French Brittany, discovering the "Côte Ouest"
French Brittany, discovering the “Côte Ouest”
Atlantic beaches, spectacular tides, charming villages and Breton gastronomy, all the ingredients for a trip that deserves a stop.
And as is already a tradition in Néboa, we will make this trip through a small and careful selection of brands, experiences, design, style, accommodation and culture.
Ready to enjoy the Breton Atlantic Style?
Culture
Brittany is one of the Celtic nations along with Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia and Asturias.
These last two, despite not having a Celtic language spoken in modern history, are already considered part of the Celtic nations due to the multiple connections and proven scientific evidence.
In an exhibition at the British Museum on Celtic identity, you can read “In continental Europe the modern Celtic identity only holds strong in Bretagne”.
The archaeologist Cunliffe says that the roots of the Celtic language are in the Atlantic and in the Neolithic, so the Atlantic identity that unites all these landscapes and cultures makes a lot of sense.
Nature
Brittany is on the Côte Ouest of France.
It is the western region of the country and therefore bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
In this tour I have selected perhaps the most unknown and northern coast of the Breton region, there are many more corners that deserve to be discovered, but they will be left for another trip.
Le Côte de les Légendes
Scented with sea breezes, this stretch of coast is the northern in the Brittany region.
Some interesting corners in the Côte des Légendes are the seaside town of Plounéour, Brignogan Plages with its maritime atmosphere and the famous lighthouse of Pontusval.
This lighthouse is located at the tip of Beg-Pol, north of the port of Plounéour – Brignogan-Plages.
It was listed as a historical monument and witnessed numerous shipwrecks. His last lighthouse keeper had lived there since 1968 and retired in 2003
The Meneham site in Kerlouan, a completely restored village of farmers and fishermen where you will find houses built in the hollow of ancient granite blocks or the impressive Folgoët basilica and its famous procession in September, one of the most important in Brittany .
The Côte des Légendes is also a protected space with three Natura 2000 classified areas.
The Goulven Bay in Tréflez, the Curnic marsh in Guissény and the Langazel wetland in Ploudaniel, Trémaouézan.
They are perfect spaces for walking and bird watching.
But what gives this coastline facing the English Channel its unique character are undoubtedly its imposing blocks of granite, rounded by wind and centuries, that dot the coastline and rise inland.
And finally, and if you like to swim in the cold Atlantic waters, a slightly different experience is the Aquatic Hike (Marche Aquatique) through the three beaches of the Côte des Légendes; Crapauds beach and Kerurus beach in Plounéour, Brignogan-Plages or Meneham beach in Kerlouan.
You enter the water up to your knees, thighs or hips (depending on your courage) and in addition to toning all your muscles you play sports and enjoy the nature.
Two organizations are the ones that carry out these aquatic marches: Randoplouf and Marche Aquatique Pagan.
I would personally love to try it!
GASTRO
As a first gastronomic stop, these Breton products created from legends of the Brocéliande Forest and Fairy Tales of Mont Saint-Michel Bay look very good.
Nothing more Atlantic than the edible seaweed harvested and packaged by Bord à bord in Brittany. If you want to know quick recipes with algae, their history and culture or curiosities about these algae gardens, don’t miss their page.
The Breton Galettes are also a delicacy that you should not miss. Made with Buckwheat.
The traditional one is called La Complète which is made of ham, cheese and egg and is the queen of galettes.
And although the traditional one is salty, you can’t miss the sweet one made with the traditional Salidou (salted butter and caramel), my favourite.
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David Chipperfield - Pritzker 2023
David Chipperfield, no trends and sustainability as relevance in his architecture
The British architect David Chipperfield arrived in Corrubedo (Galicia) in the 1990s looking for a different family vacation spot and now he also already considers it “his place in the world”.
His spirit is the authentic Atlantic Style. Simplicity, timelessness or local materials are the key pieces in his creations.
He likes to make it beautiful but also fair and sustainable.
https://davidchipperfield.com/
Photography: Salva López
Fonts: vanitatis
His house in Corrubedo
His house in Corrubedo perfectly integrated it into the town’s urban landscape and also opened to the ocean.
His style is clearly Atlantic: designed and integrated the ocean concept and the use of natural materials, the simplicity in each detail and the durability of this space, made to last.
