Visiting Perros-Guirec
Perros-Guirec is one of the most well-known beach towns in Brittany, and it is easy to see why. The town sits in a striking natural setting where pink-hued rock formations jut out from the blue water. Located within the Cotes-d'Armor department, it is one of the crown jewels of the Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast).
A highlight of the Pink Granite Coast
This small Breton town has been a vacation destination for nearly a century. It benefits from a dramatic landscape of ocean, wind-sculpted stone, and expansive skies. Ploumanac'h, a designated Grand Site de France, is one of the area's main attractions. Its massive pink granite boulders are responsible for the region's famous nickname. The best way to see them is by walking the coastal trail, locally known as the sentier des douaniers, which is a segment of the GR34 long-distance hiking path. The scenery is impressive, with the contrast between the warm colors of the rocks and the cool tones of the ocean. The lighthouse and the Men Ruz site, meaning The Red Stone, are key stops along this coastal path.
Seabirds and an isolated castle
Beyond Ploumanac'h, there are plenty of other ways to take in the views around Perros-Guirec. The archipel des Sept Iles, located in the sea between this beach town and the town of Tregastel, is a protected nature reserve. Boat tours allow you to get a close look at the large colony of northern gannets that nest on the islands of Rouzic, Malban, Bono, and Ile-aux-Moines, as well as the rocky islets of Le Cerf and the Costans plateau. Many other bird species call this archipelago home, including razorbills, European shags, and Atlantic puffins. You can also spot around 30 gray seals lounging on the rocks.
The baie de Saint-Guirec shelters a small island that becomes inaccessible at high tide, where the château de Costaérès was built in the 19th century. This private residence, designed with an architecture inspired by medieval castles, is a prominent local landmark.
While the coastline is especially photogenic, venturing inland offers its own rewards. The tertre de la Clarté and the Ranolien heath are areas where local traditions remain visible and where you can enjoy well-maintained walking trails. The chapelle de la Clarté and the oratoire de Saint-Guirec are worth a visit for those interested in local history.
When to go
Perros-Guirec is worth visiting any time of year. Summer is the most practical time if you want to swim and hike. However, the town remains an interesting destination in the off-season for its rugged, scenic beauty.
How to get there
The closest train station is in Lannion, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) away. By train, the trip takes about 3 hours from Paris via high-speed rail. If you are driving, plan for about 5 hours from Paris, 3 hours from Nantes, 1 hour and 45 minutes from Rennes, and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Brest.
Pretty landscapes to see in the area, in the summer. Nice colors and nice contrasts, with a good sea breeze that stays pleasant even at the peak of a heatwave.
On the other hand, it gets much sadder in the winter.