Caurel lies on the shore of Lac de Guerlédan, which stretches for 12 km. Opposite are the plateaus of Caurel and Saint-Gelven, characterised by meadows and farmland. The lake, hiking trails and slate history offer different ways to shape a stay. If you are looking for accommodation in Caurel, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your days on hiking, activities on the water or local history.

Lakeside Trails and Hikes

There are a total of 40 km of marked hiking trails along Lac de Guerlédan. Some run along the shore, while others pass above the lake, making it possible to walk all the way around it. The Le Bois de Caurel hiking trail is 10.6 km long, of moderate difficulty and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It follows the winding shoreline to slate ridges with views of the Forêt de Quénécan and the lake.

Another option is Les Landes de Caurel: this 14.2 km hiking trail starts at the church car park in Caurel. The two named trails therefore differ both in length and in their stated details. Route information may change; check it before setting out.

Activities on Lac de Guerlédan

Lac de Guerlédan is suitable for canoeing and kayaking, water skiing and sailing. Beau Rivage has one of the largest purpose-built beaches on the lake and is also the departure point for a cruise aboard the Duc de Guerlédan. In summer 2026, the Club de canoë/kayak de Guerlédan at Beau Rivage, 22530 Caurel, offered canoe and kayak rentals for independent trips on the lake. The dates ran from 12 July to 31 August 2026, and the stated hours were 10 am to 6 pm. Check whether rentals are available at the time of your visit.

Cruises also differ in duration and booking requirements. The Duc de Guerlédan II offers a one-and-a-half-hour guided cruise: daily at 3 pm in July and August, and by reservation in April, May, June, September and October. The Duc de Guerlédan I runs a three-hour lunch cruise, available from April to October by reservation only. If you are planning a cruise, check the schedule and booking requirements before your trip.

Slate History in Caurel

Slate quarrying in the area around Caurel developed in the 17th and 18th centuries; the village’s history was also shaped by slate quarrying in the 19th century. The Chapelle Saint-Golven is part of the area’s local history: this 17th-century slate chapel is dedicated to Saint Golven, also known as Goulven. The Pardon des carriers, a traditional pilgrimage or celebration of slate workers, was formerly held around the chapel.

The hiking trail through the Bois de Kériven also traces this heritage. It follows in the footsteps of the historic slate workers, who were known here as “gueules bleues” (“blue faces”). This offers a way to combine the history of slate quarrying with a hike, while the trails along Lac de Guerlédan showcase another side of the area.

Find Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans

For hikes, the different trail lengths, starting points and stated walking times can help with planning; for cruises, duration and booking requirements are key. Match seasonal offerings to your travel dates, then look for holiday rentals in Caurel that suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Julien, Merléac, Saint-Briac-Sur-Mer, Loguivy-Plougras, Fréhel, Plumaudan, Plorec-Sur-Arguenon, Saint-Michel-En-Grève

For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.