dossier
Emerald Coast Walk
EMERALD COAST WALK | WHERE YOU STAY
Le Manoir des Portes **
Lamballe Days 1+8
Situated just 3km outside Lamballe in the little hamlet of La Poterie, M Jamin took over this charming 16C manoir a couple of years ago. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all. All of the 14 rooms are individually decorated and have lots of character. They all overlook the beautiful gardens, where you can relax with a good book or enjoy an apéritif before dinner.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 1 Arrive at Lamballe
Your holiday starts at M. Jamin’s C16 manor house in the countryside just 3 kms/1.8mi outside the market town of Lamballe. With only 15 rooms, it’s a ovely intimate place to stay. The inner courtyard opens up on to beautifully kept gardens and elegant terrace for al fresco dining on fine summer evenings.
Day 2 Lamballe to Sables d’Or-Les-Pins 17km/11mi/5hr
A short transfer to the tiny Breton fishing port of Dahouët. From here, it’s coastal walking at its best: extensive views, aquamarine seas, white sandy beaches and rocky coves - don’t foget your swimming things! Lunch on the beach at Caroual then inland and on to our lovely hotel at Sables d’Or-Les-Pins.
Hotel de Diane ***Sables d’Or-Les-Pins, Days 2+3
Day 3 At Sables d’Or-Les-Pins
Sables d’Or-Les-Pins is a lovely seaside village with magnificent golden sand beaches. It would be easy to just spend the day here, however we strongly recommend following our suggested circular walk (full route notes provided) along the spectacular GR34 around the cliff and on to nearby Cap d’Erquy - a delightful fishing village with some outstanding seafood restaurants for lunch.
Day 4 Sables d’Or-Les-Pins to Dinard 17km/11mi/5hr
Deserted beaches and heather-topped cliffs provide the colorful artists backdrop for today’s walk which leads you via the Cap Fréhel lighthouse (look out for nesting seabirds) to the famous C14 feudal stronghold of Fort de la Latte. Perched on a rocky promontory over the ocean, this castle occupies one of the finest sites in Brittany –climb up the tower for magnificent coastal views, out as far as Jersey on a clear day.
Hotel Pritania***
Dinard Days 4+5
This hotel is imbured with the charm of Brittany and is suituated near beaches and the city center, just opposite the old walled city of Saint Malo. It's panoramic restaurant, with water front terrace, offers traditional Breton regional cuisine.
Day 5 At Dinard
Once a sleepy fishing village on the estuary of the Rance, the English transformed the town into one of the most famous and upmarket resorts in Europe. Walk out to the Pointe des Étrêtes for views of the off-shore islands, or take a 10-minute ferry shuttle across the bay to St Malo and loose yourself in the narrow cobbled streets within the Intra Muros (fortified walls) of the ancient medieval city.
Day 6 Dinard to Dinan 21km/13mi/6hr
Starting from the picturesque Breton village of Langrolay-sur-Rance (lift provided), today’s route takes you inland, mostly following the course of the river . It’s wonderfully tranquil walking through shady forests, fruit orchards, and along peaceful riverside paths. Our 3-star hotel in Dinan is superbly located within the ramparts of the medieval old town and boasts a lovely rooftop garden with great views.
Hotel d’Avaugour ***
Dinan, Days 6+7
We are delighted to have found this lovely hotel right in the heart of mediaeval Dinan. All the rooms are ensuite and individually decorated with stylish soft furnishings. The hotel has a small bar and a beautiful garden where you can have breakfast or enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Walk to the end of the garden and you find yourself on the ramparts of the town.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 7 At Dinan
This beautifully preserved ancient walled town, with riverfront port is an absolute gem. Wander round the marvellously restored ancient squares, visit the imposing C13 castle, admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and stroll the lovely cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops.
Day 8 Dinan to Plorec/Lamballe 22km/14mi/6hr
A short transfer (provided) then off along the Pays du Tour du Penthièvre where shady woodland paths skirt the river as far as the impressive 13C Château de la Hunaudaye whose ruins date back over 800 years.
Day 9 Leave Lamballe
WALKING DETAILS
Varied walking following well marked GR routes along coastal paths, river banks, country lanes and shady forest tracks. Some steep, but short, ascents and descents, but a good head for heights is not necessary.
For extra nights we recommend Dinan or Lamballe.