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Brittany’s Granite Coast

Highlights

Fantastically shaped pink granite blocks littering a pretty section of coastline. Varied walking with high and wild cliffs, beautiful sandy coves, and dramatic rocky platforms & islands. Holiday Profile : 9 nights/10 days – 8 days independent walking moving between guest houses. Dates : Everday of week subject to availability during 1 April to 31 October.

At a Glance

A self-guided walking holiday exploring one of the most beautiful and dramatic stretches of Brittany’s coastline

Price

From € 1,866 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

Brittany’s Cote de Granit Rose or Pink Granite Coast, part of the Cotes d’Armor, so-called because of the colour of its rocks, is not only one of the most beautiful stretches of Brittany’s coastline, but one of the most lovely and dramatic stretches of coast in France and Europe. The area is renowned for its unusual rock formations, the most dramatic of which can be found on the coastal path between Perros-Guirec and the port of Ploumanac’h. The GR34 long distance trail or sentier de douaniers, a former coastguard footpath, winds among fantastically shaped rocks that have been weathered by centuries of wind and tide, interspersed with countless rock pools, sandy coves and stunning views and seascapes. In addition, other sections of coast have wild cliffs and peninsulas, dramatic estuaries and pretty fishing ports. The undulating hills behind the coast are covered with pine trees, gorse, heather and wild flowers whilst in front are a myriad of off-shore islands some of which can be walked to at low tide. The area is also peppered with picturesque villages, medieval religious monuments and prehistoric standing stones and burial mounds. Our 8-day self-guided walking holiday which starts at the pretty town of Treguier and finishes at Morlaix can also be booked as two separate holidays with 4 walkings days each. Holiday Profile . 9 nights/10 days: 8 days independent walking moving between guest houses. Everday of week subject to availability during 1 April to 31 October . Walking Profile & Grade .

Fantastically shaped pink granite blocks littering a pretty section of coastline
Varied walking with high and wild cliffs, beautiful sandy coves, and dramatic rocky platforms & islands
Flexibility to do the holiday with 8 walking days or in two parts
Taxi transfers to avoid sections of road walking

At a Glance

Moderate

On this independent walking holiday in Brittany you have 8 walks moving between guest houses, averaging about 19km with ascents between 50m and 500m in a day. The days vary between gentle walking and harder days with more climbs and descents. Paths are generally good and it follows a well way-marked GR trail for the most part. Some small sections are stony, muddy and steep. This walking holiday is graded moderate. You should have some experience of day walking and be in reasonable health. See more information about walking grades.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Manoir de Kergrec'h

Transfer to Kergrec'h manor near Plougrescant on the Jaud Estuary where it opens out into the Channel. Transfer from Lannion included in holiday price (see travel options).

Day 2: Plougrescant - Port Blanc

Short transfer from Treguier and then you will follow the GR34 trail which will take you out along the quiet banks of the Jaudy estuary. The landscape changes as you walk through old fishing ports to rocky inlets. Walk up the eastern side of the Plougrescant headland to Pointe du Chateau the most northerly point along the Brittany coast. The large granite rocks make this a wild and impressive spot with magnificient views in all directions. Further round you reach Castel-Meur, also known as La Maison du Gouffre or “the house between the rocks;” a cottage wedged between two huge jagged rocks. You then follow the western side of the headland with beautiful seascapes from places like Pors Scaff. Again following the GR34, at low tide you can take the beach round to Bugeles, where the seascapes are amazing; the promontory is ringed with islands. Reach your hotel in the small seaside resort of Port Blanc.

Overnight: Port Blanc, Walk: 18km, +60m

Day 3: Port Blanc- Perros Guirec

The wild and rocky coastline gives way to sandy and pebble beaches. The arc of sand that is Trestel Plage leads to a wooded section on the approach to Perros Guirec. Only 8km out to sea from here is the Archipelago of the Sept Iles, one of Brittany's most important bird reserves with puffins and gannets. Boat trips available from the jetty at Plage de Trestaou. Short transfer to your accommodation in Perros Guirec.

