A Winter Walk from Léhon to Dinan 

One of our favourite things to do in January is wrap up warm and follow the towpath along the Rance from Léhon to Dinan where the air is crisp, the river still. 

From Quai du Val, you can wander in either direction,  towards Dinan Port, with its charming cafés and old stone bridges and the reflections of Dinan’s medieval ramparts look even more beautiful in the soft winter light. 

Or head the other way along the river towards Évran, where the path leads through peaceful countryside as the river winds gently between fields and woodland. Both routes are perfect for walking or cycling and offer a wonderful way to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Rance Valley in winter. It’s the ideal way to start the year, slow-paced, refreshing and right on your doorstep.

A Coastal Escape to Saint-Lunaire and Pointe du Décollé

On a bright winter’s day, take a trip to Saint-Lunaire, a charming seaside village just half an hour from Léhon. This elegant little resort has a calm, timeless feel in the cooler months, pastel villas, quiet streets and sweeping beaches that stretch out under a pale winter sun. From the main beach, follow the coastal path out to Pointe du Décollé, a dramatic headland that juts out into the sea

The walk offers spectacular views across the Emerald Coast, where rugged cliffs meet the turquoise waters below and small rocky islands rise out of the waves. There’s a stone lookout and a large cross at the point, making it an ideal spot to pause and take in the scenery, especially when the late afternoon light glows golden across the water. 

Bring a camera or simply stand and listen to the rhythmic crash of the waves; it’s one of those places that feels wild and peaceful all at once.

Exploring Saint-Briac-sur-Mer 

Just along the coast from Saint-Lunaire lies Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, a village that feels wonderfully timeless in winter. Once home to Impressionist painters like Signac and Renoir, Saint-Briac still has that same artistic charm, winding lanes lined with stone cottages, hidden courtyards and sweeping views of the sea at every turn.

In the quieter months, the village takes on a peaceful rhythm where the light shifts constantly over the water and fishing boats rest quietly in the bay. The walk around the headland offers beautiful views towards the islands  and if you visit around sunset, the sky often glows in rich golds and soft pinks, reflecting off the sea and giving everything a dreamlike quality.

 Even in January, Saint-Briac feels alive with colour, calm and a quiet kind of beauty that’s unmistakably Breton.

A Winter Beach Walk at Plage Saint-Sieu, Lancieux 

The wide curve of Plage Saint-Sieu in Lancieux is one of those places that feels completely different in winter, calm, spacious and beautifully simple. With the summer crowds gone, the beach takes on a peaceful rhythm, the only sounds, the soft rush of the tide and the distant cry of seabirds. The pale sand stretches out beneath rows of pretty white-and-blue beach huts, their long shadows falling across the shore in the low afternoon light.

It’s a wonderful spot for a slow walk along the water’s edge, where the waves gently lap at your feet and the salty air feels fresh and clean. The views across the bay change constantly with the light, sometimes golden and warm, sometimes silvery and cool but always breathtaking. Bring a flask of coffee, wrap up warm and simply enjoy the stillness. Even in January, Plage Saint-Sieu shows just how beautiful the Brittany coastline can be when it’s quiet and unspoiled.

Enjoy Stunning Winter Sunsets 

January skies have a way of surprising you. Some evenings start quietly, with pale light drifting over the Rance and then almost without warning, the sky transforms into a sweep of pinks, golds and deep purples reflected in the still water below. The clear winter air makes the colours seem sharper, richer and more vivid than at any other time of year. 

From the riverbank at Léhon, the view is truly magical. The trees stand in silhouette, the water glows like glass and the last light of day settles gently over the village. On some evenings, the colours ripple right across the river outside Quai du Val, turning the scene into something that feels almost painted...  soft, calm and full of quiet beauty. Whether you’re walking the towpath, or gazing out from the window with a warm drink in hand, these winter sunsets are moments to savour. They’re a reminder that even the coldest days in Brittany end with a little touch of wonder.  

Evening Lights at Tour Solidor, Saint-Malo

End the day with a visit to Tour Solidor, one of Saint-Malo’s most atmospheric landmarks. Standing proudly at the mouth of the Rance, the tower takes on a whole new beauty after dark,  its warm stone walls softly illuminated against the deep blue of the evening sky. As the light fades, the water below reflects both the tower’s glow and the first stars of the night, creating a scene that feels magical.

A stroll along the quayside here is the perfect way to round off a winter’s day. The sound of the tide lapping against the harbour, the salty scent of the sea, and the twinkle of lights from the distant port all add to the ambience. There’s a quiet calm to Saint-Malo in January, the narrow streets hushed, the ramparts lit just enough to guide your way and Tour Solidor captures that feeling perfectly.

It’s easy to linger, watching the reflections shimmer across the water, before heading back inland to Léhon and the comfort of Quai du Val. A peaceful end to a winter’s day in Brittany.