FAQs
Where can I walk?
Tracks provide the normal walking routes
in Brittany. Fields and farming land are privately owned and
rarely have rights of way across them. Occasionally communes
negotiate concessionary paths to provide local circular walks,
but you must stay on the prescribed route in these
circumstances.
Generally any rural track, unless marked
propriète privé, is open to walkers, but many are
only to provide field access for farmers and will not provide a
through route or circular walk. Most of these tracks are still
owned by the commune and you will rarely have a problem using
them. Walking across fields especially those containing crops
or livestock, is not generally expected here, unless there is a
clear footpath sign.
Around the coast there will always be a
marked route for walking, although sometimes the paths on
beaches or along estuaries are covered at high-tide, so be
aware of tide times (booklets sold in local newsagents (maison
de la presse).
What maps should I use?
The IGN Serie Bleue maps (1:25000 –
1cm = 250m), easily recognised by their blue covers, give
detailed coverage of all Brittany. The newest editions have
walking circuits marked, although these may not always be so
evident on the ground. Many older editions are still around and
in need of updating. The maps are available from bookshops,
some tourist offices and supermarkets. Their website is
www.ign.fr.
Local walking maps from tourist offices
vary from very detailed to sketchy, so it always worth carrying
the relevant IGN map too. The walking books recommended on the
books page have adequate maps and full written directions.
(Note that French walking material tends to be skimpy on
written directions…)
Where is the best coastal walking?
If you want to spend a few days walking
the coastal path, the most spectacular sections are the Pink
Granite coast in Cotes d’Armor for its extraordinary rock
formations, or for something wilder and more naturally
dramatic, try the Crozon peninsula on the Atlantic coast of
Finistere. You will certainly get a greater sense of freedom
and fewer fellow-walkers on the latter stretch.
Other suggestions: around Cap Frehel in
the north and the Pointe du Van in the west.
Many areas of coastline are unfortunately
spoilt by a chain of hideous modern houses built right on the
cliff-top: the southern coastline and much of north-west
Brittany suffers from this regrettable phenomenon.
Are there good walks taking in megalithic
sites?
Forget Carnac, if you want to avoid
crowds. Just as impressive and far more accessible are the
alignments of St Just in Ille-et-Vilaine (circular walk of 13
or 10kms here given in Walking Brittany by Judy Smith or
leaflet from the Mairie).
If you have visited the Carnac site, drive
westwards a few kilometres towards Erdeven and you will find
yourself among the alignments of Kerzerho. A circular walk of
8kms here, taking in many Neolithic remains, is to feature in a
forthcoming Red Dog Book guide Central Brittany: Coast to
Coast.
If you want to make a pagan pilgrimage to
the largest standing stone (still upright) in France, there is
a marked circuit near St-Renan (north of Brest).
Many of the other lonely menhirs of
western Brittany can be seen on routes in Walking and other
Activites in Finistere (see books).
What about island walking?
The Ile de Batz, just off Roscoff, is a
good choice for a day’s walk. The boat trip is only 15
mins and there is a choice of places to eat on the island. A
path circumnavigates the coast, and includes the spot where
St-Paul Aurelian, having used his bishop’s stole as a
lead, drove the dragon which had been terrorising the island
into the sea.
A 16km walk around the Ile d’Arz
provides excellent views of the Gulf of Morbihan. Take the boat
(frequent ferries) from Conleau (south of Vannes) or
Barrarac’h. There are refreshment facilities on the
island and you can see the old salt beds (marais salants) and
enjoy good swimming beaches.
Other suggestions:
Ile aux Moines (day trip), also in Gulf of
Morbihan, but busier than the Ile d’Arz.
Ile de Groix (allow 2 days for coastal
path walk). Ferry from Lorient.
Ile de Sein (day trip) – remarkable
small island in the Atlantic. Ferry (an hour) from Audierne.
Note: island walking is usually very
exposed, so take precautions, whatever the weather.
Is there anywhere quiet to walk in high
season?
Avoid the coast and enjoy the many quiet
pleasures of inland Brittany. The Argoat of western Côtes
d’Armor, the woodland of the Trieux valley and the wild
tracks of the Monts d’Arrée in Finistere would be
good choices. You do not have to go far from the tourist spots
to find yourself alone - at Huelgoat, for example, avoid the
famous Chaos and cross the D769 into the peace of the forest
around the old mining area.
Walks suitable for children?
Forest trails are often the best choices
for family outings as the paths are usually easy (for
pushchairs, toddlers’ bikes, etc), fairly level and
straight. There is also plenty of shade which can be soothing
for the fractious aspects of a hot summer. Streams, caves,
rocks and rivers are common features to provide extra pleasures
for children. Simple exercise facilities, like bars for
swinging and posts for leap-frog are becoming increasingly
common on managed forest routes.
Eastern Brittany: Forest of
Fougères, Forest of Paimpont (Arthurian legends)
Western Brittany: Huelgoat, Foret de
Carnoët
Long-distance walking – where to
stay?
When planning long-distance routes you
will be able to find youth hostels (Gite d’étape
– open to anyone) reasonably spaced along the GR
footpaths, and there is now also the development of walker
specific accommodation (Rando plume) which can often provide
meals as well as beds, kitchen facilities and baggage
transport. The hosts will also be knowledgeable about their
areas and keen to give advice or help. These establishments are
in areas of good walking country as a base for local trails, or
to be used as staging posts for linear routes.
Trains link the main cities of Brittany
(Brest/Morlaix/Rennes and Quimper/Lorient/Vannes/Nantes).
There are often good local buses,
especially in summer, and taxis are not usually too expensive
(but ask for quote when booking).
We’re planning our holiday in
Brittany – how can we get advance information about the
walking in the area we’re staying?
Ask us! We endeavour to supply area
specific information on request. An information pack usually
costs £6/10 euros.