From Bénance to Fournevay

A small car park with a picnic area is available at the entrance to Bénance, on the corner of Route de Saint-Martin. A public transport stop is nearby. In the summer months, particularly from mid-July to mid-August, the car park can be full.

Follow the red and white markings of the GR®34 for the entire walk.

(S/E) Head towards the small hamlet of Bénance via Rue du Port Fevis, following this road until you reach Chemin de la Petite Mer. Follow this path to the end to find the coastal path leading to Pointe de Bénance: stunning views of the surrounding islands.

(1) Turn back and follow the path that runs along the gulf until you reach the junction with the Chemin de la Croix de Bénance.

(2) As soon as the path reaches the track, turn right and follow the signposted path until it joins the Route de la Pointe de Ruault.

(3) Turn right to follow this road, making sure to look out for the red and white markings. Ignore the yellow markings.

(4) Leave the Route de la Pointe de Ruault and follow the road branching off to the left (Vieux Ruault or Porh Ler).

(5) Turn right off this road to follow the Kozh Vahen lane. At the end of this, rejoin the coastal path, which you follow continuously until you reach a picnic area on the Route de Vertin, where you turn back.

(6) Follow the outward route in the opposite direction to return to the car park at the entrance to Bénance.

Unless we are mistaken, there are no public toilets or taps for filling water bottles on this walk.

The GR®34 route on this section is not the most pleasant; it follows a large stretch of road and the coastal path is often cut into the hillside, with no views due to dense vegetation. After rain, particularly in winter, it is very muddy. Good walking shoes, or even boots, are therefore essential during wet weather.

(6) Alternative route for the return journey: you can either retrace your steps or significantly shorten the hike by returning via the Route de Vertin and the Route de Saint-Martin, which lead back to the Bénance picnic area at the starting point (S/E). These roads are busy.

In the summer months, there are at least two spots where you can enjoy oysters from the Gulf and seafood: at Pointe de Bénance and along the Ruault coastal path. Pointe de Ruault, accessible via a detour, is home to several oyster farms and oyster bars.

Throughout the route, take your time to admire the scenery, particularly the light at sunrise and sunset.