Pordic combines a striking clifftop coast with a circular walking trail and structures whose forms and history each provide a distinct focus. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are most interested in a scenic walk, coastal views, or architecture and religious heritage.
Clifftop Coast, Walking Trail and Views
Pordic’s coastline stretches for 6.5 kilometres and consists mainly of cliffs with steep headlands. Small coves and the Tournemine seafront promenade interrupt this stretch of coast. Thus, both the striking cliffs and the smaller coves and promenade form part of the landscape described here.
Le petit tour du Coucou offers a specific way to bring together landscapes and maritime history on a walk. The circular trail is 5 kilometres long; the stated walking time is 1 hour 30 minutes, and the difficulty level is moderate. Its landscape includes a coast with steep cliffs, pebble coves, a green valley and farmland. Along the trail, remains and historic structures recall former fishermen and offer insight into Breton maritime history. Check local conditions before setting out.
Another coastal landmark is Pointe de Pordic: it rises to a height of 80 metres and offers views of the coast and the Bay of Saint-Brieuc. The remains of an 18th-century watchtower are also located there, associated with the Pointe’s former strategic defensive role. Landscape and history meet in a specific place here.
Viaduct and Chapels
The Viaduc de la Percée is a notable structure from the first local railway network; its dimensions and state of preservation contribute to its significance. It is 124.10 metres long and 34 metres high. Thirteen semicircular arches form the structure, each with a span of 7 metres. The viaduct was built at the beginning of the 20th century by engineer Louis Harel de la Noë. The measurements give an impression of the structure’s scale, while the arches define its distinctive form.
The chapels also tell different stories. Notre-Dame de la Garde dates from 1849. It was intended to be visible like a lighthouse and to give fishermen courage, confidence and a sense of gratitude. Its intended effect connects its religious dedication with its maritime setting: the lighthouse was an image of visibility, while the chapel was also meant to provide fishermen with emotional support.
Notre-Dame du Vaudic can be understood through its architecture and a historical reference. Its ground plan approximates a Latin cross and consists of a single-nave body and two transept arms. Pope Urban VI ordered an indulgence bull for the chapel’s reconstruction on 24 February 1387. Thus, the two chapels represent a more recent maritime dedication alongside a reconstruction history reaching far back in time.
Cycling the VĂ©lomaritime
There is also a specific stage detail for planning a cycling trip: the Saint-Quay-Portrieux–Saint-Brieuc stage includes a section south of Pordic on a voie verte, which passes through the Viaduc du Parfond du Gouët. This information concerns the cycling stage and is a different planning point from the Le petit tour du Coucou circular trail. If you are planning this stage, check current cycling conditions before setting off.
The focus of each is therefore clear: for the circular trail, you can take the distance, walking time and difficulty level into account when planning; for the structures, the focus is on construction, architecture and history. If you are looking for accommodation in Pordic, this distinction can help you decide whether to focus your trip on coastal activities or on architectural or religious history.
Discover more destinations: Le Foeil, Trémel, Saint-Donan, Plouagat, Ruca, Gomené, La Motte, Pleguien
For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
