COTES D'ARMOR

GENERAL INFORMATION

Côte-d'Armor is part of the current administrative région of Bretagne (Brittany) and is surrounded by the départements of Finistère, Morbihan, and Ille-et-Vilaine, with the English Channel on the north.

HISTORY

Côtes-d'Armor is a département in the northwest of France and was one of the original 83 départements created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was created from part of the former province of Brittany.

The department was initially named Côtes-du-Nord ("Northern-Coasts"), referring to its geographical situation in Brittany.  In the 90's, it was said that "Northern" could limit tourism, and the name of the department was changed to the French-Breton hybrid name Côtes-d'Armor. In Breton, Armor means the sea, and was used to name all parts of Britanny close to the coast, as opposed to Argoat, the land, which was used to name the inner parts of Britanny.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

The historic towns of Dinan, Dinard and St. Malo combined with great beaches, coastal walks and beautiful rivers make the Cotes d'Armor a particularly desirable department.

The North Coast is very varied with a huge selection of beaches to suit all tastes. There are hundreds of quiet hidden bays, with sandy beaches, where you may not find another soul. The more commercial beaches are vast and like stepping back in time with their blue and white striped beach tents, golden sands and gently sloping beaches. During high season, many have attendant lifeguards, and all the facilities you would expect from a quality beach resort.

There are a number of golf courses in Côtes-d'Armor with varied styles to suit all levels.  Each course has its own unique surroundings, being situated either in the heart of the Brittany countryside, or just a few minutes from the beaches.

Dinan has to be explored on foot. The ancient ramparts and castle, the narrow cobbled streets and the river port are delightful to walk around, browsing through the shops and restaurants. If the hilly streets prove too tiring, the Petit Train runs from the Tourist Office or Place Duclos to and from the port with a commentary. Of particular interest are the château museum, Place des Merciers et des Cordeliers and the ancient Rue du Jerzual with its craft shops. Weekly market day is Thursday.

Lamballe is most famous for its national stud farm in the centre of town. Guided tours can be arranged through the tourist office to visit the stables, tack rooms and forge, the best time is after June when the stallions are in residence.