Brittany is a premier coastal hiking destination in Europe, offering varied seascapes, fascinating landmarks, and mouthwatering culinary delights, often enjoyed directly on the trail.
We have long set our eyes on this region of Northern France, because of the GR 34 long-distance-trail which traces the Breton Coast for 2000 km. What could be more inviting than venturing to a region, where the entire coastline is a walking trail?
During our trip to Bretagne, we sampled scenic stretches of the glorious GR 34 on a series of day hikes in Côtes d’Armor, Finistère, and Morbihan.
Our Brittany hiking guide summarizes several standout hikes and walks that can easily be integrated into any trip to the Breton Coast.
- When to Visit Brittany: May – September (October)
- Weather Forecast: Météo Bretagne
- Brittany Airports: Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), Brest Bretagne Airport (BES), Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS)
- Brittany Ferry Ports: Roscoff and St. Malo
- Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Brittany Road Trip Itinerary
- Where to Stay: Best Places to Stay in Brittany
- Get the Guidebook: DK Eyewitness Brittany (travel guidebook) and Walking the Brittany Coast Path (trekking guidebook)
Brittany Hiking Map
1. The Custom Officers’ Path (GR 34)
The celebrated Custom Officers’ Path (Sentier des Douaniers in French) is a long-distance hiking trail that winds along the Brittany coastline for 2000 kilometers.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Breton Coastal Path was used by customs officers to patrol the coastline in order to combat smuggling.Though these officers were certainly not immune to the good old bribe, according to our Breizh guide in Roscoff.
The officers were also responsible for rescuing shipwreck victims and thwarting locals from looting stranded ships.
Many keen walkers hike sections of the GR 34 each year, with the goal of completing the entire trek in several years.
To learn about this trail and how to plan a multi-day hike, buy Walking the Brittany Coast Path.
2. Cap Frehel – Château de La Roche Goyon Hike
Cap Frehel is a dramatic headland along the Emerald Coast of Northern Brittany. Dominated by a towering lighthouse, Cap Frehel mesmerizes visitors with its nesting seabirds and 70-meter-high shale and limestone cliffs.
Just a few kilometers to the east, Château de La Roche Goyon (Fort la Latte) perches dramatically on a wave-lashed headland. If there’s one place in Brittany that feels especially laced with magic, it’s Fort la Latte, a medieval seaside castle dating back to the 14th century.
This coastal fortress, often featured in films, ignites the imagination with its curtain walls, defensive towers, drawbridge, portcullis, and keep.
The castle is privately owned, but open to the public between April and mid-November.
The finest way to experience these two Breton landmarks is to walk the clifftop path from the seaside castle to the Cap Frehel lighthouse.
When we hiked the Cap Frehel-Fort la Latte trail at the end of May, the cliffs were carpeted in blooming yellow gorse.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Cap Frehel | Google Maps
Distance | 10.8 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 107 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay near Cap Frehel | Hôtel de Diane in Sables-d’Or-les-Pins.
3. La Route des Falaises: Pointe de Bilfot to Pointe de Minard
La Route des Falaises runs along the coastline of Saint-Brieuc Bay between Saint-Quay Portrieux and Paimpol. It comprises three parallel routes (hiking, cycling, and driving) that occasionally intersect.
North of Saint-Quay Portrieux, you’ll find the highest sea cliffs in Bretagne, measuring 104 meters high. These cliffs are called Falaises de Plouha.
We hiked the Cliff Route from Plage de Bréhec to Pointe de Guilben.
Our favorite stretch of the trail was from Pointe de Bilfot to Pointe de Minard, which could easily be hiked as a 2-hour out-and-back hike from the Pointe de Bilfot car park (Google Maps).
From Pointe de Bilfot, follow the road south until you see the GR 34 branch off to the left. The trail runs across the cliffs for a while, before steeply descending to Plage de Porz Donan. From this quiet secluded beach, the path makes a dramatic counter-ascent and then levels out as it approaches Pointe de Minard.
Tip | Eat Lunch at Crêperie L’Ost-Pic (Google Maps) in Plouézec before/after your hike.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Pointe de Bilfot Car Park
Distance | 6.2 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 142 meters
Difficulty | Easy-Moderate
Where to Stay in Paimpol | Les Hauts de Kerano (3-star hotel), Maison d’hôtes de Kergiquel (B&B), or Chambres et tables d’hôtes Cornec (B&B)
4. Pink Granite Coast Hike
The Pink Granite Coast is an uncommonly beautiful stretch of the Breton Coast, strewn with copper-pink granite boulders and rock formations.
