The history of Binic-Étables-sur-Mer
Whether you're visiting the port, a museum, a church or one of the resort's districts, the town's history is rich in events!
Discover the history of Binic-Étables-sur-Mer.
Binic and Etables-sur-Mer were originally two villages in the same parish. Then, thanks to the powerful support of the Binic shipowners at court, the commune of Binic was created on 22 August 1821.
Their histories remain closely linked, particularly during the Great Fishing. Tagarin sailors (the inhabitants of Etables-sur-Mer) embarked at Binic in particular. Indeed, since the 16th century, Binic has enjoyed a boom thanks to the Grande Pêche. Étables-sur-Mer developed into a seaside resort in the early 20th century.
The Musée d'Art et Traditions Populaires houses a rich collection of objects tracing the history of Binic-Étables-sur-Mer.
In 2016, the two communes merged to form "Binic-Étables-sur-Mer".
The history of the port and the Great Fishery
The history of the port of Binic dates back to the Bronze Age.
At that time, it was already a commercial port for tin.
Thanks to its favourable geographical position, Binic was very soon a centre for trade, with fairs and large markets. Several markets were held throughout the year, attracting traders, craftsmen, farmers, sailors and housewives from neighbouring villages and the hinterland.
In the 17th century, there were 4 annual fairs.
The Godelins district
In 1895, Oscar and Victoria Legris, a "Belle Epoque" couple, decided to make Etables a renowned seaside destination by developing the Godelins beach and its heights.
18 villas and a hotel were built to accommodate the first bathers.
Guided walks are organised all year round for groups of children.
The Little Train of the Côtes du Nord
Passing through the heart of the Ponto Valley via the Pourrhis Viaduct, the Petit Train des Côtes du Nord took "bathers" to their holiday destination, the Godelins district, from 1905 to 1956.
This rail network comprised 19 lines with a total length of 452 km.
Religious heritage
As you wander around the commune, you'll come across churches, manor houses, chapels and calvaries.
Some are fairly easy to find... others are hidden away in more secret places... Follow the guide!
The Bernains
This natural area offers almost 12 hectares of walking trails.
Steeped in history, from antiquity to the Middle Ages, the remains here form a stone wall over 600 metres long.
It is said to have had seven towers, now demolished. One of them, known as "César's Tower", is said to have once served as a lighthouse for the port of Binic. Several viewpoints offer magnificent panoramic views over the Bay of Saint-Brieuc.
It's an ideal spot for a picnic.
Accessible from the GR34, this park also has a trail designed for people with reduced mobility.
The Rigel
The Rigel is the emblematic old rigging of the town and port of Binic and takes part in many maritime events.
It is a former mackerel boat built in Saint-Malo in 1945, equipped for fishing and then pleasure boating. In 1954, she was sold to the Ecole des Affaires Maritimes, then sailed as a school boat for the Cercle Nautique de la Marine and as a master's boat for the Saint-Malo scouts in the 1970s. Abandoned for more than 10 years, the ship underwent a complete restoration.
In 1992, it was listed as a Historic Monument. Owned by the town since 2001, its management was entrusted to the "L'Etoile de Binic" association in 2003, which is responsible for maintaining it and bringing it to life. Measuring 6.28 m long, it was named the Rigel, after a star in the Orion constellation.
Guided walks
To learn more about the history and highlights of the town, take a guided tour of the Tourist Office.