Saint-Quay-Portrieux, commune in Côtes-d'Armor, France
Saint-Quay-Portrieux is a port town on the Côte d'Armor where a busy harbor filled with fishing boats shapes daily life, and several beaches offer different shoreline types. The place combines an active harbor with quiet coves, rocky coastal sections, and a walking path along the cliffs.
The town grew in the 18th century as a port for ships traveling to Newfoundland, developing into a major fishing center. This maritime past shaped the place and has remained central to its identity.
The town takes its name from an Irish saint and has long been defined by shellfish harvesting, a practice that still shapes daily life here. Visitors can observe fishermen landing their catch at the docks, seeing how this heritage remains central to the community's identity.
The town is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as many streets are narrow with limited parking. The GR 34 coastal path provides easy navigation and sweeping views across the water and surrounding terrain.
At low tide, a small island called La Comtesse emerges from the water and becomes accessible, revealing green ruins of an old manor house. This hidden attraction appears only temporarily, offering an unexpected exploration between sea and land.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.