Le randonneur breton

This route, which involves little change in elevation, will take you around Vannes-Golfe du Morbihan Airport. It skirts the westernmost part of the Meucon camp, where all the buildings are located; this area is safe provided you stay on the described route. It returns via the south of the airport, passing not far from the César camp (viewpoint).

A relatively easy route, the main attraction of which is the opportunity to walk alongside the Talhouët archaeological site, discovered in 1982. If you skip the Saint-Trémeur circular route (1.8 km), the route is shortened to 10.6 km.

Dotted with sunken lanes, this route will take you on a journey through history: the early days of the liberation of France in 1944, marked by this monument to Corporal Bouétard; then back in time to the Revolution, commemorating General Cadoudal; before returning to the present day as you catch sight of the famous Plumélec climb, so dreaded by cyclists; and finally, through the lush Claye valley.

Starting from La Chapelle-Neuve, home to the oldest chapel in the department, we invite you to discover the springs of all the neighbouring streams, some of which feature fountains, such as the one at Saint-Mamert near Locmaria. You will then walk through the Floranges Forest where, with a few short detours (not described below), there are three megalithic monuments to see.

Come and discover this beautiful town with its 19th-century houses along the Dordogne. Then set off among the holm oaks, walking alongside old stone walls, dry stone huts and a wash house, with numerous views of the Dordogne as your guide. At the end of the walk, plan a short trip on a gabarre to admire this town from a different angle.

Follow the course of the Dordogne along a circular route that links Vitrac and its hamlets to Montfort, a medieval village dominated by its castle, which guards the cingle (meander) formed by its rocky spur.

You are in the Valley of the Five Castles, and the route offers splendid views. Starting at the Ruisseau du Treuil stream, you will skirt the Massif de la Bonnat, where oak, hornbeam and boxwood trees flourish, and discover fountains, wash houses and mills.

Come and explore the Beune Valley along shaded paths, where you can admire the restoration of heritage features from a bygone era: shepherds’ huts, fountains and wash houses. You will also spot several mills which, unfortunately, are inaccessible as they are on private property.

How lovely it is to walk on a carpet of greenery known locally as the ‘Herbus’ – meadows that are submerged at spring tides, giving the grass a salty flavour, which is essential fodder for the sheep! What’s more, after passing through the charming village of Val-Saint-Père, the eye is treated to the majestic sight of Mont-Saint-Michel, which rises to the west between the Pointe du Grouin du Sud on the right and the Pointe de Roche Torin on the left.

The landscapes and views to the east serve as a reminder that the Alpes Mancelles are not far away. Consequently, some sections involve elevation changes which may present a few difficulties for those who are not used to them. At the (5), do pop into the Chapelle du Cerisier for a short break.

Passing through a marshland to discover this natural wonder – a gorge over 70 metres high, carved out by a river which, at this point, is more like a torrent – come and explore the Sonce and walk a short section ofthe GR® trail that links France’s two most spectacular sites: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey.

A route with little elevation gain but offering magnificent panoramic views of the peaks of the Hautes-Vosges on several occasions. Passing by two farmhouse inns, it offers the chance to sample regional specialities.

Start by walking through this typical Vosges village. Continue up a challenging climb which, once reached the top, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Valtin glacial valley. Next, literature takes centre stage with over a dozen information panels featuring quotations from great authors: Hugo, Baudelaire, Chateaubriand, Musset and others, leading you to the banks of the Meurthe, which, at this point, is a veritable little torrent. Finish with a peaceful return to the town hall and the village church.

After starting in a wood, we very quickly arrive at a path in the undergrowth, running alongside the Ruisseau du Phény stream, which is one with the path, except for numerous passages over small stone bridges. It leads us to the Saut de la Bourrique. A few more hundred metres of climbing and, after passing Urson, we arrive at a wide path that leads us to the Col du Haut de la Côte. There is a section of uphill road, then the descent begins, with some sections more challenging than others. Before returning to the starting point, there is a magnificent viewpoint at La Roche du Renard.

