Top Things To Do in Pontrieux and Pont-Croix
In our series of small towns that belong to the Association of Petites Cités de Caractère (Small Towns of Character) of Brittany, we have already explored Bécherel, Bazouges-la-Pérouse, Chateaugiron and Chatelaudren. Now lets explore Pontrieux and Pont-Croix and the best things to do in these towns and oh my goodness you’ll love them, they are so pretty.
Pontrieux – A Stunning Flower Town
First the stunning colourful town literally overflowing with flowers, Pontrieux. I love this town which is one of the 22 Small Towns of Character in Brittany and also the holder of the prestigious title of being a “4 flower” village.
This rating or flower award is given to villages for plant heritage, environment conservation and floral displays after an annual competition run by the National Council of Towns and Villages in Bloom (Conseil National des Villes et Villages Fleuris). Pontrieux works hard at keeping their title and the town never fails in its floral displays.
The History of Pontrieux
Pontrieux is a popular village with its rich history, unique setting and varied tourist activities. “Pont Trev” is the Breton name of Pontrieux which means ‘bridge over the Trieux’. The town straddles the river Trieux, having been relocated early in the 15th century.
By moving down stream and building the town on both sides of the river and connecting them by bridge, it then became known as Pont-Trieux. With this enviable location it fast became the hub for trade and became the port for Guingamp, which happens to be the closest town to where I live.
The town extends down to a marina from where boats can be taken to the nearby islands of Bréhat, Jersey and Guernesey.
The 15th of August is an important date in the town when everyone gets together for the wash house (lavoir) celebration. This celebration sees the 50 wash houses lit up and decorated even more lavishly than normal, and believe me they are normally brimming with flowers anyway. Enjoying the wash houses by day along the pedestrian walkway or at night by boat along the river Trieux is very popular.
La Vapeur du Trieux
Another popular attraction in Pontrieux is La Vapeur du Trieux, The Steam Trieux or steam train of Trieux. You travel in carriages along the famous Trieux railway being pulled by a historic Mallet locomotive by hostesses in period costume between Paimpol and Pontrieux. The hostesses give a commentary of the lush surroundings as you travel along almost traveling back in time.
The train journeys through areas that you cannot access by car and there is even a stop at the manor in the Traou Nez estuary, in the centre of the forest. On this planned stop there is time to have pancakes and cider at the manor and when back on board, you’ll pass Château de la Roche-Jagu. This château has a defensive façade, behind which hides a beautiful Breton manor house so make sure you look out for it on the journey. The train then crosses the viaduct over the Leff, a few kilometres before reaching Pontrieux.
What To Do In Pontrieux
Go by boat to Paimpol and along the way stop at the castle of Roche-Jagu. Explore the castle gardens and enjoy a picnic.
Walk the wash house route by day and admire the flower displays, particularly in spring, summer and autumn.
Explore the wash houses by boat at night. The electric boats on the River are available to hire.
In the town centre, visit Maison de la Tour Eiffel, the oldest house in Pontrieux. Read our full post here on Maison de la Tour Eiffel.
Take La Vapeur du Trieux from Pontrieux to Paimpol.
Where is Pontrieux
The village of Pontrieux is a small french village located in the north-west of France, in the department of Côtes-d'Armor in the french region Bretagne.
Pont-Croix - A Meeting Place for Writers and Artists
Keeping creativity alive is how Pont-Croix has stayed relevant since the 13th century through to today. Delving into history sees this town initially developing around a castle mound, then around its château, and then around its church of Notre-Dame-de-Roscudon which is said to be the founder of the development of a Cornouaille school of architecture.
Moving forward in time to the mid 19th century, Pont-Croix was a meeting place for writers and artists. These creative types even had their own club which met in the Hotel des Voyageurs with members including, to name only a few, Da Silva, Emile Simon and Henri Matisse.
What To Do In Pont-Croix
Visit the heritage museum housed in the stately “Marquisat” manor located in the town’s historic centre.
Head to the Goyen river bridge which has one of the oldest tidal mills in Brittany on it.
Where is Pont-Croix
Pont-Croix is a town situated in the northwest of France. The town is in the department of Finistère in the region of Brittany.
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