Discover Yffiniac: Bay, Trails and Heritage
Accommodation in Yffiniac
Anse d'Yffiniac and protected nature
The Anse d'Yffiniac covers 700 hectares of mudflats, sand and salt marshes, including 100 hectares of salt marshes. The area is part of the Natura 2000 network and is one of the most important bird wintering grounds in Brittany.
Access is prohibited in the strictly protected area at the back of the Anse. Check the current access rules before visiting. Seals can be seen in the surrounding area when they visit the salt marshes; they may be observed from the shore at Langueux.
Espace de la Baie has a picnic area and offers wide views over the back of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
Trails, cycle route and horse-riding options
Yffiniac offers 27 kilometres of trails that can be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Route lengths and availability may change; check the latest information before setting out. The GR34 reaches Yffiniac, the southernmost point of the Bay of Saint-Brieuc nature reserve.
The Circuit de l'Urne circular trail starts at the Hippodrome car park in Yffiniac. It runs through the Urne Valley towards the bay, passing through woodland and wetlands. The V8 Saint-Brieuc–Lorient cycle route also starts in Yffiniac, in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
Equestrian shows, pony rides and horse-drawn carriage rides are offered at the Hippodrome de la Baie. The specific programme may vary.
Churches and chapel history
Église Saint-Aubin is a late 19th-century Neo-Gothic church with a Latin cross floor plan. Construction was completed in 1860, and the bell tower was built in 1874.
Chapelle Saint-Laurent-des-Sept-Saints is a former seigneurial chapel. Its nave was rebuilt in 1850; according to René Couffon, the choir and transept date from 1681. The chapel was restored in 1986.
Sunday market and FĂŞte des Chocards
Yffiniac's Sunday market takes place every Sunday at Place de l'Europe. Stalls offer poultry, fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables, olives and saucisson, traditional bread and cheese. Vendors and individual products may vary; if you are planning a visit, also check the current market schedule.
The Chocard is a local pastry similar to an apple turnover. Another event during the year is the FĂŞte des Chocards: it takes place on the last two weekends of November and includes concerts, a fair and walks. Check the dates and details of that year's programme.
Nature excursions in the surrounding area
In nearby Hillion, the Maison de la Baie offers guided excursions and nature walks to explore the bay. Its year-round nature excursions cover shellfish farming, coastal wildlife, birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as plankton. This complements Yffiniac's hiking and nature experiences with further insights into the bay's habitats.
Discover more destinations: Sévignac, La Malhoure, Plouaret, Tréfumel, Hengoat, Caouënnec-Lanvézéac, Tressignaux, Lanrelas
For the wider travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
