Guide to Cotes d'Armor & Properties in Department 22

Cotes-d'Armor, which stands for 'Cotes-du-Nord' is a department located in the northwestern part of France that was one of the original 83 departments created in March 1790 during the French Revolution. The department was formed from a part of the former province of Brittany. In 1990, the department's name changed to Cotes-d'Armor, which means 'by the sea' in Breton, the province's second most widely spoken language. The name Cotes-d'Armor has historical significance as it recalls the Roman province of Armorica, which was located in the same area. The department is numbered 22 and is part of the current administrative region of Brittany. It is surrounded by the departments of Finistère, Morbihan and Ille-et-Vilaine, with the English Channel to the north. The locals are called Costarmoricains, and the capital city is Saint Brieuc.

Landscape of the Côtes-d'Armor

The department is characterised by an undulating plateau with three well-marked ranges of hills in the south. A granitoid chain, the Monts du Méné, starts from the south-east of the department and runs north-westerly, forming the watershed between rivers running respectively to the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. Towards its western extremity, this chain bifurcates to develop the Montagnes Noires in the southwest and the Monts d'Arrée in the west of the department. Off the coast, which is steep, rocky, and much indented, are the Jentilez, Bréhat, and other small islands. The principal bays are those of Saint-Malo and Saint-Brieuc.

Charming Dinard

The city of Dinard exudes an elegant charm reminiscent of the 19th century, with its stunning beachfront and cliff-top villas perched on seemingly inaccessible rocky outcrops. A popular walking route from Saint-Malo to Tour Solidor around the Cité d’Alet offers breathtaking views of Dinard and its yachts gently bobbing on the sun-drenched, crystal-clear blue water. It's hard not to feel as though you're in the Mediterranean.

The Magic of Saint Malo

Saint-Malo, often seen as just a bustling ferry port and gateway to Brittany, holds a rich history and charm that many visitors overlook. The medieval walled city, known as intra muros, has long been an "island" fortress, defended by its residents against various invaders, including the English and even the French. The Chateau, now housing the Hotel de Ville, proudly flies the city flag above the national tricolore, symbolising the independent spirit of its people, 'Les Maloins'. Despite being largely destroyed during World War II, Saint-Malo was rebuilt to its original glory, welcoming visitors with open arms today. Just 40 kilometres away lies the UNESCO listed Mont Saint-Michel, France's most visited landmark outside of Paris, a must-see for any traveller.

Breton Language and Cultural Identity

The Breton language has become a contentious issue in many parts of Brittany, and many Breton speakers advocate for bilingual schools. In addition to Breton, Gallo is spoken in the East and offered as a language in schools and on the baccalaureate exams. The western part of the department is part of the traditionally Breton-speaking Lower Brittany, which is why the language is an integral part of the local culture. However, due to various historical and political reasons, the use of the language has declined in recent years, leading to concerns about its preservation in the future.

Maritime Historical Past

The history of Northern Brittany is rich with maritime adventures, including pirates, smuggling, naval battles, and great explorers. This vibrant past, alongside a stunning coastline and dramatic tides, makes the region particularly appealing. Today, its cosmopolitan towns and cities are among the reasons why many foreign buyers choose to settle in Cotes d'Armor.

Key Information about the Côtes-d'Armor

• Main City/Prefecture: Saint-Brieuc
• Ferry Terminal: Saint Malo
• Population: Around 600,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 6,878 sq. kilometres and 2,656 sq. miles
• Landmark: Pink Granite Coast (Côte de Granit Rose), known for its unique pink rock formations and coastal landscapes.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 2 million, drawn by its rugged coastline, fishing villages and historic sites.

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