A good climb to get you warmed up as you start this tour in the woods, with several sumptuous panoramic views of the Haute Meurthe woods, before continuing on through the Rupt Frémiat and finishing your route at the Vierge de Haute Suisse.

Walking along the Chemin de Ronde between the dam and the pier, you will enjoy various panoramic views of Saint-Servan-sur-Mer and then Saint-Malo. A short boat trip will take you to an outer basin of the port of Saint-Malo. Continue on to the Cité d'Aleth, the Solidor Tower and the Rosais to complete this tour by crossing the dam.

Although "Belle Eau" is the name of a hamlet located at the northernmost point of this route, hikers will be amazed from the outset by the water gushing through the rocks in magnificent waterfalls. The route continues along wide paths, often bathed by runoff water from the various branches of the Cance, and ends on a high note with the panorama offered at altitude 314, famous not only for its small chapel but also for the battles that took place there in August 1944.

With steps to climb or descend, and fairly rugged coastal paths offering magnificent views of the bay, this route—which begins with a few kilometres of tarmac on quiet country lanes—allows you to enjoy, in the second half, magnificent views of the Normandy countryside and then the Cotentin coast.

There is no significant elevation gain on this walk, which begins by following the Loire, a river always full of surprises, before continuing on the return route along the Digoin Canal to Roanne.

Magnificent sunken lanes, a picturesque river to follow and a glimpse of two magnificent estates: the Château de la Rouërie and the Château des Blosses – this is a charming route through ‘the land of the Marquis’.

This route, known as the “Circuit des sentiers de l’Oscence”, originates in the Mayenne region. It offers the pleasure of walking alongside the Ernée, a small river which flows into the Mayenne – a tributary of the Loire – as well as along some magnificent sunken paths.

A short walk through Puy-Guillaume, offering a chance to discover the town and its proximity to the sediment-laden rivers that enabled it to flourish through the establishment of its glassworks.

For much of this route, it is clear why we are walking through the Bois Noirs, as the light sometimes struggles to penetrate the foliage. In other places, however, tree felling has opened up the view, and the number of logs stacked along the paths is impressive.

After a bit of effort due to the initial climb, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the Bois Noirs and the Chaîne des Puys.

The first little gem on this route is the Chapelle de la Potelais, tucked away in the heart of the countryside. Immediately afterwards, and for almost two kilometres, you are invited to follow the meandering course of the Tronçon through woods and fields.

A Cluniac site thanks to its priory and church, Grazac has been famous for some time as one of the two access points to the largest Himalayan footbridge in France. This route will take you there via a short walk through this wooded valley.

Throughout this route, the whole of Brittany unfolds before you across moors, streams and forests. Do take a short detour to see the memorial stone commemorating the battle of 28 July 1488.

Although this route is mainly through suburban areas, it nevertheless offers some very interesting sections along sunken lanes or on a wooded hill, providing a magnificent view of the lower town of Fougères and the surrounding countryside.

With one foot in Normandy and one in Brittany, this trail offers some truly stunning views. After taking in the panoramic scenery, you’ll wind your way through the shaded paths along the Futaie Valley.

Tree-lined paths running alongside a river lead to the château. The return route mainly follows a winding path through the fields.

A gentle start along a straight, slightly downhill forest track, before climbing again and passing through some charming hamlets. Don’t hesitate to make a round trip to see the curious Grotte des Baumes. The path, which is steep in places, will take you to Besou, or you can easily reach the car park via the road.

From the Peyraube tumulus, enter a landscape dating back to the Neolithic period and discover the Peyraube valat (a stream or torrent in the Cévennes language) and then the Vanmalle valat, immersing yourself in the Basses Cévennes and the maquis to end up in front of a Neolithic tomb, the Ron Traoucat (Roc Troué).

Starting from Mézières-sur-Couesnon, this walk takes you along the sunken and/or leafy paths of the Couesnon Valley. The route is relatively easy, following well-marked paths (except for the first 500 metres), making it suitable for families.

