Duration
4 days
4 days of discovery
Walking by the sea in Brittany
in Plestin-les-Grèves4 not-to-be-missed walks in Plestin-les-Grèves
The Sainte-Barbe loop
The most ancient of walksWant to combine nature and culture on your holiday in Brittany? Then the Sainte-Barbe loop is for you!
The walk takes you gently away from the coast for a welcome stroll through the peaceful (and slightly wild!) countryside. Along the way, embankments and ferns accompany your every step, until you reach the famous chapel of Sainte-Barbe, protector of sailors. Set high up on the hillside, you can’t miss it as you scan the landscape! Fresh undergrowth, small hamlet roads and views over the Trégor countryside punctuate this walk, much to the delight of those who (finally) want to take a deep breath of fresh air.
- Highlights of the walk: Sainte-Barbe chapel isn’t the only heritage to be seen along the way! Keep an eye out for the Gallo-Roman thermal baths at Hogolo, with views over Locquirec Bay and the mouth of the Douron! Ready to take in the sights of Brittany?
Anecdote: The thermal baths, dating back to 50 AD, were rediscovered by chance in 1892. Today, they offer some of the most beautiful scenery on the coast! And yes, hiking in Brittany is always worth the effort.
Le Douron Plestin Bois Hogolo Pelikul 2024 171
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Practical information on the Sainte-Barbe loop :
- Duration: approximately 3h00
- Distance: 7.5 km
- Difficulty: moderate
- Type of route: GR®34 – coastal path and inland trails
- Target group: walkers, heritage and coastal landscape enthusiasts
- Departure point: Port de Toul an Héry
Toul An Hery Plestin Les Greves 3
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Le Douron Plestin Bois Hogolo Pelikul 2024 73
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Ancient ruins offer a stunning view of the beach and the bay.
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Le Douron Plestin Toul An Hery Pelikul 2024 8
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Chapelle Sainte Barbe Plestin Les Greves 1 E1772713542738 1
Le Douron Plestin Hogolo Pelikul 2024 39
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La Corniche Darmorique Plestin Les Greves Pelikul
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Saint-Efflam loop
The most legendary hikeHave you always heard about the legends of Brittany? What if we told you that you could walk in their footsteps (literally!)? Plestin-les-Grèves’ Lieue de la Grève is the ideal starting point for your walk! Take a steep path to the top of the Grand Rocher. The good news is that once you’ve made the climb, you’ll be rewarded with a superb view over the bay! This is also where the legendary atmosphere is felt: Saint Efflam is said to have helped King Arthur to slay a dragon at the foot of the Great Rock. You might see a few scales lying around…
Depending on the tide, the landscape changes completely: a mirror of water at high tide, a sandy desert roamed by birds at low tide. As for the chapel of Saint-Efflam and its miraculous fountain dedicated to the saint, the legend lives on. Saint-Efflam is said to have conjured up a spring so that King Arthur could drink during his battle with the dragon! Saint-pas.
- The highlights of the walk: first and foremost, the 180° panoramic view from the 84-metre-high Grand Rocher! And while the famous Saint-Efflam fountain is a must-see, you’ll also fall under the spell of the Belle Époque villas, particularly Lady Mond’s!
A bald man who can: Do you hear a few flapping wings on your walk? You’ll probably see a few bats around the Grand Rocher. This protected site is home to many species of bat! Brittany has never been so wild.
King Arthur Fighting The Dragon At The Foot Of The Great Rock 1
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Practical information on the Saint-Efflam loop :
- Duration: approximately 2h30
- Distance: 7.9 km
- Difficulty: moderate
- Type of route: wooded and coastal paths
- Start: Place de Lan Carré
- Recommended audience: families, walkers, legend buffs
The Saint-Haran loop
The most rural walkFor an intimate look at Plestin-les-Grèves, take a walk around the Saint Haran loop. Your walk will take you past ancient hamlets, narrow paths lined with embankments and small rural chapels. The route leads all the way to the Saint-Haran chapel, nestling in a natural setting. Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by the lapping of the Douron, a coastal river. The perfect way to take it easy in Brittany.
- The highlights of the walk: the lovely view of the meandering river, but also (and above all) the chapel of Saint-Haran. You’ll have plenty of time to admire it while you enjoy a picnic in its dedicated area. Handy when your stomach starts to sink after a few kilometres on foot! It’s also a good opportunity to take a closer look at its wash-house and its restored old routers.
Did you know? The estuary is a veritable wilderness paradise for migratory birds and aquatic wildlife. So don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
Le Douron Plestin De Rochelan Vers Toul An Hery Pelikul 2024 150
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Practical information on the Saint Haran loop :
- Duration: approximately 2h00
- Distance: 7.4 km
- Difficulty: easy
- Type of route: paths along the estuary
- Departure point: Port de Toul an Héry
- Target group: families, walkers, nature lovers
Le Douron Plestin De St Haran Vers Toul An Hery Pelikul 2024 109 1
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Le Douron Plestin De St Haran Vers Toul An Hery Pelikul 2024 81 1
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Chapelle St Haran Plestin Les Greves Pelikul
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Le Douron 77
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Routoir St Haran 2
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Walking on the cliffs of Tredrez
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The cliffs of Trédrez
The most spectacular hikeWelcome to one of the largest wilderness areas in the Côtes d’Armor: the Trédrez cliffs! On this magical walk, the path overlooks the sea in a succession of viewpoints, each more impressive than the last, from the Bay of Lannion to the Lieue de Grève. If you’re looking for the big show, Brittany’s the place to be! The coastal scenery is untouched, with barren moorland and wind-sculpted rocks. It’s sure to leave you breathless! And on windy days, you’ll feel the power of the Breton coastline even more. A hike as wild as it is unmissable.
