5 hikes with a food break along the GR®34Walks with delightful stops off the Sentier des Douaniers

5 hikes with a food break along the GR®34

Have you thought about taking a little side-step on the GR®34? On the menu there are circuits and walks for every taste along the Breton coast. When you’re hungry, to recover from a climb or a breath-taking view, relax facing the sea or in a sofa: here, the freshness of the products and the enchanted setting are guaranteed. Relaxation mode on, let’s go!

©Jordi Carrió

Along the river in La Roche-Bernard

Duration : 1h45 Distance : 6.5 km

In just over an hour and a half, you can penetrate the craggy charms of this seaside town of character, pass bridges, above and below, get close to unspoilt nature, climb the ridges, etc. There are many sights to see along the River Vilaine. Soak up the beauty and the architecture as you stroll. At the end of the port, head to Le Sarah B, a former granite warehouse building on the quayside in 1800, for a spot of lunch: the shaded terrace, the colourful décor and the tasty food will never let you down!

Topoguide La Bretagne… à pied® réf RE10, which you can find on:

Topoguide

A walk on the edge of the world around the Pointe du Raz

Duration : 3h20 Distance : 10 km

Yes it’s a must-see in Brittany and highly popular in peak season, but the site remains unspoilt and with paths to protect nature. Set off for a walk full of surprises: Lescoff chapel, Bestrée, the smallest port in Brittany, and of course the emblematic spur. The shimmering water and the plays of light over the moor make this a magical place, not to mention the view of Vieille lighthouse or Pointe du Van beyond the bay. After the walk, go to Monsieur Papier, the friendly and tempting café/stationery shop for a home-made snack in front of the ocean.

Topoguide L’Ouest Cornouaille…à pied® ref. P294, which you can find on:

Topoguide

Saint-Ourzal chapel circuit: a land of variety

Duration : 3h00 Distance : 9 km

This is one of the loveliest sections of the GR^®34 On one side is the Iroise Sea. On the other, a natural setting south of Porspoder. The circuit goes through the moor towards Saint-Ourzal chapel, a place of dreams and legends, not far from the megaliths in the open field. It then goes to Pointe de Garchine and its 180° view of the water. Finish along the coastline: Mazou, a little port sheltered from the swell, invites you to moor up according to an ancient tradition that you will have to guess. For comfort, head to Le Chenal. You could stay here forever, relaxing in the cosy sofas, enjoying fresh and local cuisine, with the sound of the waves in the background…

Walk available in the topoguide Le Pays d’Iroise… à pied® ref P295, which you can find on: and which is on sale in the five tourist information offices in Pays d’Iroise (Plougonvelin, Le Conquet, Plouarzel, Ploudalmézeau, St-Renan)

Locate the walk on the “Randonnées & Balades” map

Paths through nature and a view of the Emerald Coast in Saint-Briac/Mer

Duration : 3h10 Distance : 12.5 km

This walk follows in the footsteps of the customs officers on the coastal path, as well as many others: sailors, Belle Epoque bathers and artists, from Renoir to Signac, have all cracked for Frémur ria, your starting point. The trail runs alongside protected beaches and the rugged shoreline. From the Nessay peninsular and its prestigious castle to Cap Fréhel, it reveals its majestic panoramas. Its stony and wooded paths will finally take you to more earthly delights: With its terrace with sea view and its attentive service, the elegant Nessay bar that you glimpsed earlier is now all yours. A wonderful teatime where time stands still!

Topoguide Le Pays de Saint-Malo…à pied® réf P351, which you can find on:

Topoguide

Stars of the bay in Dahouët, between the land and the sea

Duration : 1h30 Distance : 3.3 km

The GR® is at its very best in the little port of Dahouët, a concentration of treasures close to Val-André. Stroll around the little streets and creeks, admire the villas along the estuary that opens onto the rocky coast, appreciate the many viewpoints: from Notre Dame de la Garde chapel, the view is exceptional. It takes in the bay of Saint-Brieuc. To charge your batteries, go to the indoor market for a local and generous break! At Bon Picnic, nearly everything is organic or sustainably sourced and made on site. Tip: order food before the walk for lunch on the go with a sea view or inside the market. A full tummy keeps everyone happy!

Circuit taken from Au fil des Côtes d’Armor… balades en Côte de Penthièvre

Link to the walk