Ille-et-Vilaine walks

A rocky headland close to Cancale to discover thanks to the customs trails (GR®34). The coastline, interspersed with small sandy coves, is ideal for all kinds of summer activities. Walkers will be surprised if they expect a flat, unattractive trail. If there are occasional sunken paths, it's to allow a rest before rocky areas and steep gradients.

A very pleasant hike. First section at the top of cliffs, with lovely views over the Vilaine river and the site "Moulin du Boël". Cross a shady woodland, then return along the towpath. To avoid as much as possible passing along the military site's fence ("Le Celar"), this new description uses a slightly more technical part of the GR®.

Loop between land and sea around Cancale via St Coulomb, following theGR®34andGR®34Atrails.

Circuit exploring the 11 locks of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance.

Discover the pirate town and the personalities who played a part in its history.

A lovely walk around the northern tip of Saint-Suliac. Do it whatever the weather! Moderator's note as of 06/04/2021: Some modifications on the ground since the creation of this hike: see the comments at the bottom of this page. Moderator's note a description of June 2022 in reverse order to this one is available here

La Rance saw its first tidal mill built in 1181 (Moulin du Lupin near Rothéneuf). Were built between the sixteenth and seventeenth century. Today there are not many of these renewable energy suppliers. This tour allows you to see the ruins of two mills (Fosse Mort and La Herviais) and to walk around this estuary ideal for the construction of mills.

You will start by winding your way through the Dinard countryside to reach the sea. Take the customs officers' path, the Clair de Lune promenade, and discover the many islets of the Bay of Saint-Malo. You can also explore the Goule aux Fées cave, where the Lumière brothers took their first photographs in 1877.

A pretty, easy, well-marked walk passing by a chapel, the Château du Gué, the Ancienne Fonderie de Servon-sur-Vilaine, the Oratoire Saint-Mathurin, the Vilaine, the old mill, the protected Pas Davy site, the greenhouses (mainly tomatoes) and the calvary. The return journey takes you along a leafy driveway through a housing estate.

Walk between land and sea dotted with numerous historical, cultural and tourist attractions.Urban start, then green countryside through Saint-Coulomb.Return via the Emerald Coast and its magnificent sandy beaches.Discover the protected natural site of Pointe de la Varde, offering a panoramic view of Saint-Malo and Cap Fréhel.

The Couesnon river meanders through a deep valley, home to ancient mills.

Hike along a coastal path overlooking the sea to Pointe du Meinga, with views of the superb Plage de l'Anse de la Touesse and Pointe du Grouin to the right and Rothéneuf to the left of the tip.

In the midst of this tide-changing natural environment, Mont Garrot, a true promontory above the river Rance maritime estuary, offers a panoramic view of Saint-Suliac to the north and Anse de Vigneux to the south, where the foundations of an ancient Viking camp emerge at low tide.

A magnificent GR®34 that, at times, offers passages worthy of a mountain GR®, with magnificent views over the beaches, rocks and sea, not forgetting the multitude of rocky islets visible at low tide but covered at high tide. This short tour of the Côte d'Émeraude gives a magnificent overview.

Walk in the Pays Malouin between the sea and the Rance around one of the most beautiful villages in France. To be done at low tide, check before you go.

A short trail in Brittany’s countryside with a section along the Veuvre that winds before flowing into Chevré lake. Do not miss the small Roman bridge with its stone arches.

This circuit allows you to discover the architectural side of the Coglais region. It offers breathtaking views of the manor houses and châteaux and their estates. It should be remembered that in the Middle Ages, the Seigneury of Saint-Brice was of exceptional importance in the barony of Fougères. Later, in 1794, it was here that the first Chouannerie began, as did the second in 1815.

Médréac, a small village in Ille-et-Vilaine, on the border with Côtes d'Armor. The route is particularly attractive: the picturesque Néal valley with the cave of Gabillard, a local Chouan resistance fighter, the megalithic alignments of Lampouy, the railway station, its museum and its rail bike with two routes. This hike follows theGR® 37 and part of thePR® "Circuit des mégalithes" (Megalith Circuit). The southern part of thisPR® has not been included as it is uninteresting and the paths are poorly maintained.