- Highlights of the walk: Firstly, Beg ar Forn and its 180° viewpoint. Secondly, the church of Notre-Dame de Trédrez. Thirdly, the panorama of Malabri, from which you can see the Ile Milliau in Trébeurden. And that’s not bad, is it?
Tip: This is the most strenuous of the four walks, with a positive difference in altitude of over 300 metres! Rewarded by some stunning scenery, of course. At low tide, go along the shore to see the Croix de Mi-lieue. What’s more, it’s a shortcut…
Tredrez Church 3
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Practical information on the Trédrez cliff walk :
- Duration: approximately 3h00
- Distance: 10.5 km
- Difficulty: medium
- Type of route: coastal path – GR®34
- Start: Place de Lan Carré
- Recommended audience: experienced hikers, photographers, lovers of the great outdoors
During your stay, take a walk in Plestin-les-Grèves
Taking the time to relax in Plestin-les-Grèves
Here, accommodation is set between dunes and cliffs, restaurants offer seafood and local produce, and events invite you to explore the area in a different way: farmers’ markets, guided walks or festive Breizh-style evenings.
La Grange Vadrouille, Plestin les Grèves
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Hiking in Toul An Hery Plestin Les Greves
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Le Douron Plestin De St Haran Vers Toul An Hery Pelikul 2024 115
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Circuit Des Chapelles Alexandre Kozel 1 1
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Le Douron Plestin Toul An Hery Pelikul 2024 157
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Pors Mellec Plestin-les-Grèves
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Curious about hiking and walking in Brittany?
Frequently asked questions- Where to go hiking or walking in Brittany?
Plestin-les-Grèves offers a wide range of walks between the sea and the countryside! Some of the most popular are: the Saint-Efflam loop around the bay, the Sainte-Barbe loop in the valleys of the hinterland, the Saint-Haran loop in the heart of the Breton hamlets and the Trédrez cliffhike , which offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
Alternatively, take a walk around the island of Bréhat, with its mild climate all year round, or the Renote peninsula, with its unusual granite boulders. Hiking between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel is also a must on the Pink Granite Coast (perfect for seeing the famous Ploumanac’h site for yourself!). In short, Brittany is at the cutting edge when it comes to hiking.
- Are the walks around Plestin-les-Grèves accessible to families with children?
Yes, you can explore the Breton countryside on the trails around Plestin-les-Grèves with your family. Here are some ideas:
- The Saint-Haran loop is the most accessible for families on a walk, thanks to its gentle gradient and shaded areas.
- The Sainte-Barbe loop (with the Thermes du Hogolo thermal baths) is very popular with children for its historical and fun aspects. And yes, they too can appreciate Brittany’s heritage!
Whichever hike you choose, we recommend that you always check the distance and gradient before setting off, so as to choose a route that’s suitable for children.
Warning: The summit of the Grand Rocher and the cliffs of Trédrez have steep slopes and steep areas that require extra supervision for budding hikers.
- Can you go hiking on the Trédrez cliffs?
Yes, the path along the cliffs of Trédrez-Locquémeau offers a spectacular walk above the sea. The route offers numerous viewpoints over the Bay of Lannion and the wild coastline. It’s an ideal walk for lovers of seascapes and photography. Don’t forget your camera!
- What markings should I follow to stay on the right path when out walking?
Following the right routes is as easy as 1-2-3 in Brittany! There are two types of signposting for the walks on offer:
- Yellow: For local Petite Randonnée (PR) trails.
- White and red: for sections of the GR®34 (customs trail), mainly along the coast. We recommend that you download the GPX routes or pick up a leaflet from the Tourist Office before setting off on the trail of your choice.
- When should you go hiking around Plestin-les-Grèves?
Hiking is possible all year round!
However, the ideal period is from May to October. Spring brings an explosion of colour on the moorland (gorse and broom), while autumn adorns the Douron valleys with orange hues. In winter, the paths along the Corniche de l’Armorique remain magnificent, but be sure to bring windproof equipment, as the coastline is exposed. - Should I take the tides into account when setting off on a walk?
For most of the higher paths (cliffs, ledges), the tide has no impact. However, if you are planning to cross the Lieue de Grève or walk along the lower reaches of the Douron estuary, it is essential to check the tide times. The sea rises very quickly over these flat stretches of sand.
- Are dogs allowed on hiking trails?
Dogs are allowed on footpaths (GR®34 and inland paths) provided they are kept on a lead, in order to protect local wildlife and sensitive natural areas.
Important note: Access to the Lieue de Grève beaches may be regulated or prohibited to dogs during the summer period (July-August). Check the municipal by-laws in force.
- Where can I park to get to the trailheads around Plestin-les-Grèves?
Each loop has free car parks in the immediate vicinity:
- Port de Toul an Héry: Large car park facing the estuary.
- Saint-Efflam: Beach car park or Place de Lan Carré.
- Trédrez: Town hall or church car park.
- Where else can you find ideas for walks on the Pink Granite Coast?
The duration varies according to the excursion chosen: allow around 2 hours for an outing around Sept-Îles, or between 1h30 and 2h. There are many walking routes on offer on the Pink Granite Coast, from coastal paths to wild valleys and picturesque villages.
The Tourist Offices of the Pink Granite Coast can advise you and provide maps to help you explore the different itineraries. - Can you go mountain biking from Plestin-les-Grèves?
Prefer to get in the saddle? Hop on your mountain bike for a 20km loop around Plestin-les-Grèves, starting from Le Grand Rocher. You can find full details of the bike ride around Plestin.
