The Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast, located on the northwest coast of Brittany, is a destination not to be missed, which can be visited in every season ! Its fine sandy beaches extend for around forty kilometers, from Plévenon, to Cancale.
You will, without a doubt, be charmed by the beauty of its natural sites, its authentic villages where life is good, without forgetting its magnificent beaches. A multitude of activities and hikes await you for an unforgettable stay on the Breton coast!
What is the origin of the name “Emerald Coast”?
Its name refers to the color of this Breton coastline, where the sea often turns emerald green when the sun's rays penetrate the water.
The Emerald Coast takes its name from a Malouin, Eugene Herpin, a magistrate who was at the same time, lawyer, historian and painter in his spare time. In 1894, while he was looking for a name for his new guide, speaking from the banks of Saint-Malo, and from Saint-Cast-le-Guildo to Cancale, he had a brilliant idea. Cycling with her sisters on the ramparts of Saint-Malo, one of them noticed that “the water was greener than usual”. A simple remark that changed history! Thanks to this astute observation, Eugène Herpin named his book "The Guide to the Emerald Coast". It was so successful that the nickname stuck, and Eugène became the “godfather of the Emerald Coast”.
A nice story, right?
A legend tells that a princess of Chausey threw her ring adorned with an emerald into the sea, and that the sea took on its color!
Did you know that each area of the Breton coast has its own little name?
Scattered into several parties, you can also discover
- the Côte de Penthièvre,
- the Côte de Goëlo,
- the Pink Granite Coast,
- the golden belt,
- the Coast of Legends,
- the Iroise Sea,
- the Cornish Coast,
- the Coast of Megaliths,
- the Coast of Love
- and the Jade Coast.
What to visit on the Emerald Coast?
Cap Frehel
Le Cap Fréhel is one of the must-see places on the Emerald Coast. Culminating at more than 70 meters above sea level, you can admire the wild beauty of the Breton coast, with its coves, beaches and steep rocks. The hiking trail GR34, connects the lighthouse to Château de la Roche-Goyon, one of the most visited castles in Brittany. The excursion takes about an hour, but with its breathtaking landscapes, you won't notice the time passing by!
Saint-Cast-le-Guildo
A true seaside resort, Saint-Cast-le-Guildo is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, such as sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. But you can also relax at the beach, ideal for a lazy afternoon! Fishing on foot, hiking on the coastal paths, or tasting delicious seafood dishes, Saint-Cast-le-Guildo is an ideal destination for family holidays or with friends.
Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer
Let yourself be charmed by this small fishing village, and don't miss the Tip of the Bedside which offers a magnificent view of theEbihens Archipelago, which is discovered at low tide. For adventurers, Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer is also the ideal starting point for a boat trip, water activities, fishing on foot, or simply to sunbathe on one of the 11 beaches of the peninsula.
Venture to the Emerald Coast for a water activity!
Sand yachting, canoeing, surfing, paddle, and many other activities to take the plunge (emerald color please)!
