Seashore or countryside for real excitement
The département of Côtes d'Armor always instils in riders an irresistible urge to gallop along the beach, on the foreshore left uncovered by the retreating tide. This euphoric moment of absolute freedom will leave you with unforgettable memories. There is the elation of fresh air and seaspray, the pure but ever-changing light reflected in the wet sand, the flight of seagulls disturbed during their collective snooze, and a feeling of oneness with the horse playing in the waves.
Yet only a short distance away are moors covered with gorse and heather leading to gently-rolling hills, delightful valleys, and thick forests. Here on the banks of a silvery stream or beneath c an age-old oak tree, it seems as if time has stood still. Nor is there any impression of modernity in a lush meadow or in a pavement café in a tiny village filled with flowers.
If you are lucky enough to have your own horse, simply phone the Association des Cavaliers d'Extérieur des Côtes d'Armor and they will give you all the information you need when organising your trip (routes, accommodation etc.).
Otherwise, contact any of the riding stables in Côtes d'Armor. They will be delighted to share their finest rides with you.Finally, our booking service offers all-inclusive treks lasting from a weekend to a full week. Why not get in touch today ?
Maison du Tourisme
Phone : (33) 2 96 62 72 15 - Fax : (33) 2 96 33 59 10
A temperate climate ideal for riding whatever the season
Because of Brittany's climate, Côtes d'Armor is truly a "green and pleasant land". There are almost 700,000 hectares of valleys and woodland in which the trees, hedgerows, and wild plants are a delight to the eye.
The area also has the advantage of being ideal for riding whatever the season of the year. The mounts are never subjected to extremes of temperature.
1,000 km (620 miles) of waymarked bridlepaths : plenty of variety
The Association des Cavaliers d'Extérieur des Côtes d'Armor has listed and marked more than 1,000 km (620 miles) of bridlepaths. Their "Topoguide" describes routes that are exceptionally varied, ranging from seashore to river bank or towpath, moorland or forest, high-banked lanes etc.
From River Rance to Emerald Coast
110 km (68 miles) - 3 days
Depart from Plouër-sur-Rance or Dinan (K5)Markings : orange horseshoe set in a circle.
This is a varied route that reflects all the gentleness of the Rance Valley. It follows the smooth-flowing river and gives an insight into the rich heritage of the countryside around Dinan, a Town of Architectural and Historical Interest. It also reveals the wilder beauty of the Arguenon Valley then moves on to the superb seascapes of the Emerald Coast which is uncovered at each low tide, stretching into infinity in the Baie de Beaussais.A.C.E.C.A.
Phone : (33) 2 96 74 48 19
Ansaphone : (33) 2 96 74 68 05
Crossing the Baie de Saint-Brieuc by torchlight
Depart from Plérin, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Mer (F4)
This unusual ride, which has now become something of a "classic", requires the combination of low tide at around midnight and a full moon. The Association des Cavaliers d'Extérieur des Côtes d'Armor offers riders from all over the world a chance to take part every year in an adventure that is very much dependent on structured organisation skills.
Riders and their mounts set off from Plérin to a musical accompaniment. After an enjoyable afternoon, the horses become more orderly as they approach the beach. Then comes the amazing sensation shared by horses and riders alike elated by the silence of the night and the gallop across wet sand. Slowly, the riders lose all contact with the public watching them from the coast.
Their torches form a luminous snake unfurling itself across the bay.
On the other side, on the slipway at the tiny harbour of Jospinet in Planguenoual, festivities await. Late into the night, riders and visitors can enjoy local specialities (freshly-caught mussels) and the warm, friendly welcome for which the area is famous.Association des Cavaliers d'Extérieur des Côtes d'Armor
Phone : (33) 2 96 74 48 19
Ansaphone : (33) 2 96 74 68 05
Méné-Bré
70 km (44 miles) - 2 days
Depart from the hostel at Pédernec or from Pont-Melvez (C3 or C4).Markings : orange horseshoe set in a circle.
High-banked lanes, age-old forests, places steeped in sacred history... The Argoat, or inland Brittany, is constantly tempting riders to slip out of the saddle and teaching them to take their time. Cross the forests of Coat-an-Noz and Coat-an-Hay without making a sound and listen to the birdsong. Let your horse enjoy himself at a ford. Take a minute or two to marvel at the sculptures of the angel and the devil on the wayside Cross in Gurunhuel.
From the summit of Méné-Bré, an altitude of 302 metres (327 ft.), the view stretches right across the inland Trégor area to the sea beyond. The hill has a magic all of its own, said to have existed since the days of the Ancients. So, ride into a living legend, in Argoat.A.C.E.C.A.
Phone : (33) 2 96 74 48 19
Ansaphone : (33) 2 96 74 68 05
Paimpol for carriage riding
Distance and duration to suit individual tastes : 3, 5, 7 days etc.
Depart from Plourivo (D2)Markings: orange horseshoe set in a circle...
The route is worked out to suit visitors. Suggestions include a ride across the Lancerf Moors, along the banks of the R. Trieux, or through the "Valley of Seven Mills" beside the R. Leff, and stops at the strange Lanleff Temple or Château de la Roche-Jagu.
This is an energetic, thrilling way to travel, through an area filled with high-banked lanes, river banks, and fords.A.C.E.C.A.
Claude Hervé
Phone : (33) 2 96 55 90 58
