Pont du Diable

2467 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

4/5

Review type

Things to do

Location

Date of travel

2011

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Husband

Reasons for trip

We found a reference to this in the Michelin Guide to Brittany. Directions sounded a bit vague so I spent some time with Google maps identifying the exact location. This paid off as otherwise we would never have found it as it is unsigned until you are there. It is called Pont Krac’h in Breton.

We approached from the north side of the Aber (river mouth) rather than the south side as recommended by Michelin, as access looked to be better.

Coming from the south on D13 take the first right turn immediately after the bridge across Aber W’rach. At the T junction turn Right and stay on this road ignoring side turns through Prat Pol. Shortly after the road curves to the right. Take the right fork to the small parking area at the end of the road.

It is a pleasant walk down a sunken lane lined with tall trees to the ‘bridge’ across the aber which is tidal here. It is in fact a causeway of large granite slabs with gaps to allow the tide to flow between them. The causeway has seaweed rowing over most of it but it is possible to cross with care and a footpath leads up from the far side.

There seems to be some confusion as to the age of the causeway. Michelin describes it as a Gallo-Roman stepping stones. Other sources believe it to 10thC. Either way, it would have been an important crossing point over the Aber.

Like many other old bridges there is a legend attached to it. A local miller was fed up of having to make the long detour around the Aber. He made an pact with the devil who would build the bridge in exchange for the first soul that crossed it. Next morning the bridge was built. The miller loaded a sack of flour containing his cat. When he reached the bridge he pretended to be tired, put down the sack and released the cat. Apparently drunk peasants going home at night would fall off the bridge and drown – the devil’s revenge.

Time your visit for low tide to see the causeway at it’s best. Sea levels have risen 2m over the last 2000 years and the causeway is covered at high tide.

On the way back stop to admire Chapelle St Paul in Prat Pol. It is a small stone building set on a grassy bank with a small fountain. It is dedicated to St Pol Aurelien who was a Celtic Missionary and one of the seven founding saints of Brittany, who stopped here on his journeys. One legend tells how he decapitated a dragon whose head bounced three times before being buried under a cross at Pont Crac’h.

More information: http://tinyurl.com/68o5c4s

Silver Travel Advisor

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.