Coastal Walking in Brittany

7 Days from

USD 2,249

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

1 out of 7 - Leisurely

Group Size :

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

W06BR

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
Room upgrades (please ask us for details)

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Day 2

17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 3

19 km / 11.8 miles

Day 4

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 5

21 km / 13 miles

Day 6

14 km / 8.7 miles

Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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.

Transfer to your hotel in Mont Dol for a second night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Roz sur Couesnon. 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

Essential Info

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Vaccination

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

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.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

Coastal Walking in Brittany

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.

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

France

Vaccination

France

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Is this trip for you?

Coastal Walking in Brittany

Room Upgrades