Hiking on the Emerald Coast
Hiking on the Emerald Coast
Welcome to the trails of the Emerald Coast, a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts seeking breathtaking coastal landscapes. Discover a variety of routes that will take you through majestic cliffs, fine sandy beaches, and stunning seafront panoramas.
GR34: a Long-Distance Hiking Trail in Brittany
The most maritime of all hiking trails! The GR34 stretches over 2,000 kilometers from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire. Rich in biodiversity and historical heritage, this trail takes you along the Breton coast for an unparalleled experience. Originally created 300 years ago as the “Customs Officers’ Path” to help customs agents combat smuggling when import taxes were introduced. It has now been restored, is continuous, and runs almost entirely along the seafront.
From the Rance Dam to Lancieux, nearly forty kilometers of coastline await you! The trail’s diversity ensures surprising and breathtaking moments of hiking: from seaside villas to natural spaces, urban landscapes to endless horizons…
The GR34 extension along the Rance offers an original alternative to the seafront. Here, you will find changing riverine landscapes shaped by the tides. This hilly route takes you past boat cemeteries, launching ramps, and unique species in this territory that lies between land and sea.
Creating a hiking loop on the GR34 is possible! The path connects Dinard’s Écluse Beach to Saint-Malo’s old town over 12 kilometers. The loop closes by taking the boat from Dinan’s slipway, at the foot of Saint-Malo’s Intra-Muros ramparts: a 10-minute crossing brings you back to one of the three slipways along Dinard’s famous Clair de Lune promenade. And finally, the loop is complete!
The GR34 and GR34C routes are marked according to national standards, ensuring you stay on the right path!
The trails
Looking to plan a walk in Brittany? With nearly 350 kilometers of marked hiking trails, the Emerald Coast, named for its sea’s shifting hues, stands out as an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. With the wind and tides as your companions, you’ll share an unforgettable experience with the sea. Admire the exceptional architectural heritage of our seaside resorts and charming fishing villages. You’ll discover picturesque hamlets full of character, nestled among flowering and lush greenery, as well as the tranquil, hidden banks of the Rance.
Purchase in a box set of the hiking trails booklet on boutique.dinardemeraudetourisme.com and in all of our visitor centers. You can also download them by visiting our page dedicated to hiking.
Services and Practical Tips
To best prepare for your outing, here are some tips and safety rules to follow:
- Don’t forget your raincoat, sunscreen, and most importantly, a snack and water!
- Bring a small first aid kit for minor injuries.
- Make sure to carefully plan your route before setting out, especially noting the distances to be covered.
- Finally, check the public transport schedules for your return trip. Breton transport options (bus, train, and boat) are available through the BreizhGo platform. Find all the schedules there.
Distances
Itinerary: 3 Days on the Emerald Coast
Day 1: From Minihic-sur-Rance to La Richardais: The GR34C Along the Rance
Begin your hike at Minihic-sur-Rance. Following the beach and then the dry dock of Landrais, you can witness the maritime past of the Rance unfold before your eyes.
Ascend to the Cale de Jouvente, then pass below the splendid gardens of the Domaine de Montmarin in Pleurtuit. This estate boasts 6 hectares of French-style gardens, Mediterranean rockeries, a walled kitchen garden, and terraces that offer breathtaking views of the Rance.
Continue toward the Pointe de Cancaval, which offers an elevated viewpoint over the Rance.
Arrive at La Richardais, where you can stroll along to the local sailing club that offers outings in kayaks, paddleboards, and rowing boats.
Conclude the stage in the town center, where charming restaurants and hotels await to provide nourishment and a place to rest.
Day 2: Dinard and Saint-Lunaire: Coastal Splendor
The theme of this second day of hiking is the seaside spirit! Starting in Dinard, walk along the Promenade du Clair de Lune, adorned with Belle Époque hotels and Mediterranean gardens. Continue toward the Pointe du Moulinet and Pointe de la Malouine, encircling the Écluse Beach, iconic landmarks of coastal tourism. Here, you’ll encounter seafront castles and elegant villas that structure the city around seaside activities and picturesque coastal strolls.
Next, Saint-Énogat village emerges on our path, with its charming village center marking the origins of Dinard, earning it the nickname “cradle of Dinard.”
The wild beaches of Saint-Lunaire, including La Fourberie and La Fosse-aux-Vaults, guide us to the rugged and untamed Pointe du Nick. After, you will reach Saint-Lunaire’s town center and the magnificent Pointe du Décollé. This site not only offers a splendid view but also showcases the area’s history through its old hotels and grand villas.
At Pointe du Décollé, you can enjoy both the spectacular views and a well-deserved dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Saint-Briac-sur-Mer and Lancieux: Islands and Marshes
In the early morning, it’s time to conclude our journey along the Côte d’Émeraude as we head toward Saint-Briac-sur-Mer. The GR34 trail passes through Pointe de la Garde Guérin, a protected nature area where numerous species of plants, flowers, and animals are highlighted with informative panels.
Here, we also find the “Chemin des Peintres” (Path of painters). It consists on a serie of stelae along the trail that connect the landscapes that inspired artists to their works.
The trail continues to the Château du Nessay, where it’s possible to stop for a drink or enjoy a meal.
After the break, head toward Balcon d’Emeraude and the Frémur Bridge, where we leave Ille-et-Vilaine behind to enter the Côtes d’Armor!
After a stroll through the charming streets of Lancieux, we arrive at the Plage de Saint-Sieu. This family-friendly beach is lined with beachside restaurants and a nautical club.
Finally, the marshes of Lancieux continue to captivate us at the Tertre Corlieu nature reserve, where we can admire wild orchids among the stunning flora.
Thus ends our 3-day hike along the Emerald Coast in Brittany!
If you wish to return from Lancieux to the starting point at Minihic-sur-Rance, you can use the on-demand transport service Tady. At a rate of €2 per journey per person.
To discover the gems of our Emerald Paradise, click on our circuits!
