Here are a few ideas for stopovers and anchorages, tested for you! We suggest a short one-week trip between Plougasnou-Térenez, Locquirec, Morlaix, Ile Callot, Plougasnou-Le Diben
To be done in any order, taking into account distances and tides of course. In the Bay of Morlaix, the tidal range can reach 9.50 m... It changes a landscape, that's what makes the charm of this navigation. So come on board with us! It's worth the detour.
CMap Embark Cartography
Map 1
1 - Hold
Plougasnou marks the entrance to the Bay of Morlaix on the east coast, known as the Trégor.
The indented coastline, the majestic Pointe de Primel, the beaches and creeks make Plougasnou a preserved place. The Bay of Térenez is sheltered and its body of water is closely guarded by the Cairn de Barnénez.
Anchoring by west, south and east wind. Port of grounding, visitor berths on buoys or on anchor on the E side of the water. Sand bottom. Useful dinghy to go to the bistro or restaurant on the port.
The Cairn of Barnénez, a construction from the bottom of the ages that is older than the pyramids of Egypt, as it is dated between 4,500 and 3,500 years BC, a period that corresponds to the appearance of polished stone, animal husbandry and agriculture in Europe
2 - Callot Island
This small island 2 km long and 400 m wide is a concentrate of Brittany. Inhabited, but not urbanized, it is worth the detour for its quietness in the evening. By west wind the anchorage of Poul Morvran, at the foot of the chapel is a real delight. Beached on a sandy and rocky bottom, you will spend a quiet night
To see, to do
Visit the chapel of Notre Dame de Callot whose history dates back to the beginning of the 5th century. Today, its adorable bell tower burnished by lichens is classified as a Historic Monument
Magnificent beaches of fine white sand, a little taste of paradise not far from the bitterness of the same name. By chance?
3 - The Diben
This is the other port of Plougasnou. The port of Diben dominated by the point of Primel made up of eruptive rocks considered among the oldest in the world. Fishing port specializing in crabs, lobsters and noble fish such as sea bass and pollack, it also welcomes yachtsmen in port. Visitor buoys, always in the water, are positioned in the axis of the entrance, but it is possible to run aground in the port under the shelter of the breakwater. The entrance is somewhat impressive when the winds are from the north, but the channel is very well marked.
To see, to do
- Beautiful walks or bike rides to the tip of Primel and the large beach of Trégastel.
- Watch the fish being landed at the end of the day and take advantage of the opportunity to buy some.
4 - The Bull
This fort by the sea has a thrilling history. Between Franco-English conflicts, revolution and world war, the romantic life of Madame de Vilmorin or the great era of the sailing school of the Château du Taureau, this fort has known all kinds of public. Recently restored, you can visit it, learn about its history and above all admire "the most beautiful bay in the world" from the top of the ramparts.
5 - Louët Island and its lighthouse
The lighthouse of Ile Louët is a lighthouse house located on a rocky outcrop near the Château du Taureau. This small square tower, white with a black top, is leaning against the house of the former lighthouse keepers which has been restored and converted into a gîte that can be rented.
6 -The Black Island
This island bears the lighthouse of the same name which is one of the bitternesses to embouchure the channel of Tréguier in the direction of Morlaix. Would the last keeper be Ranko, a well-known gorilla?
7 - Morlaix
Map 2
A real journey. Because before reaching Morlaix, you have to go into the bay of the same name, through its innumerable channels, go up the river to reach the lock. To go up the river, go halfway up the tide to the channel buoy "la barre des flots" located between the Black Island and the tip of Pen al Lan. A real port in town, well sheltered from all winds and in the heart of a historic town, you can explore the alleyways, half-timbered houses, viaduct, houses in Pondalez... so many treasures that invite you to stroll between narrow streets and stone staircases.
To see, to do:
- The viaduct
You can't miss it, it stands out in the heart of the town and has spanned the valley since 1863. This majestic granite viaduct dominates the city from its 58 meters high and 292 meters long and supports the Paris-Brest TGV line. You can even admire the panorama from the 1st floor.
- Houses in Pondalez
The House in Pondalez has one of the two best preserved "staircases in Pondalez" in Morlaix which, together with the house of Duchess Anne, make them exceptional witnesses of a specifically Morlaix typology.
- The half-timbered houses date from the early 16th century.
"If they bite you, bite them."
In July 1522, an English fleet landed in Morlaix, plundered the town and massacred the population. On that day, many nobles and soldiers went to the annual fair of Noyal-Pontivy. On their return, the drunken English looters were caught in their sleep and were massacred: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth! This fact of history is said to be the origin of the motto of Morlaix, "if they bite you, bite them", a motto that could later be seen engraved above the drawbridge of the Château du Taureau, built to protect the town from British assaults!
8 - Locquirec.
Map 3
The small seaside resort of Finistère, situated on the border of Finistère and the Côtes-d'Armor. The commune is located on a peninsula stretching into the bay of Lannion. The view from the Pointe de Locquirec offers a panorama over the entire western part of the pink granite coast, from Ile Milliau to Plestin-les-Grèves, via Trébeurden. Anchoring by west and south wind. Port of grounding, visitor buoys, watch out for the current especially at ebb tide.
The +, except in summer, to run aground on the beach, well sheltered from the seawall.
To see, to do:
The small bistros and restaurants, the coastal path, the numerous beaches, a surfing session..
