Cotes-du-Nord was one of the original 83 departments 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 village of Tonquédec has approximately 1000 inhabitants (Tonquédois), a village shop with boulangerie, bar/restaurant, a second bar and hair salon. It also has a large and imposing church set in the village square. The square is approximately 200 meters from the cottage.
Tonquédec is famous for its large medieval castle – the Chateau de Tonquédec – one of the most visited monuments in the Côtes d’Armor. One of the most impressive French medieval sites, this château-fort, stands in a pleasant green forested countryside about 1.5 miles from the cottage. The present castle was built in the 15th century, on the site of an earlier 12th century castle. The ruins may be visited from April to October. See www.chateau-tonquédec.com.
The Northern Brittany coast is renowned for its unique pink granite rock formations. Stretching from Paimpol to Trébeurden the natural erosion of the rock has resulted in huge rounded sculputured shapes with the most peculiar ones being given names like The Elephant, The Hare or Napoleon’s Hat. The beaches are impressive and there is a wide selection of uncrowded locations within easy distance of Tonquédec.
To enjoy the geologiocal environment of the area take a walk along the Sentiere des Douaniers a coast guard path running between Ploumanac’h and Trégastel Plage. Soak up the atmosphere of Perros-Guirec the seaside resort with plenty to do for the family including the Centre Nautique with its watersport activities. Board the ferry at the Plage de Trestraou to tour les Sept Iles a major sea bird haven – see www.santguirec.com. If golf is your thing there are many good 18 and 9 hole courses nearby. Take a look at www.golf-saint-samson.com (18), www.golfbegard.com (18) or 9 hole course at www.chateauduboisgelin.com. Hire bikes in Lannion for a good day out.
For the children there are nearby attractions include the Zooparc at Trégomeur www.zoo-tregomeur.com, or leisure park www.armoripark.com. There is pony riding at Trégastel and a parcours adventure park at Pleumeur–Boudou www.vivons-perches.com.
There are also many markets in the Côtes-d’Armor. For a list of market days in the area see Market Days – Cotes d’Armor
For more ideas of things to do around Tonquédec have a look at this Tripadvisor link www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tonquedec
