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Marine energy, essentially bracing !

Ever-changing landscapes remodelled by spectacular spring tides, the generosity of Mother Nature and an exceptionally rich heritage are all good reasons to come and explore the Côte d'Emeraude, Brittany's Emerald Coast. Come and enjoy a warm welcome in Saint-Malo, the city of sailors and great navigators, Dinard the Elegant and Cancale, the capital city of oysters.

Pioneers of the seaside

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the crËme de la crËme of the English aristocracy in their bathing attire of petticoats, boaters and parasols on the beach in Dinard. Renowned for its mild climate, the seaside resort of Dinard, was, at the turn of the twentieth century, frequented by fashionable visitors who came to breathe in the fresh sea air. Here in the atmosphere of carefree elegance could be heard whispers of those society names that gave Dinard its high-class reputation, such as Mrs Faber, or Mr and Mrs Hallet. It was another era, governed by a different set of values, when the art of sea bathing was still in its infancy, but nonetheless, a trend for seaside holidays had been set.

Exceptional walks

For lovers of wide open spaces and fresh air, the best way to explore the exceptional site of Cancale is to follow the cliff path, known as the "sentier des douaniers", which winds along the coast. This 11 km long route (GR34) will lead you to the port of la Houle on the "Pointe du Grouin" headland, opposite Landes island, a classified ornithological reserve. From the cliffs, you will witness incredible views over the immensity of the Mont St Michel Bay, beating to the rhythm of the ebbing and flowing tides, the swarming birds and the passing boats. A feeling of well-being drifts in the air and you will find yourself envying this place where each malouinière cultivates a distinct and unique art of living.

Why not come and discover the architecture of Rennes, a city of Art and History, many parts of which can only be explored on foot. Look out for the timber framed houses as you amble along the town's medieval streets and then make your way around the "place des Lices", where the handsome private dwellings of former Breton Parliamentarians still stand proud.

All aboard for a cruise to the heart of Haute Bretagne!

From Redon, choose from a number of riverboat trips through wild and intimate valleys. Here, the passing of time is measured by the locks through which you pass and the pretty harbours where you pause along the way.

Combourg's dedication to the memory of the great writer, François-René de Chateaubriand, the historical character of its centre and the beauty of its surrounding countryside have made the town the birthplace of Romanticism. Combourg castle, a medieval fortress, is an authentic fortified castle bought in the eighteenth century by the father of F-R. de Chateaubriand.