Bréhat and the Pink Granite Coast with a private driver

North of Saint-Brieuc, the coast of the Côtes-d’Armor brings together two of Brittany’s most famous landscapes: the car-free island of Bréhat and the pink rocks of Ploumanac’h. Both fit into a single day, provided it is well planned. Here is how.

Starting from Saint-Brieuc

Leaving at around half past eight gives you time to sail for Bréhat before the crowds. Your driver collects you from your hotel, holiday home or the station, and follows the Goëlo coast through Binic and Saint-Quay-Portrieux. Allow about an hour to the Pointe de l’Arcouest, in Ploubazlanec, where the boats leave.

Morning: the island of Bréhat

The crossing takes only about ten minutes. Bréhat is a small archipelago where cars have no place: you explore on foot, or by bicycle, between granite walls, flower-filled gardens and coves. To the south lie the village and its sea captains’ houses; to the north, wilder heathland leads to the Paon lighthouse among red rocks. The Saint-Michel chapel, perched on a mound, gives the finest view over the archipelago.

Your driver drops you as close as possible to the landing and meets you on your return, in time for the boat you have chosen.

Lunch: Paimpol

A few minutes from the Arcouest, Paimpol is the harbour from which schooners once sailed for the Iceland fisheries. Lunch overlooking the dock, then, if time allows, stop at the ruins of Beauport Abbey, set right by the sea.

Afternoon: the Pink Granite Coast

About three quarters of an hour to the west, past Tréguier and its cathedral, the coast changes colour. Between Perros-Guirec, Ploumanac’h and Trégastel, huge blocks of pink granite, shaped by wind and sea, line the old customs officers’ path. The Ploumanac’h lighthouse, built of the same stone, appears at a bend in the trail. Late in the day, as the light softens, the rocks take on their warmest hue.

Your driver drops you at the start of the path and waits at the other end: you walk in one direction only, without retracing your steps. The drive back to Saint-Brieuc takes a little over an hour.

Another day: Cap Fréhel

To the east, less than an hour from Saint-Brieuc, a second day leads to Val-André and Erquy, then to Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte, facing the sea. It can end near Saint-Malo, where your private driver in Dinard takes over from one coast to the next.

Why a private driver on this coast

• Timings. Boats to Bréhat, tides, evening light: the programme is built around them, and your driver adapts.
• Parking. In summer, parking at the Arcouest or in Ploumanac’h is often difficult. With a driver, you step out as close as possible.
• Distances. An hour to Bréhat, three quarters of an hour to the Pink Granite Coast, over an hour to return: time spent looking at the scenery rather than the road.
• Comfort. After a day of walking, a prestige saloon is waiting for you.

Planning your day

Your luxury private driver in Saint-Brieuc prepares the programme with you beforehand. For a full day, a chauffeur at your disposal stays with you from morning to evening; for a stay of several days, our private tours link Bréhat, the Pink Granite Coast and Cap Fréhel with the same driver. If you arrive by train or plane, our private transfers meet you at Saint-Brieuc station or at the region’s airports.

To book the day, see our Pink Granite Coast private tour. Further south, you may also enjoy the Gulf of Morbihan with a private driver; to the east, Dinan, France and the Rance valley.