Overnight: Perros Guirec, Walk: 17km, +240m

Day 4: Perros Guirec - Kerenoc

You begin today by following the sentier des douaniers or custom's officer's path, to Ploumanac'h. This section is what gives the area its name, the Pink Granite Coast. Strange rock formations abound for all today's walk. A walk to the top of the headland brings you to Pors Kamor with its unusual lighthouse before heading round to the harbour at Ploumanac'h. Further round you meet the causeway to the island of Ile Renote and on past bays of orange sand to Coz Porz (boat trips available from the jetty). Around the Pointe de Landrellec there are wonderful views of the islands before heading inland to your overnight stop.

Optional Day: Extra day if you wish to explore some inland scenery including many prehistoric sites, plus Ile Grand and continue to the beaches at Trebeurden. 18km, +150m

Overnight: Kerenoc, Walk: 22km, +50m

Day 5: Trebeurden - Lannion

After a short transfer to Trebeurden, the scenery changes dramatically as you go up and down high cliffs to reach Pointe de Beg Leguer and Pointe Servel at 60m above the sea with great views over Lannion Bay before you follow the narrow Leguer Estuary to Lannion. Highlights along the route include the Vallee de Gaos Lagorn and the views from the Pointe Servel. The estuary walk eventually leads you down to the tow path beside the river and into the town of Lannion.

If you wish to undertake the walk in two parts your first holiday ends here and your second holiday starts here.

Overnight: Lannion, Walk: max 16km, +250m

Day 6: Lannion - Locquirec

The route from Lannion heads through woodland along the banks of the river Leguer onto wild open cliffs. You round the high granite cliffs of Le Yaudet where there are pre-historic & Roman remains. Then descend to the charming Baie de la Vierge with its Pont Rous and then onto the idyllic cove of Kiriou. Walk round the Pointe de Dourven with its views across the bay to reach the sheltered location of Locquemeau. From here it's an extended cliff top path with exposed cliffs and rocky scrambles before reaching the seafront at St Michel en Greve. From here you have a transfer to the charming port of Locquirec which has 9 different beaches.

Overnight: Locquirec, Walk: 20km, +360m.

Day 7: Locquirec - Plougasnou

After navigating the headland around Locquirec, today’s walk is for the most part remote and wild, with paths that wind along the north facing cliffs. Sections of the footpath are not for the faint hearted. However there are some warning signs and there are several alternative routes and diversions that can be taken, for example, to visit St Jean du Doigt with its famous church and fountain. You head inland for your overnight stop in the centre of the village of Plougasnou.

Overnight: Locquirec, Walk: 20km, +500m.

Day 8: Plougasnou - Plouezoc'h (Bren)

From Plougasnou, you will make your way back to the coastal path, which for the most part of today’s walk will hug the shoreline. Today has a lot of headlands to navigate around, so there are opportunities to cut off some distance if needed, though you would miss out on the views from these promontories, such as Pointe de Primel with its east and west facing beaches and Pointe Analouesten with its 'sight guide' to explain the landmarks from this superb viewpoint. You will also get views of the many small islands out to sea from the St Samson to Terenez coastal path.

Overnight: Pouezoc'h (Bren), Walk: 21km, +170m.

Day 9: Plouezoc'h (Bren) - Morlaix

Today you follow the GR34 all the way into Morlaix. You don’t hug the coastline for the last 2 thirds as the main road, D76 has that honour. However, you do head inland along one of Brittany’s ancient pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostella. Before that you can visit the ancient Cairn of Barnenez and visit the oyster fishing ports of Le Palud de Keremel and Le Dourduff en Mer. One of the highlights is the historic centre of Morlaix with its medieval houses and harbour with great views to be had from the higher streets in Morlaix.

Overnight: Morlaix, Walk: 18km, +150m.