Corrubedo house
Its style is minimalist but cozy.
It blends perfectly with its design among the rest of the homes, giving it a modern touch.
Direct exit to a small beach where the Atlantic Ocean is at your feet.
Look for a timeless design, time passes but it is still current.
He spends his holidays here, in Corrubedo.
Porto Bar
As well as he remodeled an authentically local bar in the town, which is now one of the busiest by residents. Porto bar.
After two decades empty, thanks to David Chipperfield, Bar Porto was revived.
The colors of the wood are reminiscent of the ships that are in the port.
Its wooden furniture makes the tavern authentic and you want to sit and chat with the sailors who return from fishing every day while you drink some wine.
Ria Fundation
He wanted to preserve the local area along the Coast of the Ria de Arousa and so he founded The Fundación RIA:
“The Fundación RIA is a private, non-profit, cultural entity founded by David Chipperfield in 2017. Its main objective is the analysis, debate, development and promotion of ideas to support the development and protection of the local economy, as well as the architectural, urban, natural and cultural values of the Atlantic estuaries of Galicia in north-west Spain.”
Santiago de Compostela
Rúa Oblatas 77
15705
+34 722 413 316
info@fundacionria.org
www.fundacionria.org
“Galicia, land of opportunity” by David Chipperfield
“Current concerns about global warming give us the opportunity to rethink our attitude towards the environment, not only in terms of sustainability, but also in terms of community and quality of life. David Chipperfield reflects on this in the opinion article published in La Voz de Galicia. ” Fundación RIA
Pritzker Architecture Prize
David Chipperfield has been chosen as the 2023 winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, an award considered internationally as the highest distinction in architecture.
“I take this award as an encouragement to continue to direct my attention not only to the substance of architecture and its meaning but also to the contribution that we can make as architects to address the existential challenges of climate change and societal inequality.”
David Chipperfield
Chicago, IL (March 7, 2023) – Civic architect, urban planner and activist, Sir David Alan Chipperfield CH has been selected as the 2023 Laureate of The Pritzker Architecture Prize, the award that is regarded internationally as architecture’s highest honor.
Subtle yet powerful, subdued yet elegant, he is a prolific architect who is radical in his restraint, demonstrating his reverence for history and culture while honoring the preexisting built and natural environments, as he reimagines functionality and accessibility of new buildings, renovations and restorations through timeless modern design that confronts climate urgencies, transforms social relationships and reinvigorates cities.
Font and photography: https://www.pritzkerprize.com/
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Lar Atlántica
Lar Atlántica
Why We Love It | Experience the comforts of home (with a few touches of design, of course) when staying at Lar Atlántica—a family operated boutique accommodation situated in Vigo city.
With only 7 rooms, a little terrace and living area is the perfect choose for a couple of days.
The space welcomes single travelers, couples or little groups.
Founded by Elena Coello in 2006, we especially love Lar Atlántica Hostel’s focus on supporting local businesses, as well as their involvement with social causes about the Atlantic Culture.
Interior design | Int-sight
Branding | espluga+associates
Where to find | www.laratlantica.com
All pictures are from Lar Atlántica
Where did the idea for this accommodation come from?
The origin of the idea was born when I was still living in Barcelona.
Seeing the Atlantic from afar and with another perspective made me think that I wanted to somehow enhance our Culture and our Atlantic Style, give it shape and create something that would allow us to recognize, remember and admire it.
We decided to move back to Galicia to undertake and start a project that I had been dreaming of for a long time.
I had been working in the hotel sector for years, as a consultant and seeing the business of large hotels from the inside.
I traveled a lot and was lucky enough to observe many accommodations.
I wanted to create an accommodation with a cosmopolitan character but without giving up the essence of the Atlantic culture and much closer to the people who came.
I believe the simplicity that nature brings is enough to fill any room.
ELENA COELLO
What is the identity of the brand?
Our identity is the reflection of the essence of the Atlantic culture: feeling belonging to the Atlantic community, its culture, landscape, people, design, etc.
Our goal is to enhance the beauty of the Atlantic style, respect the planet and work with brands that care for the environment, our ocean, our forests and our surroundings.
In Lar Atlántica the details are very important, what are these?
