Walking the Brittany Coast Path

A guidebook to walking the northern section of the GR34 Brittany Coast Path, following 624km (388 mile) of dramatic coastline from Mont-Saint-Michel to Roscoff. Known as the Sentier des Douaniers or Customs Officers’ Path, the trail traces one of France’s most celebrated long-distance routes, revealing a constantly changing landscape of rugged cliffs, sweeping bays, sandy beaches and rocky headlands. Along the way, walkers pass historic ports, traditional fishing villages and lively seaside towns, experiencing the distinctive character, history and culture of Brittany.

Suitable for any moderately fit walker, this section of the GR34 can be completed in around a month and requires no technical skills. The route is described from east to west in manageable daily stages, allowing walkers to experience the full variety of Brittany’s coastline at a comfortable pace. For those with less time, the guide also highlights shorter itineraries that capture some of the most spectacular scenery and rewarding sections of the trail.

The Brittany Coast Path is described in 28 stages of between 13 and 33km, with clear step-by-step route descriptions, detailed mapping and route summary tables to help you plan daily distances and accommodation.
Includes 1:100,000 mapping for each stage, larger-scale maps for towns and key locations, like Saint-Malo, Saint-Laurent de la Mer, Morlaix, Carantec and Roscoff.
GPX files for the Brittany Coast Path available to download for easy navigation on digital devices.
Comprehensive practical information on accommodation, food and refreshments, public transport connections and local facilities, making it easy to organise and adapt your GR34 itinerary.
Includes four suggested 5-day highlight itineraries, ideal for walkers who want to experience the highlights of the Brittany Coast Path on a shorter trip.
Helpful planning advice covering preparation, travel to and from the route, accommodation listings, and tips for walking a long-distance coastal trail.


Following in the footsteps of the customs officers who once patrolled this coast to prevent smuggling, the GR34 offers an unforgettable journey through one of France’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions. With ever-changing sea views, abundant wildlife and countless opportunities to enjoy Breton hospitality and cuisine, this guide provides everything you need to explore this remarkable coastline with confidence.

Seasons

The GR34 can be hiked at any time of the year, but - taking into account weather and holiday crowds - the best periods are late spring and early autumn.

Centres

Cancale; Saint-Malo; Dinard; Saint-Cast-le-Guildo; Sables-d'Or-les-Pins; Erquy; Pléneuf-Val-André; Saint-Brieuc; Binic; Saint-Quay-Portrieux; Paimpol; Lézardrieux; Tréguier; Perros-Guirec; Trébeurden; Lannion; Locquirec; Morlaix; Carantec; Roscoff

Difficulty

There are no technical challenges on the GR34; any fit walker can enjoy this trek. The GR34 is not a mountain trail: there are extensive sections of level walking. The trail does, however, climb and descend many slopes - never very long but steep in places.

Must See

Mont-Saint-Michel; Emerald Coast; coastal cliffs between Pointe du Grouin and La Guimorais; Fort La Latte; Cap Fréhel; Cap d'Erquy; Sillon de Talbert; Castel Meur; Sept Îles bird sanctuary; Pink Granite Coast; Beg an Fry; boulder-strewn coast between Pointe du Diben and Pointe Annalouesten; Barnénez Cairn

Map key

Overview map

Route summary table

Introduction

What it's like to hike on the north Brittany coast

Geology

Wildlife

History

Culture

When to go

Getting there and around

Accommodation

Clothing and equipment

Waymarking

Maps

Money

Staying in touch

Health and safety

Using this guide

The Brittany Coast Path

Stage 1 Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Broladre

Stage 2 Saint-Broladre to Cancale

Stage 3 Cancale to La Guimorais

Stage 4 La Guimorais to Saint-Malo

Stage 5 Saint-Malo to Lancieux

Stage 6 Lancieux to Saint-Cast-le-Guildo

Stage 7 Saint-Cast-le-Guildo to Petit Tr&##xe9;celin

Stage 8 Petit Tr&##xe9;celin to Sables-d'Or-les-Pins

Stage 9 Sables-d'Or-les-Pins to Pl&##xe9;neuf-Val-Andr&##xe9;

Stage 10 Pl&##xe9;neuf-Val-Andr&##xe9; to Hillion

Stage 11 Hillion to Saint-Laurent-de-la-Mer

Stage 12 Saint-Laurent-de-la-Mer to Saint-Quay-Portrieux

Stage 13 Saint-Quay-Portrieux to Br&##xe9;hec

Stage 14 Br&##xe9;hec to Paimpol

Stage 15 Paimpol to L&##xe9;zardrieux

Stage 16 L&##xe9;zardrieux to Le Qu&##xe9;bo

Stage 17 Le Qu&##xe9;bo to Tr&##xe9;guier

Stage 18 Tr&##xe9;guier to Port Blanc

Stage 19 Port Blanc to Perros-Guirec

Stage 20 Perros-Guirec to Tr&##xe9;gastel (Coz Pors)

Stage 21 Tr&##xe9;gastel (Coz Pors) to Île Grande

Stage 22 Île Grande to Le Yaudet

Stage 23 Le Yaudet to Locquirec

Stage 24 Locquirec to Plougasnou

Stage 25 Plougasnou to Saint-Samson

Stage 26 Saint-Samson to Morlaix

Stage 27 Morlaix to Carantec

Stage 28 Carantec to Roscoff

Appendix A Four 5-day itineraries on the GR34

Appendix B Facilities table

Appendix C Accommodation

Appendix D Transport

Appendix E Useful contacts

Appendix F Glossary