The Rance once had many tide mills on its banks. Today, with the passage of time, erosion and lack of maintenance, little remains. This circuit allows you to discover the coastline, countryside, coastal path, remains of the Montmarin mills, the new mill and the dam that uses the movements of the tides for its tidal power plant.

A short hike in the Rennes forest along shady forest lines and paths through the forest alongside the Caleuvre stream. This easy trail is particularly beautiful in early spring, when the beech trees have young, light-green leaves, or in autumn, when the leaves have turned yellow and red. It takes you along the old water supply line that brought water from the Minette (a tributary of the Couesnon) to Rennes.

The rocky Pointe du Meinga, the large Plage des Chevrets beach, Île Besnard, which has become a peninsula closing off the Havre de Rothéneuf, offer a magnificent panorama that changes with the tides.The harbour of Rothéneuf or Lupin is a renowned site for birdwatching in lagoon areas.

A beautiful and very pleasant hike, mostly along a wide, shaded stone path. The trail goes around the pond. Best done in dry weather.

From Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets to La Rance via theGRP® long-distance hiking trail and the countryside around Saint-Malo.

This is a beautiful circular that partly follows theGR®39along charming paths. The return journey is along the towpath, going up the Vilaine. This path takes you through beautiful landscapes, typical villages, charming residences and locks, and ends up running alongside this river, which is so poorly named.

Short family walk along the discovery trail in the protected natural site of the Canut Valley.The route is mostly shaded and features educational panels on the local flora and fauna.On the trail, you will pass by the old Ritoir mill, which has been converted into the Maison des Énergies.

This route of the Couesnon can be divided into two parts: a circular route to the west and another to the east, the latter of which can be shortened. The Couesnon has a very winding course as it crosses the granite massif. Its limestone-free water was used for a long time in paper mills in the 17th century. With this industry now gone, the Couesnon is a delight for salmonids and kayakers alike.

Departure from Paimpont to reach the famous Val Sans Retour. Journey south to the land of legends. Explore the undergrowth of Brocéliande.

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.

A pleasant walk in the Forest of Rennes, passing through Saint-Sulpice-la-Forêt.

This circular follows the GR®34 (Tour de la Bretagne) route from Port Picain to Verger beach, via Pointe du Grouin.

Jutting out into the Rance estuary, Pointe de Cancaval offers beautiful views of the right bank: from Saint-Servan to Saint-Malo, the dam and the moorings dotted along the coast. During the walk, you will notice La Malouinière de Montmarin and its remarkable garden, which is one of the most beautiful private residences, and two tidal mill sites that bear witness to the industrial past linked to the tidal range.

An urban walk where you first stroll along the Vilaine river before crossing two public gardens. Then you wander through the historic centre of Rennes with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. With the Palais Saint-Georges, the Portes Mordelaises, the Opera House, the Parliament of Brittany and several churches, there is a rich heritage to discover.

This route will take you through the Châteaubourg countryside where, as its name suggests, there are several ponds: Pont de Pierre Pond, Roches Bises Pond and Grand Fayelle Pond. You will also walk along a small section of the Corbière Forest. This route is FFRandonnée certified. It can be done on foot or by bike.

A hike that will take you from Saint-Médard-sur-Ille to Saint-Germain-sur-Ille through the Bois de Cranne (protected natural area) and along the towpath (greenway) with its locks.

This area, aptly named Pays des Vallons de Vilaine (Land of the Vilaine Valleys), offers a rugged topography that is almost unique in the department and will delight hiking enthusiasts. The La Trotinais route has a total elevation gain of almost 200 metres. The village of Saint-Senoux and its 19th-century parish church of Saint-Abdon, as well as the hamlets of La Trotinais and La Fiolais, are well worth a visit.

Walk along a shaded path on the banks of the Vilaine river, passing by the Manoir de Tizé.

