You have made up your mind — you are heading to Brittany this summer! Its sea air, its culture, and its rich heritage have no doubt been calling to you for some time. But Brittany, beyond its beaches and landscapes, is also a fantastic setting for all kinds of sporting activities — walking in particular. Hiking in Brittany is thriving, with many walkers indulging their passion and uncovering wonders along thousands of kilometres of possible routes. From the wealth of itineraries available, here are 5 hiking routes in Brittany where you are sure to find what you are looking for.
The GR 34, the Customs Officers' Path
Here is the ultimate hiking route in Brittany: the Customs Officers' Path circles the entire region, taking you along 1,800 kilometres of stunning Breton coastline.
Rocky headlands, wild coastlines, marshes, dunes, beaches, coves, diverse wildlife and flora, and a rich historical heritage — at every turn in the path, you will stop in your tracks before a postcard-perfect scene. Walking the GR 34 is one of the best ways to absorb the spirit of Brittany, breathing in the invigorating air of the open sea. From the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, along the Emerald Coast and the Pink Granite Coast, through the Abers of the Finistère tip to the Crozon Peninsula, and all the way to the Gulf of Morbihan, you will have enough to put together routes lasting several weeks or just a few days. It can be the sole purpose of your trip, or simply a few days of walking in the middle of a summer stay.
Inland Brittany with the Nantes-to-Brest Canal
Here is a hiking route in Brittany that is a little less well known, but which will take you along the waterway to discover the charm of inland Brittany.
From one lock to the next, through unspoilt nature, this route will lead you into the heart of dozens of characterful little towns. You will also spot numerous picturesque châteaux and meander along the paths of an unspoilt countryside.
Along this ribbon of water, a very easy 360-kilometre route awaits. It is an ideal hiking trail for families, done at your own pace, given how undemanding it is physically. It is also a budget-friendly hiking option, as it avoids the busier spots in summer and offers affordable accommodation along the way.
The tour of Belle-Île-en-Mer
Belle-Île is a small gem that captivates all who approach it. One of the best ways to discover it at your own pace is to walk its full circuit. In 5 to 6 days, this wonderful hiking route takes you past the needles of Port-Coton, along the golden beaches of Donnant, and through all the breathtaking scenery of the wild coast. This is a truly beautiful hiking trail in Brittany that you can combine with a more traditional stay for an exceptional summer all round! And the weather on Belle-Île is very often perfect!
The Crozon Peninsula
At the very tip of Brittany, the Crozon Peninsula stretches like a vast cross into the waters of the Atlantic. It will reveal all its charms to those who take the time to discover it.
From Cap de la Chèvre to Pointe de Pen Hir, via the Château de Dinan, the scenery changes constantly — offering stretches of flat, multicoloured moorland at Cap de la Chèvre and sheer cliffs along the Atlantic façade. You will also find coves and small beaches that make this hiking route in Brittany a unique summer outing, full of memories gathered along the way.
The Pink Granite Coast
This loop exploring one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in France is an extract from the GR 34 introduced above. There are many ways to tackle this hiking trail over just under a week — and every one of them will win you over!
Dotted with islands and islets, coves and beaches, and charming little harbours, the Pink Granite Coast offers a striking landscape of granite boulders in strange and fantastical shapes. Amid the gorse and heather, in often exceptional light, this hiking route in Brittany will be a feast for the eyes. The trail is mildly sporty but poses no real difficulty for most experienced hikers.
The terrain is also very well documented, and you will have no trouble finding topographic guides or even GPS tracks to enjoy it without any worries. Finally, this hiking route offers a genuine immersion into a land of legends, with some wonderful culinary stops all along the coast. Plenty more memories to be made here!
There are countless other ways to go hiking in Brittany. You will find the GR 37, which crosses Brittany from east to west, or the GR 380, which circuits the Monts d'Arrée — Brittany's only mountain range. Explore the Sentiers de Grande Randonnée de Pays too — these form multiple loops, allowing you to return to your starting point. Whatever you choose, you will find that hiking in Brittany is enjoyable, accessible, rich in historical and heritage discoveries, and an intoxicating immersion into a land of strong but welcoming culture!
