Circular route through coastal and countryside scenery between La Mine d'Or and Loscolo

(S/E) From the car park at Plage de la Mine d'Or, head up the avenue leading to it, go past the roundabout in the middle, then turn right onto the first (private) road after the junction. A passage between two properties connects Rue des Genêts to Rue de Zéloury, which you follow until it joins Allée des Cupressus.

(1) Upon reaching this path, which is also one of the cycle routes criss-crossing the town, turn right towards Kerfalher. This beautiful, straight, tree-lined path curves to the left before leading onto the road serving the village. When you reach it, turn left to join the D201 and cross with care.

(2) On the other side of the river, take the path leading off to the right. Further on, it joins a cross-path which you should take to the left. Ignore the first path on the right leading to caravan sites, then, at the next junction, turn right to follow the path bordering the first wetlands upstream of the Pont Mahé Marshes. Follow this signposted path until it turns 90°.

(3) Let the signposted path continue off to the left towards the marshes and continue slightly to the right, along the path that climbs back up towards the D201. When you reach this possibly temporary track, cross with care to take the road leading to Pointe du Bile. However, after passing the road leading to Kerlieux, leave the road to the headland and take the stabilised track that runs between the two previous roads. This wide, unattractive track makes a sweeping bend before opening out onto a platform where various materials are regularly dumped. At this point, turn right to follow a wide dirt track, which may be muddy depending on the season. After two hundred metres, it joins another cycle path with a sandy surface.

(4) Follow the cycle path to the left, ignoring a path branching off to the right, then, shortly after a leisure area, reach the coastal road at a beach car park. Cross this road, walk alongside the car park and emerge onto the coastal path at Lanchale Beach.

(5) If the tide allows, you can descend to the beach via a staircase and head towards Pointe de Loscolo by turning right. Otherwise, follow the coastal path, which soon leads to the coastal road; cross the beach car park to reach the headland.

(6) At the northern end of the beach, a path winds its way between the properties to cut across Pointe de Loscolo. Further on, it opens up to a magnificent view of the ochre cliffs that stretch along the entire coastline between Poudrantais and Le Lomer. The route later passes along this cliff, but for now, head to Maresclé Beach, which is also a lovely spot for a quick dip.

(7) Upon reaching the ramp leading down to this beach, you can either head down to the left and walk along the beach to its central access point, or continue along the cliff top by following the coastal path that runs there. After the main entrance, there is no alternative but to continue along the coastal path that skirts the Pointe du Maresclé. As you reach Anse de Poudrantais, you’ll pass the oldest villas in Pénestin, with their somewhat old-fashioned charm.

(8) Once past the sailing centre (currently under reconstruction), continue along the coastal path which climbs northwards to reach the first cliffs for which Pénestin is renowned. After passing a few fairly recent villas, the path enters a moorland area currently being reclaimed, where a few seaside bungalows from a bygone era still stand. Once past these, it is only a few dozen metres to the car park where you started, above La Mine d’Or beach (S/E).

La Mine d'Or is the seaside district of Pénestin. You’ll find everything you need for food and drink there, provided the weather allows for beach activities. In winter, often only the toilet block is accessible.