Summer Cruise in North Brittany

jcwads

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 Jun 2016
Messages
673
Location
Antibes
Visit site
Hello all

My 2019 Summer Cruise is in August and this year we are going to head to North Brittany.

I've done some good research in where I will go, but am also keen to hear on any must do or see recommendations from other forum members who have cruised this area.

If we are really lucky and get a good bout of weather then plan is to begin in St Malo via the Channel Islands (only a quick stopover in Guernsey or Jersey) and end up in Roscoff 10 days or so later.

Any input or suggestions welcome.


JW.
 
2 or 3 suggestions.
A trip up the river Trieux to Pontrieux is worthwhile for the trip alone. It is easily the best river in Brittany.
Look out for Coreff the locally brewed real ales, everything from a light to a stout. The amber ale (Ambree) is most popular. And do ask for a pint.
Ploumanac'h is worth a stay. There is the coastal walk with amazing rocks. More hidden are the twin valleys behind the two tidal mills.
The old entrance behind the south one is now private, so walk up some distance behind the north one until you come to an entrance with notice board. You can walk up that one and down the other, in an incredible jumble of rocks and trees. But if you emerge at the top, on the way down the road there is a rock you can scramble to with a panoramic view from the top.
 
Great choice of cruising grounds , you will love it.
I totally agree with guernseyman about Pontrieux as I came up the river yesterday and am
sat onboard looking down the river with a beer in my hand.
Email or phone the harbourmaster Yann for latest navigation updates and book a berth
He speaks good English and very helpful
Loads of other great places to visit, have a look at www.digimap.gg and select marinas , it’s a great website
With loads of information about Brittany and CIs
Cheers
Tetleys
 
Another +1 for Pontrieux. As you intend to be in St Malo anyway, I would also recommend the Rance up to Dinan. I am not sure the size of your boat but we did it very happily in a Trader 42. you have to get the tides right for the barrage and it is quite shallow for the last few miles but Dinan is a Brittany gem. Also a stop at Plouer is highly recommended but book a berth ahead.
 
Your length should not be a problem in Ploumanac'h where you moor fore and aft to trots.
My wife used to complain about having to dinghy ashore, but after a few years she had to admit that it was worth it for such a delightful place.
If the visitors' trots are crowded, bigger boats can use the trots in the line extending eastwards away from the sill.

It is worth noting Tregastel (no sill) a short distance west of Ploumanac'h which has 4 visitor's buoys for about 10 euros a night. Or you can anchor free or pick up a local mooring. But it ain't nice when the tide is springing and the swell comes over the outer reef at high tide.
You can stroll into Ploumanac'h from there.
 
Ploumanach should be Ok if not another 10 miles is Trebeurden so if they turn you away its not far.

If you are going that far Roscoff is not much further, a great marina, a nice historic town, also St Pol de Leon not far, a day trip to Ile be Batz.
 
Top