Day 10: Departure

Walking holiday finishes after breakfast and onward travel

A self-guided walking holiday exploring one of the most beautiful and dramatic stretches of Brittany’s coastline.

Accommodation & Meals

9 nights accommodation in several charming small guest houses and hotels in double or twin rooms with own bathrooms. A variety of styles with good hospitality and comfortable accommodation throughout.

When to Travel

Our self-guided walking holiday on the Granite Coast is available from the beginning of April to the end of October. Brittany has a typical maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures are around 21ºC – 27º C (70° F -80º F) with winter temperatures rarely falling below freezing especially along the coast. Rainfall occurs regularly but in-between, sunny, cloudless days are also common. In the summer months, temperatures in the region can reach 30 °C however, the climate generally remains comfortable when compared to further south in France.

April average daytime temperatures are 14°C, climbing to 20°C by the time you get to June, whilst May is the wettest of these 3 months. As well as being the warmest months, July and August are generally also the driest months and on average each have 2 days with some rain per week. September is similar to June with warm days at 20°C, but is slighly wetter on average. October however, is considerably more unsettled than the other months and has much reduced sunshine totals.

Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps

Most of this walking holiday follows the red and white waymarks of the GR34 long distance GR trail. The markings are regular. Smal sections will also follow local trails waymarked in yellow. There is a fairly dense network of signposts with place names and directions. The walking follows clear paths, tracks and minor roads for its entire duration. Our walking notes are very detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply official walking maps produced by IGN at a scale of 1:25,000. Your trail is highlighted on the maps.

Luggage Transfers

On this walking holiday your main luggage is transferred between guest houses so you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On this holiday a local taxi company is responsible for transporting your main luggage, so if you have any specific requests such as a lift to the next guest house then you can speak with the taxi driver. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 20kg. We only use hotels and small guest houses in historic buidlings and some of the rooms are accessible by stairs.

Travel Info

Make your own way to your first guest house near Plougrescant or a transfer can be provided from Lannion if required.

By Ferry:

The nearest ferry Brittany Ferries port is Roscoff. Brittany Ferries run services from Plymouth to Roscoff. Further afield there are also ferries from Portsmouth to St Malo in Brittany whilst Condor Ferries run from Weymouth and Poole to St Malo.

From Roscoff you can catch a train to Morlaix and then a regular bus service from Morlaix to Lannion. Transfer from Lannion included in holiday price.

Flights:

Flights to Brest, then after bus services to join Brest train station and train to Morlaix and bus to Lannion. Transfer from Lannion to Treguier included in holiday price.
Flights to Rennes then after heading to Rennes train station, take train to Lannion (towards Brest) changing at St Brieuc. Transfer from Lannion included in holiday price.

By Train:

If you have arrived at Roscoff by ferry you can catch a a train to Morlaix and then a regular bus service from Morlaix to Lannion. Transfer from Lannion included in holiday price.

If you have arrived at Brest airport, take a bus to centre and then train from Brest station to Morlaix and bus to Lannion. Transfer from Lannion included in holiday price.

If you have arrived at Rennes airport, take a bus to centre and then train from Rennes station to

Extra Nights

Extra nights are possible at any of the stopovers during the holiday for example you could stay an extra night at the start of the walking holiday in the beautiful Manoir Kergrec’h. There is also the option of an extra night at Kerenoc and an extra day if you wish to explore some inland scenery including many prehistoric sites, plus Ile Grand and continue to the beaches at Trebeurden.

Combining walking holidays

This coastal trail walking holiday can be combined with any of our walking holidays elsewhere in the Brittany, such as our walking holiday along Brittany’s Emerald Coast.

Tailor Made Trips

If you want to learn more about the region’s culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out those trips that include a few days in the Brittany region. Contact us to add them to your hike.

Normandy and Brittany: Coastal Gems and Medieval Tales

Explore coastal landscapes where charming villages and historic sites transport you back in time, from Honfleur to Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo