France
Côte de Granit Rose: Unwind Amid Pink Cliffs and Slow Coastal Beauty
Discover northern France’s most scenic shoreline – a delightful seascape of sculpted pink cliffs, fishing villages and slow coastal adventures.
Stretching along Brittany’s northern coast, from Perros-Guirec to Trébeurden, the Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Granite Coast) is one of France’s most captivating coastal landscapes – a place where enormous boulders glow rose-gold and narrow trails hug the sea. The region's charm isn’t just in its geology, but in its gentle seaside rhythm: unhurried, timeless and steeped in Breton heritage. Stroll coastal paths past lighthouses and wild heather, discover centuries-old chapels and weathered stone castles, or linger over seafood in a harbourside cafe. Whether you come for the walking, the wildlife or simply the sea air, this quiet corner of Brittany invites you to slow down and savour the landscape – one view at a time.
Why is the granite pink?
The Côte de Granit Rose gets its distinctive hue from high-potassium feldspar in the granite, coloured coppery-pink by iron oxide impurities. Mixed with mica and quartz, the rocks also display dark and grey tones that contrast with the pink. Formed around 300 million years ago, the cliffs have been slowly eroded by wind, waves and tides, revealing the fantastical shapes seen today. Their colour shifts with the light – from delicate rose-gold at dawn to orange-red at sunset – creating the coast’s ever-changing palette.
Good to know: The Côte de Granit Rose is one of only three places in the world where this particular pink granite occurs (the others are in Corsica and China).
Perros-Guirec: gateway to the Pink Granite Coast
Perched on a rocky peninsula, the town of Perros-Guirec makes a good starting point for exploring the Côte de Granit Rose. Once a simple fishing port, it’s now a classic seaside resort that retains a distinctive Breton character.
The town’s focal point is Trestraou Beach – one of Brittany's best beaches – a wide sandy bay with calm waters popular for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. From here, you can walk or cycle along the famous Sentier des Douaniers trail, enjoy panoramic vistas of the Atlantic or take a boat excursion to the Sept-Îles Archipelago, a sanctuary for seabirds and seals.
The town itself has a lively promenade lined with cafés, restaurants and boutique shops, yet retains its traditional character through its timbered houses and vibrant markets. Streets behind the seafront are quieter and more residential, revealing well-tended gardens and local bakeries.
Insider tip: When Trestraou Beach gets busy in summer, head to the more secluded beaches of Trestignel or Saint-Guirec for a quieter experience.
Ploumanac’h: Brittany's most beautiful village
A few kilometres west of Perros-Guirec, Ploumanac’h (pronounced ploo-mah-nah) is a small fishing village that's one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its harbour is tiny but postcard-perfect, with pastel cottages reflected in the still water at low tide.
The main draw, though, is the coastal path that winds through the pink granite promontory around the Ploumanac’h lighthouse (Phare de Mean Ruz). This is the most photographed spot on the entire Côte de Granit Rose, and for good reason. The lighthouse sits amid towering rock formations that glow deep coral at sunset, offering one of the most dramatic vistas in Brittany.
Pause at one of the trail’s benches to take in the view across to the Sept-Îles Archipelago, or explore nearby Saint-Guirec Beach, where you can swim in calm tidal waters surrounded by pink cliffs.
Sentier des Douaniers: walking the iconic coastal trail
If there’s one must-do activity in this part of France, it’s walking part (or all) of the Sentier des Douaniers (GR34), the old customs officers’ trail that traces the cliffs of Brittany’s coastline. Originally used in the 18th century to keep watch for smugglers, it’s now one of the country's most scenic long-distance coastal walks, stretching more than 2,000 km from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire.
The Perros-Guirec to Ploumanac’h section is particularly spectacular, a 7-km route (about two hours one-way) of ever-changing landscapes from tidal inlets and heather-covered slopes to pink-granite headlands. The path is well marked and easy underfoot, making it accessible for most walkers.
Insider tip: For a full-day excursion, continue west towards Trégastel or east toward Louannec. Pack a picnic, wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to stop for photos. Plan your walk for low tide to see more of the wind- and wave-sculpted rocks.
The Sept-Îles Archipelago: a wild sanctuary at sea
Visible from the cliffs near Ploumanac’h, the Sept-Îles Archipelago (Seven Islands) is one of France’s oldest and largest bird reserves. There are five main islands and a few rocky islets, forming a rugged marine sanctuary teeming with life.
Boat trips depart daily (weather permitting) from Perros-Guirec’s Trestraou Beach, taking about two hours for the round trip. You’ll cruise past steep cliffside nesting sites where tens of thousands of northern gannets, razorbills and puffins gather between April and July. Grey seals often bask on the rocks and dolphins are occasionally spotted offshore.
Some tours include a short landing on Île aux Moines, home to a 14th-century fort.
Insider tip: Remember to bring binoculars and a windproof jacket – the sea breeze is part of the experience.
Trégastel and beyond: seaside charm and coastal heritage
Continuing west, Trégastel blends coastal beauty with a slower, more local feel. The town is wrapped around a bay dotted with pink boulders, small islands and sandy coves that almost disappear at high tide. Families gather here for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm shoreline waters.
For a change of pace, visit the Forum de Trégastel, a seawater spa and pool complex built right on the beach – the perfect spot to warm up after a blustery walk. Nearby, the Renote Peninsula offers a 7-km loop trail with sweeping views of the granite coast and the Sept-Îles.
History lovers can explore the elegant 19th-century Château de Costaérès or head inland towards Trébeurden and the Yaudet Peninsula, where traces of Roman settlements, Breton chapels and medieval fortifications reflect the region’s long maritime heritage.
Best time to visit the Côte de Granit Rose
The Côte de Granit Rose is a year-round destination, but its mood changes with the seasons.
- Spring (April-June): Wildflowers carpet the cliffs, temperatures are mild and the trails are quiet.
- Summer (July-August): Warm weather and lively seaside cafés, though expect more visitors.
- Autumn (September-October): Crisp air, golden light and excellent walking conditions.
- Winter: (November-March): Moody skies and crashing surf, ideal for solitude seekers and photographers.
Getting there and around
From Paris, the fastest way to reach the Côte de Granit Rose is by TGV to Guingamp (3 hours), followed by a regional train or bus to the town of Lannion, 10 km inland. Regional buses connect Perros-Guirec, Ploumanac’h and Trégastel, though services can be limited outside the summer season, when hiring a car is a more convenient option. Alternatively, the Vélomaritime cycle route offers a scenic way to enjoy the coastline at a leisurely pace. Ask in the tourist office at Perros-Guirec about guided e-bike tours.
Just a few hours from Paris, this corner of Brittany feels both remote and remarkably accessible – a perfect weekend getaway or a serene coastal retreat for longer stays.
Where to stay
For a stay right on the water, Brittany’s coastline offers no shortage of inviting options. In Roscoff, the Hôtel Mercure Roscoff Bord de Mer offers modern comfort and regional charm, just steps from the harbour. Further east, the Mercure St Malo Front de Mer Hotel provides sweeping sea views and an ideal base for exploring both the Pink Granite Coast and the Emerald Coast. Wherever you stay, you’ll find warm Breton hospitality, easy access to coastal trails and an abundance of fresh, local seafood.
Planning your trip to Brittany
The Côte de Granit Rose isn't a coastline you simply visit; it's a landscape that unfolds step by step, tide by tide. Whether you’re hiking the old customs trail, watching puffins over the Sept-Îles or exploring a quiet fishing port, the coast rewards unhurried exploration. So get ready to slow down and explore at your own pace, letting the rhythm of the landscape guide your journey.
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