Each of the elements that are part of the space are inspired by the Atlantic culture.
From the palette of colors that represent the fog, the wet sand at low tide and the blue of the ocean, to other details such as hangers that are wooden cleats, benches painted in the ultramarine blue characteristic of fishing boats, wooden floors of chestnut tree and ferns very characteristic of our forests.
The typography is stencil like that of ships seen in ports.
The branding that surrounds the brand has been designed to help convey that Atlantic feeling that we seek.
How is Lar Atlántica inside?
Lar Atlántica has 7 rooms and a small common area and a nice common terrace.
At Lar Atlántica, there are two types of rooms, double or single and all with authentic Atlantic details.
Confortable beds, original amenities, Atlantic welcome pack included if you book by web.
It has everything you need to enjoy your stay in the city.
Location
Lar Atlántica is in the most central street in Vigo: Urzáiz 83. Walking Casco Vello (old part of the city), there is only a 10-minutes.
Public transports is very close to Lar Atlántica. We have a bus stop just 150 meters away that will take you almost anywhere in Vigo.
But Vigo is not only the Old town. When you leave Lar Atlántica and instead of going down without stopping, turn right or left and enter a few streets further up you will discover our neighborhood: Barrio Casablanca.
It is a very cultural and musical neighborhood that is worth discovering.
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A Casa de Aldán
A casa de Aldán
Why We Love It | Sleeping on a old salting factory is possible.
You can feel inside the silence, the cedar, the smell of cedar, the port, the sea, the garden, the stone, love for the details, the history of a place, Aldán.
One of the things we love most about staying in A casa de Aldán is the unmatched hospitality. They treat travelers like dear friends and family.
All pictures are from A Casa de Aldán.
Where To Find It | Aldán, Cangas do Morrazo
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Apartamentos Ardora
Apartamentos Ardora
Why We Love It | Design and architecture framed in an Atlantic landscape
Ardora Apartments on the Aldán estuary, Vilariño beach.
Simplicity, design and elegance would be the words that best describe this accommodation.
Spectacular views of the Ría de Aldán and carefully maintained interiors.
Cedar and leather are some of the natural materials that highlight and envelop the environment.
Awards | De la Vega and With Zinc.
All pictures are from Apartamentos Ardora.
Where To Find It | Aldán, Cangas do Morrazo
Why it’s an Atlantic Style
In the middle of the village are located these spectacular apartments with their zinc-covered upper levels and the lively roof landscape.
The interiors are completely clad in cedar wood and convey getting an Atlantic style atmosphere.
Nearby you can hike through the forest, learn to dive in the Aldán bay, discover small and quiet beaches and enjoy the authentic Atlantic Gastronomy.
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Casas na areia
Casas da areia
On the Atlantic Coast of Portugal you can find this singular accommodation.
Why We Love It |The simple design and the how to recover them respecting the local traditions.
Casas Na Areia is located 1 hour south from Lisbon, in Comporta – Portugal.
The Bedrooms, have concrete floors and minimalist white Corian open plan Bathrooms.
The white linen fabric curtains and the Gervasoni Gost Beds contrast with the wooden trunks as bed side tables.
The Garden, was left wild with its spontaneous vegetation on the dunes. Small, (sandy coloured), swimming pool to refresh the warm summer days. In the pool area, outdoor furniture by Kettal and a big daybed is built on a local fishing boat.
All pictures are from Casa das Areias.
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Bluscus
Bluscus
Why We Love It | Enjoying a sunset from a schooner, while listening to music and tasting some smalls scallops are some of the many experiences that you can enjoy in Galicia at the hands of Bluscus.
You can also learn about trades related to the sea from the hand of the workers themselves, talking to them.
You connect with nature, live the marine culture of the area, meet new people and enjoy the trip to Galicia in a different way.
The Atlantic Culture is shared and felt in each of these experiences.
Pablo Mariño is the entrepreneur behind this business. Connected to the sea from a very young age, he tells us how the idea was born.
Where to find | www.bluscus.es
All pictures are from Bluscus
Since you were little you have lived very connected to the sea, how did it all start?
Sea life is very hard.
I have lived the sea from a very young age.
My grandparents told me stories of the sea and their experiences of when they worked in one of the harshest seas, the North Sea.
