From Cancale to Cap Fréhel
The Emerald Coast is located on the northern coast of Brittany, largely in the Ille et Vilaine department between Cancale and Cap Fréhel. Its name comes from the emerald color of the sea. To the east of Cancale is the Bay of Mont Saint Michel which can be seen from Cancale. Like the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Emerald Coast is a Natura 2000 protected site. Rocky coasts, beaches and vast expanses of wilderness await you on this journey closer to nature. Whether on foot, by bike or on horseback, by surveying the GR34 or the "tour de Manche" by bike, you will not miss photo subjects. First of all a little map to get your bearings
Our journey on the Emerald Coast begins in Cancale. Land of shellfish where the Romans already feasted on these oysters. Later the royal court brought baskets of oysters for these festivals. In the 19th century, the "Terre Neuvas" left their town to go cod fishing on the banks of Newfoundland Even today, you can admire the comings and goings of boats and other tractors to the rhythms of the tides, bring back the oysters of the day which you can taste directly on the port with a small white wine. This daily spectacle is worth the detour on its own.
Let's continue our journey further north about ten kilometers. At the end of the path, the Pointe de Grouin Coming by car, leave this one in the parking lot is over on foot, it's not very far and the little effort is worth it. Go up the path of short vegetation, you will gradually reach the rocky outcrop beaten by the winds. Arriving there, you will take your breath away from so much wild beauty. Your gaze will not know where to land...In front of you a 16/9 panorama...Better than at the cinema!! The path is a bit chaotic, be careful not to fall. But what a sight!!...Cape Fréhel to your left, Mont Saint Michel to your right, which you can see on a clear day despite the 25 km that separates you from it. Off the Chaussey Islands and why not for the lucky ones some dolphins hunting in these fish-filled waters. For the bravest, you can go from Cancale to Pointe du Grouin by the GR34, there is about 7km of walking...What a reward on arrival!!
Let's continue our journey towards Saint Malo, and stop at Pointe Varde at the end of the beaches of St-Malo. It takes about twenty kilometers to reach it whether by car or by the GR34. You will come across several places as spectacular as each other (the tip of Moulière, the tip of the Grands Nez, the tip of Christ .....) You are finally at Pointe de la Varde, a rocky outcrop rising 32 m above the sea from where you can see the town of Saint Malo in the distance on your left. Vauban will install a fort on this site, then the Germans in 1943 will use these same fortifications to insert bunkers there. You will not be able to approach these unsecured ruins where swallows, bats and other toads have taken up residence. Follow the path to preserve the wild nature that surrounds you, breathe the sea air, observe sea birds, walk along the cliff...and enjoy the beach not far away.
Now let's go along the beaches of Minihic, Rochebonne, La Gogette and du Sillon to finally arrive on the St Vincent esplanade near the town hall of Saint Malo. The Gallo-Roman port was founded 1 century BC. Many years later in 1534, Jacques Cartier left to discover Canada... followed by armadas of cod fishermen on the banks of Newfoundland. The shipowners prosper protected by the ramparts. In the 18th century the corsairs confirmed the power of the city...the best known, Duguay-Trouin or Surcouf. St Malo is solid ramparts that resist the enemy, narrow streets, towers, forts, stories of sailors, an opening to the sea to the north of the city on fine sandy beaches. At low tide you can go to the islands of Petit Bé and Grand Bé where you can pay a visit to the famous Malouin writer Chateaubriand This city knew how to rebuild itself following the bombardments of 1944... Impossible not to believe that it has not evolved for centuries. A trip back in time not to be missed.
Let's cross the Rance to continue via Dinard...A seaside town very popular with the British and Americans. Dinard is also known for its unique tidal power plant in Europe... You can visit part of it. We end with Cap Fréhel. Allow an hour's drive by car (45kms). From the car park a few dozen meters from the site, you reach the lighthouse by crossing a path lined with moorland with a thousand flowers. In the distance, the majestic Cap Fréhel lighthouse, 103 meters high. A few more steps and you will discover on its left the old lighthouse, partly in ruins. You will have to walk 2 or 300 meters more to reach the point beaten by the winds. These steep cliffs are home to hundreds of seabirds but also a few Torda penguins...they are few...Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see them??
The Emerald Coast is a marvelous trip close to nature... There would be so much to say again, I hope to have made you want to discover it and bring back some nice photos.