Though the borders of the Pink Granite Coast are up for debate, the most dramatic section lies between Trégastel and Perros-Guirec.
We recommend following the GR34 for 15 km from Plage du Coz-Pors in Trégastel to Plage de Trestraou in Perros-Guirec.
This arresting coastal trail contours around Île Renote Peninsula and then traces the Baie de Sainte-Anne to Plage de Tourony. After crossing two windmill bridges, the way leads to Port de Ploumanac’h and to the beaches of La Bastille and Saint Guirec, the perfect spot for a mid-hike lunch.
From Saint Guirec, the trail veers inland for a few minutes, before returning to the coast, where wondrous views of the Ploumanac’h Lighthouse (aka Phare de Mean Ruz) await.
The path around Ploumanac’h peninsula, called Sentier des Douaniers, delivers one jaw-dropping view of blush-pink granite boulders and rock stacks after another.
Since this is a point-to-point hike, we recommend taking a taxi, or a bus from Perros-Guirec to Trégastel. We stayed in Hôtel Les Costans in Perros-Guirec and took a taxi to the trailhead, as bus times were too infrequent in early June.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Plage du Coz-Pors, Trégastel
Ending Point | Trestraou Beach, Perros-Guirec
Distance | 15 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 105 meters
Elevation Loss | 54 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay in Perros-Guirec | Kanoperoz-Plage de Trestraou (budget), Hôtel Les Costans (midrange), Villa les Hydrangeas (midrange), Spa L’Agapa by CODAGE (luxury), or Grand Hôtel Perros-Guirec (luxury)
5. Port de Térénez – Saint-Samson Coastal Trail
The Port de Térénez – Saint-Samson Coastal Trail is a quiet loop trail along Morlaix Bay in Plougasnou. Hugging the rugged coast, the path leads north, passing by wild beaches and bizarre rock formations like Le coeur de pierre (“the heart of stone”) and La Pile d’assiettes (“the stack of plates”).
When you get to Plage de Guerzit, turn inland and follow the road south to Restaurant La Maison de Kerdiès (reservation needed). This gourmet restaurant serves a very affordable 3-course lunch menu overlooking the Bay of Morlaix. Eating at this hidden gem was one of our favorite experiences in Brittany.
From Restaurant La Maison de Kerdiès, the trail continues following rural roads and pathways, ultimately circling back to Port de Térénez.
You can download the GPX tracks for the extended route here.
Tip | The GR-34 bypasses Point Saint-Samson. Ignore the GR 34 and stay on the coast.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Port de Térénez Car Park
Distance | 7.6 km circuit
Time Needed | 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 48 meters
Where to Stay in Morlaix | La Passerelle (budget), Chambres d’hôtes Manoir Ker-Huella (midrange), or Duc de Bretagne Luxury Appart’hotel (midrange)
Where to Stay in Roscoff | Chez Janie (budget), La Brise (midrange), Hôtel La Résidence des Artistes (budget-midrange), Hôtel Mercure (luxury), or Hôtel Le Temps de Vivre Roscoff (luxury)
6. Pointe de Penn al Lann Coastal Trail in Carantec
Carantec is a commune along the Bay of Morlaix, between Plougasnou and Roscoff.
A delightful path winds around the Carantec coast, leading to Pointe de Penn al Lann and Tahiti Beach.
Pointe de Penn al Lann affords the best land view of Château du Taureau, the island fortress built in the 16th century to protect Morlaix from the English. It also faces L’Ile Louet, a small island with a romantic lighthouse that can be rented.
We hiked a shortened version of the Penn al Lann – Point de vue loop trail, because of poor weather. Both trails are outlined on our Brittany hiking map: green (short version) and gray (extended version).
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Carantec
Distance | 5.5 km circuit
Time Needed | 1:45 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 73 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay in Carantec | Hôtel La Baie de Morlaix (midrange)
Where to Stay in Roscoff | Chez Janie (budget), La Brise (midrange), Hôtel La Résidence des Artistes (budget-midrange), Hôtel Mercure (luxury), or Hôtel Le Temps de Vivre Roscoff (luxury)
7. Pointe de Pen Hir Hike in Crozon Peninsula
Renowned for its unspoiled and rugged beauty, the Crozon Peninsula ranks as one of the best hiking destinations in Brittany.
One route you should prioritize is the circular trail to Pointe de Pen Hir, starting in the fishing village of Camaret-Sur-Mer.
From Camaret, follow the coastal trail towards Pointe du Grand Gouin, marked by a fort from the 19th century.