These stories I will always carry with me.
I was born in Vigo but I consider myself from Ribeira (a small fishing village in Galicia) where my whole family is from.
Years after training and getting away from the maritime world a bit, I studied Business Administration, but years later, together with other entrepreneurs, we saw the possibility of creating a company closely related to the sea, which would be Bluscus.
Bluscus took its first steps in the summer of 2014.
At that time we were already aware of the quality of Galician products and of some particularities that the Galician coast offers, but we realized that they were not so well known abroad.
We are dedicated to showing the sea, it is the first step for people to protect the sea, knowing it.
PABLO MARIÑO
What makes you unique?
We want to bring the marine culture closer to visitors through professionals from the sea.
Experiences that can be lived in the first person and actively.
We also bet on sustainability and inclusion.
Bluscus works throughout the Galician coastline and one of our work centers is Cambados.
Sometimes our office becomes the sea.
What is your contribution to the Atlantic culture?
We are dedicated to showing the sea, it is the first step for people to protect the sea, knowing it.
Teaching the different fishing arts and transmitting all the values that are in the sea.
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Las flores de Greta
Las flores de Greta
Why We Love It | The Atlantic forests are full of secrets like trees, leaves and flowers, authentic beauty in a natural state and also their smells penetrate on your memory if you are lucky to visit them.
Las flores de Greta has managed to transfer the natural pigments of the leaves and flowers to fabrics of organic origin through an artisan process.
Each piece is unique since each season, geographical location, humidity among other factors will make each piece different.
Three women are the ones behind this business, Nuria, Uxía and Antía.
Three very creative artists who are passionate about nature and craftsmanship.
They tell us more about their beautiful brand.
Where to find | www.lasfloresdegreta.com
All pictures are from Las Flores de Greta
How it started?
Our story begins at the end of 2017, when we were fortunate that our paths crossed at a similar vital moment for the three of us who, along with the restlessness common concern for a change of life, led us to form this work team.
Las flores de Greta was born with the idea of making an eternal memory of something ephemeral, such as the flowers of a bridal bouquet, through a botanical printing technique called Ecoprint on fabrics of natural origin and of great quality such as silk.
We transfer the pigments of leaves and flowers to fabrics of organic origin, thus capturing the colors and shapes that nature gives us.
“One of the questions that is always repeated is: and who is Greta? Greta is not one of us, although she has a little bit of each one …”
NURIA, UXÍA & ANTÍA
Who are Greta?
Las flores de Greta is a team of 3: Nuria, with training in jewelery and gemology and crafts; Uxía, with training in graphic design and I, Antía, with training in technical industrial engineering. All three with artistic vocation and passion for crafts since childhood.
Our conjunction complements the project thanks to the diversity of our training.
One of the questions that is always repeated is: and who is Greta? Greta is not one of us, although she has a little bit of each one …
What makes you unique?
We offer a very special product, we make unique pieces using the Ecoprint technique.
We work one by one our pieces placing leaves and flowers on the fabrics forming exclusive designs.
Pieces loaded with emotional content, the result of a philosophy based on respect for nature and the development of this technique from which we never stop learning.
and finally, how will we remember you?
Las flores de Greta is a brand of products made using the artisanal ecoprint technique, exclusively since all our prints are different and promoting responsible and sustainable consumption with our process and our philosophy.
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Camino de playa
Camino de playa
Why We Love It | Design and traditional architecture
Camino de playa is on the Costa da Vela Nature Reserve in Galicia.
The houses are isolated, surrounded by vineyards, far from any roads.
Simplicity, design and tradition would be the words that best describe this accommodation.
We love this interiors as well because of nature all around, old stone, wood and simplicity.
All pictures are from Camino de playa.
Where To Find It | Costa da Vela Nature Reserve, Aldán, Cangas do Morrazo
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Noa Boutique Hotel
Noa Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It | Design, environment and care of the environment
Noa Boutique Hotel faces the Atlantic, on the Galician coast, in the bay of A Coruña.
Large windows that fill the spacious rooms with light.
They perfectly combine natural elements such as wood with the most current design without losing the Atlantic essence.
They do not forget the gastronomy, its wellness center, the outdoor pool and many other small details that give them their own personality.
Where To Find It | Oleiros, A Coruña
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