Coastal Walking in Brittany

7 days

from

$2,279 USD

incl. taxes

View Dates & Prices

Walking & Trekking

Activity level:

Leisurely

Trip code:

W06BR

Way to Travel:

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity:

Self-Guided Walking

Min group size:

Ages:

12+

A walk on the Brittany coastline from St Malo to the World Wonder Mont St Michel. Walk the famous custom's path and enjoy bird watching and exceptional views.

On one side, rocky points, wild coastline, dunes, beaches and coves. On the other side, marshes, a variety of fauna and flora, a rich historical heritage... and always the sea or the ocean in the background. Every bend on the GR34 plunges you into a new postcard. As you walk, the spirit of Brittany invades you, and you feel invigorated by the ocean breeze.

Created in 1791, the path was travelled by controls of customs officers - hence its name - in charge of preventing smuggling. To keep an eye on trafficking and on the pillaging of shipwrecks, they strode up and down the coastline, night and day, in all weather: think of this when your legs are tired! After falling into disuse in the early 20th century, the path experienced a revival in 1968, when a few passionate walkers decided to make it into a walking route. Today it goes all around the Brittany coastline, from Mont-Saint-Michel to the bridge of Saint-Nazaire. This path leaves a permanent mark on anyone who walks it.

In a large splash of green and blue, get ready to be amazed!

Highlights

Follow the 'Sentier des Douaniers' on the Emerald coast
Traditional Breton fishing ports offering spectacular seafood
Explore Mont St Michel and St Malo

Key information

6 nights in a mix of 3H and 3 star hotels, all rooms en suite
All breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers

Countries visited: France

What's included

6 nights in a mix of 3H and 3 star hotels, all rooms en suite
All breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Transfers for Land only (available on request at additional cost)
Visas and vaccinations

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Enquire Today

Live Chat

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Days of Walking & Trekking

Day by day breakdown

Day 215.0km/9.0miles

Day 319.0km/12.0miles

Day 418.5km/11.5miles

Day 521.5km/13.0miles

Day 614.0km/8.5miles

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Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Expand all

St Malo

St Mont Michel

Day 1
Arrival in St Malo
Explore this historic port town made rich by its infamous naval privateers. St Malo has always been the scene of great adventures throughout its long history and has managed to preserve its authentic atmosphere, characterised by ramparts, cobbled streets and old stone buildings.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 2
St Malo - Pointe du Meinga
Transfer to leave the city. Walk along the coast, on the GR34, with wonderful panoramic views via Rotheneuf and Pointe du Meinga. Transfer to your hotel in Cancale.

At Cancale the world is your oyster. Mention Cancale to a Frenchman or a foodie and the instant response will be 'oysters'; the magnificent molluscs have been cultivated in this attractive fishing village for hundreds of years.
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 3
Pointe du Meinga - Cancale
Transfer in the morning. Then follow the old customs path to the headland at Pointe du Grouin, for spectacular seascapes. Marking the westernmost tip of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, this brilliantly located headland not only allows you to benefit from sublime views eastwards, but also splendid ones to the west. The island just offshore is off-limits though as it's the preserve of birds.

Continue along the coastline to Cancale and its quaint fishing harbour. Take a breath of fresh air, enjoy panoramic views over the bay and the harbour, observe fishermen as they unload their catch of the day. Stop around the port for dinner in one of the seafood restaurant where you can sample the 'king of shellfish'.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Cancale - Mont Dol
Today, along your walk, out of the flat landscape emerges an extraordinary outcrop, which is Mont Dol. Legend says that this is the place where Saint Michael supposedly fought off Satan. Climb the outcrop it for elating views.

Reach Chateau de Mont Dol, nestled within ancient walls from the 19th century, this charming property is a peaceful haven. The Jardin des Simples dining experience offers delights to everyone's taste buds. The owner of that place expresses his talent and passion as a chef, having worked alongside Michelin-starred professionals. Enjoy the candle-lit dining, savour seasonal dishes that harmonise fresh local fish with the organic vegetables from the very gardens you walked through that day.
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 5
Mont Dol - Roz sur Couesnon
Meet the natural treasures of this bay with exceptional bird watching with waders and other various species. Continue through pretty villages towards Dol with its medieval houses and 13th Century Cathedral.

Then, you will be welcome to the quaint, low-lying village of Roz-sur-Couesnon, where you can enjoy the lush green setting and all the comforts of this 3-star hotel. Enjoy the regional and innovative dishes cooked with local products during the dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 6
Roz sur Couesnon - Mont St Michel
Walk along the bay, through the marshlands, salt meadows with grazing sheep and green undulating landscape. Meet the natural treasures of this bay with exceptional bird watching with waders and other various species to Mont St Michel. For 13 centuries, this rocky island, nestling in the heart of a huge, beautiful bay has been home to a magnificent abbey. Perched at the top of the islet, as if levitating, the building is like a mirage, always a mesmerising sight. From the top of the medieval ramparts, enjoy the wonderful view over the bay where the light reveals a different landscape every second.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Leave Mont St Michel
Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Show map

Essential Info

Visas

France

No visa required for British passport holders.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccinations

France

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included.

Brittany’s fish and seafood is without doubt one of the region’s biggest draws. Platters stacked high with lobster, crab, oyster, shrimp and prawns grace the tables of the atmospheric restaurants. Huge bowls of fresh mussels, scallops and stuffed clams take their place alongside delicious sea bass and bream. The flat local ‘Belons’ oysters are delicious, fleshier than normal ones; they are renowned for their fine hazelnut flavour. Seafood will generally be served with the excellent Breton butter, which contains Guérande salt crystals, and plain bread. Many people also think of crêpes when they think of Brittany and indeed almost every little village or town has its own crêperie.

Weather

July is the hottest time to visit the Brittany coast, with an average temperature of 21 degrees C and August providing the most hours of sunshine (on average 7 hours). Those seeking for the best swimming opportunities will find the sea at an average of 18 degrees C in August. The wettest month is October.

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)
Average daily distance: 18km
No. of days walking: 5
Terrain and route: Walks on this holiday are on the Coastal path on GR34 and through villages.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with route directions so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy following route directions, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided walking holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested the minimum age for this trip is 8yrs as we feel they will be able to walk and complete the route. This is a guide only and as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each day's walking so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be very high in the middle of summer . We therefore recommend going either earlier or later on in the season if you have young children.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Enquire Today

Live Chat

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation