Côtes-du-Nord
was one of the original 83 departements created during the French Revolution on
March 4, 1790. It was created from part of the former province of Brittany. Its
name was changed in 1990 to Côtes-d'Armor (ar mor meaning the sea in Breton).
The name also has a historical connotation recalling the Roman province of Armorica.
The coastline of the Cotes D'Armor is one of the most beautiful in France. The
highlights are the Emerald and Pink Granite coasts, with spectacular headlands,
cliffs, bizarre rock formations and scattered islands. The Emerald Coast lives
up to its name. The shear clarity of its blue waters sets off the deep green ericas
and bracken which cling to the rugged cliffs, and later in the year assume the
archetypal colours of Autumn. To these great natural gifts are added many beaches
of fine sand with good bathing. It has for long been a favourite resort and camping
area for French and British holidaymakers alike. Some of the most charming old
towns are Dinan, Treguier, Lannion and Paimpol. Some areas have fascinating historic
associations like the Cote de Goelo south of Paimpol which was a centre of Resistance
operations during the last war.
