Bearing the pretty nickname ‘the beauty spot of the Côtes d’Armor’, Binic marks the entry point to the Goëlo Coast. The town’s port, quays and fine sandy beaches are all linked by the GR34 coastal hiking trail that makes its way along the picturesque, jagged shoreline, meandering through the history of deep-sea fishing and the pleasures of a seaside resort.
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Discover Binic – Etables-sur-mer
Once a little medieval village, Binic grew to become one of the most important ports in the French fishing industry. It was the expeditions of the ‘terre-neuvas’ – the fishermen that left France to fish in Newfoundland waters – that secured Binic its place in history, and the imposing granite and schist ship-owners’ houses lining the Quai Jean Bart are testament to this prosperous business. The town became a sailing resort as well as a charming seaside destination during the 20th century, and to this day boats shelter behind the 350 metre long main jetty referred to by locals as the ‘grande muraille’ (big stone wall).
Relax on the beach
Beyond the jetty lies the attractive outer harbour beach, a perfect place for the whole family, fringed with rocks and green beach huts and crowned with pine trees. There’s also a second beach right next to the bustling marina and its little backstreets – the seawater pool, promenade and quayside villas leave you in no doubt that this town is a true seaside resort. Corps du Garde beach is in a more natural setting and extends away from the foot of the Pointe de la Rognouse headland.
The GR34 coastal hiking trail, also known as the ‘Sentier des Douaniers’ or customs officers’ path, wends its way in and out of the resort and its beaches, before continuing along the coastline. There are some stunning, panoramic views to be had of the foreshore and Saint-Brieuc Bay. As winter comes to an end, the edges of the trail are livened up by brightly coloured mimosa flowers, later replaced by gorse bushes and heather. The sea and the moors add a lovely fragrance to your walks, and if you prefer to pedal then opt for the marked mountain-bike trails that wind their way inland through the countryside, towards the woodlands and lakes of Lantic.
Did you know
The historic market
Binic market perpetuates a very long tradition: as far back as the 16th century, fairs were held along the quays, bringing together farm produce, seafood, trading acquisitions and ship’s supplies – everything departing boats might need for their voyage.
A museum, markets, nights out…
Head to the museum of art and popular traditions to stroll through time and discover 19th-century rural and maritime life, its age-old cultures and productions. And to taste these ancestral skills – butter, cider, buckwheat, etc. – head to the market: every Tuesday and Sunday in Etables, and every Thursday in Binic harbour, one of the region’s largest markets is waiting for you. In summer, 200 stallholders line up on the quays and pedestrian streets, along with numerous evening events – terraces, concerts, fireworks, Morue en Fête and Binic Folks Blues Festival.