A very pleasant path, partly under the trees and along the left bank of the Quincampoix, leads you into the Parc du Château de Piré, the former grounds of an 18th-century château. You will be able to see the Château des Pères, now a gourmet restaurant. The park is a departmental nature reserve. You will finish by walking through the village of Piré-sur-Seiche

There are some very beautiful sunken paths, which can sometimes be a little damp or even flooded, interspersed with sections on roads, some of which have verges wide enough to walk along comfortably. Do not hesitate to take a short detour (off the route) to the pond and the Corbière mill.

This route takes you into the Parc des Oblats and its arboretum, then along a shaded path by the water’s edge leading to Mausson Castle, which is privately owned but can be admired from the outside. Pontmain is an important place of pilgrimage to Our Lady of Pontmain, who appeared to several children on 17 January 1871.

A very pleasant route along sunken paths (sometimes wet) and hedgerow paths. You will walk alongside small streams with the incessant sound of lapping water as they cross a stony area. The highlight of this hike is the Butte menhir.

Starting from Saint-Jean-sur-Couesnon, a small country village, come and discover peace and tranquillity on this walk, which will take you past historic sites, old houses and the banks of the Couesnon.

Built on a promontory overlooking the Couesnon valley, Saint-Marc is a must-see for walkers heading for Mont-Saint-Michel. On this route, on a clear day, Mont-Saint-Michel is ever-present.

You have now arrived in one of the most beautiful settings in the Coglais district: first of all, you’ll discover the Ruisseau de la Piquellerais, then the Ruisseau du Vocadieu, as you cross the magnificent Minette Valley. This small river, 25 km long, is a tributary of the Couesnon, fed by a multitude of streams: the Piquellerais and the Vocadieu, but also the Frénouse, the Aunay, the Couard, and so on.

Starting off through woodland, followed by wide, shaded country lanes, and finishing with a short loop around the pond – this route should satisfy walkers and cycle tourists alike, although walkers will have to contend with two stretches along small tarmac roads.

Le Saut Roland is the first designated area of natural beauty in the Marches de Bretagne. The steep cliffs rise to a height of 173 metres, and the wooded slopes stretching down to the valley floor form a landscape traversed from east to west by the Ruisseau Saint-Blaise.

A small hill in the Mortainais region can be explored from Le Teilleul via a unique path, an ancient pilgrimage route once used by pilgrims coming from Burgundy. From the top of this hill, the view stretches towards Domfront and Mortain.

This circuit symbolically unites two regions by linking the Moulin de Champ Pinel (Brittany) to the Moulin de Roche Garé (Normandy), as this is where the Tronçon river marks the departmental and therefore regional boundary. You will pass through a variety of landscapes as you walk along a beautiful section of the Bois de Gâtines forest and alongside the Château du Rocher Portail, not forgetting to take the opportunity to discover the village of La-Selle-en-Coglès (the monastery of the North).

Whilst Balzac perfectly described Les Couardes, one of the gems of this circular ‘Writers’ Loop’, the route will also take you on a journey to discover Chateaubriand and the early life of Jean Guéhenno.

Built during the time of the Hospitallers, the granary tower of Viala-du-Pas-de-Jaux is the starting point for this circular loop through a sumptuous agropastoral landscape. Formed by karst erosion, the cirque of Saint-Paul-des-Fonts, village of the botanist Hippolyte Coste to whom an area is dedicated, offers a breathtaking spectacle.

Although very close to Rennes, this route mainly offers routes on wide gravel or grassy paths. There is very little tarmac except when you are close to inhabited areas.

From the Saint-Jacques district, very close to La Haye-Pesnel but in the commune of La Lucerne d’Outremer, you reach Le Mesnil-Drey and then the former Abbey of La Lucerne through the forest of the same name... and, zigzagging through the hedgerows of La Rochelle-Normande, you come to the Pelotin car park on the site of the old station.

A very pleasant walk, starting with two lakes, followed by wide, straight paths through wooded countryside, before continuing along the circular western route with unobstructed views as you walk alongside a small stream. Along the way, you’ll see some beautiful country houses and two small chapels.

Although in some places the route follows small country lanes, it takes in some very pleasant scenery and makes use of the paths that give the Breton countryside its charm. The return journey along the Ille and Rance Canal offers peace and tranquillity.