Don’t miss: Head a few miles inland to visit the Vallée des Saints. Many visitors miss this but it’s well worth seeking out. Huge granite statues of saints are spread across a hilltop. It’s an ongoing project with the aim to have 1000 saints in total and you can watch the carvers working on their sculptures. It’s massively impressive.
Where to stay:
Hotel Ti Al Lannec in Trebeuden, a tranquil coastal town: Nothing beats staying in this old granite mansion on top of a hill with a private pathway down to the beach. It has lovey sea views, elegant but cosy sitting rooms, a fabulous spa area, pool with stunning views, and a terrific restaurant. The rooms are individually designed, it’s boutique but authentic and utterly charming. The views from the rooms are to die for. The staff are fabulous. This is old school glamour but with a deft personal touch that’s rare - the staff know all the guests names, there so much attention to detail here. It’s a family run hotel with the charming Isabelle her sister Marie plus mum and dad, making you feel really welcome, relaxed and utterly spoiled.
There is nothing ordinary about this hotel, it’s one to fall in love with.
Paimpol and the Ile de Brehat
Pretty Paimpol was once a major departure point for fishermen working in Icelandic waters. Famous French writer Pierre Loti set his novel Pêcheur d’Islande here but today the former fishing port is all about leisure and boats. There are plenty of restaurants and bars but despite its growing popularity it still feels tranquil and sleepy. Take the road south from Paimpol to discover the Beauport Abbey, romantic 13th century ruins set in beautiful countryside where you can sit in an orchard and simply enjoy the moment – or a picnic.