France : Brittany

Coastal Walking in Brittany

Trip code: W06BR 4.7 (3 reviews)

Self-guided walking

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1
Leisurely

22.0Kg CO2e

SUMMARY

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

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast and 2 evening meal
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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!

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

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.

You stay at Hotel La Villefromoy.

hotel details

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Hotel La Villefromoy, St Malo

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe
Tea/coffee


A private mansion created in the 19th century, after a spa villa and then a guest house, the Hotel La Villefromoy in Saint-Malo has preserved its authenticity. This chic house, which looks like a “malouinière” – a vast demure from Saint-Malo – is ideally located in the heart of a residential area next to the sea. 80 m/263 ft from the beach, in a peace and calm environment, 26 high-quality and comfortable rooms await you. The elegant decoration peacefully merges modern elements with charms of the past. The hotel personnel, at your service 24h a day, offers you a warm and friendly welcome. A pleasant terrace, a lovely patio, a lounge bar and a showcase of gourmet and wellness products are available to embellish your stay.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: St Malo - Pointe du Meinga (17km/10.6mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Le Querrien.

hotel details



Hotel Le Querrien, Cancale

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe


Recently renovated, Le Querrien offers comfortable rooms combining a navy-inspired decoration and a modern elegance. The rooms offer a view of the Mont Saint-Michel or the narrow streets of the fishermen village. With a view of the sea and a terrace, the hotel’s restaurant serves seafood and fish specialties in a boat decor, to make you go back to the time of corsairs.

Day 3: Pointe du Meinga - Cancale (19km/11.8mi)

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'.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Le Querrien.

hotel details



Hotel Le Querrien, Cancale

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe


Recently renovated, Le Querrien offers comfortable rooms combining a navy-inspired decoration and a modern elegance. The rooms offer a view of the Mont Saint-Michel or the narrow streets of the fishermen village. With a view of the sea and a terrace, the hotel’s restaurant serves seafood and fish specialties in a boat decor, to make you go back to the time of corsairs.

Day 4: Cancale - Mont Dol (19km/11.8mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Le Chateau de Mont Dol.

hotel details

 equivalent

Le Chateau de Mont Dol, Mont Dol

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


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.

Day 5: Mont Dol - Roz sur Couesnon (22km/13.7mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Le Chateau de Mont Dol.

hotel details

 equivalent

Le Chateau de Mont Dol, Mont Dol

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


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.

Day 6: Roz sur Couesnon - Mont St Michel (14km/8.7mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel de la Digue.

hotel details



Hotel de la Digue, Mont St Michel

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


The traditional Hotel De La Digue is only 5 minutes by shuttle from Mont St Michel, or 30 minutes by foot. The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional French cuisine and offers a panoramic view of Mont St Michel.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 7: Leave Mont St Michel

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend: Hotel Le St Aubert, Mont St Michel; Hotel La Villefromoy, St Malo.

hotel details



Hotel Le St Aubert, Mont St Michel

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Located at the entrance to the Mont Saint-Michel Dike, the charming 3-star hotel Le Saint-Aubert offers all the advantages for a quiet stay in Normandy. In a green setting with flower gardens, you will enjoy a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.



Hotel La Villefromoy, St Malo

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe
Tea/coffee


A private mansion created in the 19th century, after a spa villa and then a guest house, the Hotel La Villefromoy in Saint-Malo has preserved its authenticity. This chic house, which looks like a “malouinière” – a vast demure from Saint-Malo – is ideally located in the heart of a residential area next to the sea. 80 m/263 ft from the beach, in a peace and calm environment, 26 high-quality and comfortable rooms await you. The elegant decoration peacefully merges modern elements with charms of the past. The hotel personnel, at your service 24h a day, offers you a warm and friendly welcome. A pleasant terrace, a lovely patio, a lounge bar and a showcase of gourmet and wellness products are available to embellish your stay.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $714.

These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from $714.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Alternative flights, including regional departures
  • room upgrade available
TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

Excellent holiday except our night at Le Chateau de Mont Dol

Mrs Bartlett, 24 Sep 2022

 

I have sent separately suggestions for improvements to this walk, to enhance future travellers' experiences.

Prof Perry, 14 Sep 2022

 

An interesting part of France to visit, with variety along the walk, from coastal paths to stretches along salt flats. The taxi connections need to be refined as we found ourselves waiting as they had gone to the wrong place. The hotels were ok but we found higher quality meals when we were not on a HB day. On most days it is difficult to find refreshments en route (without retracing steps from a previous day) so planning ahead is essential.

Mrs Cranfield, 8 Jun 2022

 


Self-guided walking

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1
Leisurely

22.0Kg CO2e

6 nights from $2570

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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