Experience authentic Brittany in Cote d’Amor

Originally known as the Cotes du Nord, the Cotes d’Amor department of Brittany was created during the French revolution of 1790.  It was not until 1990, through public opinion, that this particularly unique and autonomous region of Brittany changed its name to the Cotes d’Amor, which means ‘sea’ in Breton.

Lying on the northern coast of Brittany, part of the Cote d’Amor’s distinctiveness is due to the fact that a proportion of the department is part of the ‘Breizh Izel’, otherwise known as ‘Lower Brittany’, whereby the people still speak traditional Breton, an insistence that means the area retains a unique identity that is absent from the rest of Brittany and France as a whole.

Aside retaining an individuality that has remained unbroken for centuries, the Cote d’Amor’s charm is heightened further by its wild and craggy coastline with steep cliffs poised high in the air.

In stark contrast to its vivid pink granite coast is its inland oasis of rolling emerald hills, frequently interrupted by sweet-scented forests, flourishing with life, colour, wildlife and delicious natural aromas.

Boasting a 350km stretch of coastline, the beaches of the Cote d’Amor cater for every taste.

Whether it be a quiet and relaxing afternoon sunbathing in a secluded cove, scuba diving in the crystal clear waters abundant with beautiful and diverse marine life, or building sandcastles with the kids on a safe, clean and family-orientated soft sandy beach, Brittany’s spectacular Cote d’Amor has a beach to suit every occasion.

The capital of the Cote d’Amor department is Saint Brieuc, which was named after Brioc, a Welsh monk who brought Christianity to the area in the sixth century. Situated on the Emerald Coast by the English Channel, much of Saint Brieuc’s distinctiveness and beauty stems from the two rivers that run through the town – the River Gouedic and River Gouet.

If lazing the day away in the warm Cote d’Amor sunshine on the bank of a river sounds a little too lethargic then you could always liven up an afternoon in Saint Brieuc by visiting the town’s highly popular shopping centre which comprises of more than 300 shops.

Whatever takes your fancy during your holiday in Brittany, the inimitable Cote d’Amor has something of everything – And is there to be enjoyed!

You might be interested in Vintage Travel’s portfolio of luxury villas in Brittany.