crustacés, araignées et homards. En témoignent les casiers immergés à l’entrée du port.

Un peu plus loin, près de la balise du Rompa, des bouées signalent un élevage d’algues appartenant au centre de valorisation des algues [Ceva] basé à Pleubian. Mais les eaux de l'archipel sont aussi propices à l’élevage de moules. Deux élevages de moules de filières baignent de chaque côté de Bréhat.

Un des plus forts marnages du littoral

L'archipel de Bréhat possède un marnage exceptionnel : la différence de hauteur d’eau entre la haute mer et la basse mer peut atteindre 14 m du côté nord, vers le large, en seulement 6 heures de temps, lors des forts coefficients. « Il n’est pas rare d’y voir des creux de 3 à 4 mètres ». C’est le marnage le plus important des côtes de France, après celui du Mont Saint-Michel.

Baigné de courants permanents et de nombreux écueils, c'est un site de navigation réservé aux marins aguerris. Ne dit-on pas que ceux qui savent naviguer dans l’archipel peuvent naviguer partout ailleurs ? Voileux ou kayakistes y trouvent en tout cas un terrain de jeu favori en pratiquant le rase-cailloux.

Texte : Publihebdos

Armoripark à Bégard, c’est LE parc de loisirs en famille en Côtes d’Armor : des piscines intérieures et extérieures à 29°C, des toboggans géants, une tyrolienne, des filets dans les arbres… Dans l’eau, dans les airs, au milieu des arbres ou sur le plancher des vaches (ou plutôt des ânes du parc !), les activités se succèdent, comme autant d’instants privilégiés à partager entre générations !

 Se mettre au rythme des enfants et pro-fi-ter

Cocktail d’émotions pour petits et grands

Chaque activité nous a apporté son lot de sensations :

• les petits se sont défoulés sur les trampolines et dans les structures gonflables ;
• on s’est tous affrontés aux jeux géants ;
• on a pédalé sur l’étang et flâné dans le parc, caressé les animaux ;
• les parents ont fait la course et dévalé le pentogliss dans un sac à patates ;
• on a défié la pesanteur dans les 300m² de filets installés en haut des arbres ;
• certains ont même osé s’élancer sur les 150 m de tyrolienne au-dessus du lac, et jouer les “Rasta Rocket” dans les méandres de la luge d’été, serpentant entre les épicéas…

Cueillir des moments de complicité en famille

17h sonnent, on n’a pas vu le temps passer... On partage nos impressions autour d’une glace, près des pédalos. Au final, on n’a pas eu le temps d’aller à la piscine, mais qu’importe, on reviendra ! Les enfants ont la banane, et nous, nous sommes riches de tous ces petits moments de complicité cueillis dans la journée, loin de notre quotidien.

Unweit der kulturhistorisch interessanten Kleinstadt Pontrieux liegt in üppiger grüner Natur versteckt die Domäne Schloss La Roche-Jagu – ein kleines Juwel, das Besuchen jeden Alters einzigartige Natur- und Kulturerlebnisse bietet. Laurence Rigaut, die Kulturbeauftragte der Domäne Schloss La Roche-Jagu weiht uns in die Dramaturgie der Gartenanlage ein.

Sich nach Lust und Laune treiben lassen

Doch das ist noch längst nicht alles. Der von stiller Natur umgebene Weg wartet mit immer neuen Überraschungen auf uns. Laurence verrät uns, wie man die Domäne Schloss La Roche-Jagu am besten erkundet: „Der Garten ist bemerkenswert und hat enorm viel zu bieten. Lassen sich nach Lust und Laune in seiner Bilderbuchlandschaft treiben!“ Und auf geht es in den Park, wo wir über Stufen von Terrasse zu Terrasse aufsteigend in unterschiedlichste Stimmungen eintauchen: hier Unterholz und Obstbäume, dort blütenübersäte Lauben, Wasserbecken, wo einst Flachs verrottet wurde, von Kamelien gesäumte Wege und Aussichtspunkte, die zur Beschaulichkeit einladen. Der Palmenhain – in dieser Szenerie ein ungewohntes Bild – lädt zum Picknick oder Mittagsschläfchen bei plätscherndem Wasser und Vogelgezwitscher ein. So lässt es sich aushalten!

Das volle Programm!

Just a few minutes from Pontrieux, the Petite Cité de Caractère, the Domaine de la Roche Jagu is a true jewel nestling in beautiful green surroundings.  You’ll be able to enjoy a unique experience combining heritage, nature and culture whether you visit with the family, with friends or in a group.  Laurence Rigaut, Manager of Culture at the Domaine de la Roche Jagu, will share all the secrets of this idyllic setting with you.

Wherever chance or your imagination takes you

But the visit doesn’t stop there!  This tranquil corner of nature still has some surprises in store along its winding pathways.  Laurence shows us the best way to discover the Domaine de la Roche Jagu, “this amazing garden has so much to offer you, so let chance or your imagination guide you around the landscape.”  Exploring the grounds and the terraces we come across a whole range of different experiences:  woodland areas, orchards, flowering pergolas, flax-retting ponds, camellia walks and views that invite a moment of quiet contemplation.  The palm grove provides an exotic touch, with the soothing murmur of a bubbling spring and the sound of birdsong.  What a lovely spot to stop for a picnic or - why not? -  an afternoon siesta!

The château and its grounds come to life