The Frémur estuary has two different aspects: the right bank is lined with mudflats and polders, which provide refuge for many species of birds during migration. The path is lined with hedges and undergrowth, providing a cool environment for walking. The left bank is sandy, ideal for beach games in summer. It is also where boats moor. There is a beautiful view of the Roche-Good tide mill, nestled at the end of the estuary.

The first part of this hike takes you into deep woods. Then you will discover the archaeological site of the medieval castle of Boutavent. Continue this hike through open areas with beautiful panoramic views and steep ascents and descents to reach the Étang de la Chambre au Loup.The return journey takes you back up a steep, open and rocky climb with breathtaking views. :!: 9.07.2025: The signposting has been changed from blue to yellow.

The path runs along the right bank of the Rance, overlooking its rocky coves, which resemble Mediterranean calanques. Along the way, stop at La Passagère, where you can see the Maison du Passeur and the house of Commander Jean Charcot. In the cove, you will find the boat graveyard, the only place where old hulls from the Rance valley are beached.

Walk along the Étang du Val, then along the river, under the cover of the forest, then climb up to the plateau in the moorland to explore the varied megaliths of this exceptional site. There are many paths on the site, offering numerous possible variations.

This route allows you to discover a whole range of small architectural heritage sites: guardhouses, typical houses, a wash house and a church. But of course, as everywhere else in the area, the star attraction is Mont-Saint-Michel, which visitors can see in the background throughout their journey.

Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Vilaine river and the Étangs d'Apigné lakes. This lake area is very popular with the people of Rennes for sports and picnics. You are sure to come across joggers and cyclists along the path.

Discover the charming little town of Bazouges-la-Pérouse, then walk through the woods to reach this former residence of the Counts of Fougères, now a guest house, and finally stroll along charming streams that offer peace and serenity.

Ce circuit du littoral emprunte le GR® 34. Il permet la découverte des anciens chemins des douaniers et offre un point de vue exceptionnel, de l’embouchure de la Rivière du Frémur jusqu’au Cap Fréhel.

This section ofthe GR® 34trail, which leads to the legendary Pointe du Grouin, has been used by some of the great names in French history: the family of Constable Bertrand du Guesclin, the writer Colette and the singer Léo Ferré. Follow in their footsteps from Touesse Beach along theGR® 34 from Pointe des Grands Nez to Pointe du Nid. On the way back, you will pass by the Malouinière La Motte aux Chauff.

This route allows us to alternate between the discovery of a hilly landscape, marked by hedgerows and embankments, and the open landscape of the Dol marshes, criss-crossed by its vast network of canals and ditches and punctuated by the omnipresence of Mont-Dol and Dol-de-Bretagne Cathedral.

A walk through the centre of Rennes, passing important sites such as the new convention centre (former Jacobins Convent, Parliament of Brittany, etc.) and ending pleasantly at the Thabor Gardens. The route also allows you to appreciate the architectural richness of old Rennes and some admirable façades.

The legendary Brocéliande is undoubtedly the most popular of all, but the natural Brocéliande is just as omnipresent. It is the latter that you will discover on this hike, with Lake Trémelin, the Bois de la Roche Trébulente and Putenoë woods, and above all the Careil bird sanctuary... don't forget your binoculars!

From the beautifully landscaped public garden, there is a remarkable view of the Rance and its right bank, from which the village of Saint-Suliac stands out. From the garden, you can easily reach Garel Beach and the Landriais shipyard with its specific equipment: the above-ground wooden dry dock, via the cliff-top path. The wet Guérouse valley winds through the undergrowth that makes up the Domaine du Pièton.

The commune of Saint-Coulomb had twenty malouinières spread across its territory. Malouinières are the country residences of Saint-Malo shipowners. Most were built between 1680 and 1730. Their architecture was strongly influenced by military engineers. Their style is uniform (granite from the Chausey Islands). This route, in a vegetable-growing countryside, allows you to discover some of them in different sizes. Only the one in Ville Bague is open to visitors.