Traverse the cliffs that rim Porzh Naye bay to reach the headland of Pointe du Toulinguet, recognizable by its defensive wall and lighthouse.
The path continues around Plage de Pen Hat to reach the Atlantic Battle Memorial Museum.
Another 30 minutes of level walking brings you to the impressive Pointe de Pen Hir headland, formed by sandstone and quartzite sedimentary rocks dating back 475 million years.
Proceed onward to Plage de Veryac’h and visit the lively beachside crêperie, Chez Germaine, where you can enjoy classics like Complete Jambon and Chevre Miel & Tomates confites, complemented by artisan cider.
Trek across the Falaises du Veryac’h cliffs to Route de Lamzoz, leading to the megalithic Lagatjar standing stones. These 87 stones, potentially dating back 2500 years, are believed to hold astronomical significance. Finally, return to Camaret via Rue Saint-Pol Roux, completing this scenic and rewarding circuit.
After lunch, cross the Falaises du Veryac’h cliffs to Route de Lamzoz, where you’ll turn inland and follow roads to reach the megalithic Lagatjar alignments, totalling 87 standing stones.
Finally, return to Camaret via Rue Saint-Pol Roux, completing this rewarding hike in Brittany.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Camaret
Distance | 10.6 km circuit
Time Needed | 3 hours. We needed 4:30 hours with lunch and breaks.
Elevation Gain/Loss | 154 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay in Morgat, Crozon Peninsula | L’Escale Marine, The Originals Relais (midrange), Appartements Fontaine (budget), L améthystes (budget), TY SEA (budget), Maison à l’orée du bois du Kador (3-bedroom house)
8. Port Coton to the Poulains Lighthouse, Belle Ile Island
Belle-Île, or Belle-Île-en-Mer, is the largest and arguably the most enchanting island in Brittany. Affectionately known as the “beautiful island,” it lies just 14 km south of Point de Quiberon in the Morbihan department.
Like all of Bretagne, the entire coast of Belle Ile can be explored on foot (GR 340).
We visited Belle Ile as a day trip from Quiberon, taking the earliest ferry to the island and returning with the latest possible ferry. With a full day, we decided to hike a huge section of the GR 340 along the Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast) starting in Port Coton and ending in Poulains Lighthouse. We used local buses to get around.
All the details of our day trip are explained in our travel guide to Belle Ile Island.
This was a sensational hike, but long, totalling 19.4 km.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Port Coton Bus Stop
Ending Point | Les Poulains Bus Stop
Distance | 19.4 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 5:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 150 meters
Elevation Loss | 155 meters
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate
Where to Stay in Quiberon Peninsula | Hôtel La Petite Sirène (budget-midrange), Hôtel Ker Noyal (midrange), or Domaine de la pointe Quiberon (4-bedroom house)
Where to Stay in Le Palais, Belle Ile | Hôtel Atlantique (budget-midrange), Hôtel Restaurant Corto Maltese (budget-midrange), or Brittany Grand Hotel (midrange)
Where to Stay in Sauzon, Belle Ile | Villa Pen Prad (midrange B&B), Hôtel Le Cardinal Belle-Île (midrange-luxury)
9. Quiberon’s Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast)
The wave-battered Atlantic coast of Quiberon Peninsula is called Côte Sauvage, or Wild Coast. A level path runs along the entire jagged coast from Port de Portivy to Quiberon.
Facing west, Quiberon’s Côte Sauvage is naturally a great place to watch the sunset.
We walked a small section of the path at the end of the day around Port Goulom, also known as Port Pigeon.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Port de Portivy
Ending Point | Quiberon
Distance | 10.3 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 25 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay in Quiberon Peninsula | Hôtel La Petite Sirène (budget-midrange), Hôtel Ker Noyal (midrange), or Domaine de la pointe Quiberon (4-bedroom house)
Where to Stay in Carnac-Plage | Le Celtique Hôtel & Wellness – Carnac-Plage
Where to Stay in La Trinite Sur Mer | Le Lodge Kerisper
France Travel Guides
Marseille:
Calanques National Park:
- How to Visit Calanques National Park
- Hiking in Calanques National Park
- Cassis – Calanque d’En Vau Hike
- Devenson Cliffs Hike
- Calanque de Sugition – Calanque de Morgiou Hike
- Calanque de Sormiou – Les Goudes Hike
Pin this Image for Future Trip Planning!
Stay Connected:
Connect with us on Pinterest.
Follow us on Instagram.
Like us on Facebook.
Support Us:
If you love reading our content, you can tip us via Ko-Fi.
