From Sauzon, via the Pointe du Cardinal, to Le Palais along the coastal path

On this walk from Sauzon to Le Palais, it’s hard to get lost; simply follow the coastal path (GR®340) and, via a series of ascents and descents – which make the route quite a challenge – you’ll reach the Port du Palais (see practical information).

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.70 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,030 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,030 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 128 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: -3 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Area: Belle-Ile
  • ⚐ City: Sauzon (56360)
  • ⚑
    Start: N 47.368468° / W 3.222456°
  • ⚑
    End: N 47.347099° / W 3.153718°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 0822OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

To get to the starting point, take the ferry from Port Maria in Quiberon to Le Palais (one-hour crossing). Walk to the coach station via the footbridge over the citadel lock (10-minute walk) and take the bus to Sauzon (line 1). Get off at the Pen Brad – Port de Sauzon stop (15-minute journey).

(S) With your back to the bus stop, follow the D30 to the left (GR®340), walking alongside the harbour and then the coast as closely as possible, until you reach Pointe du Cardinal.

(1) Enjoy the view from Pointe du Cardinal, then return to the Pen Brad – Port de Sauzon bus stop by following the route in reverse.

(S) Take the path that climbs up and then descends the hill (GR®340) to a junction.

(2) Cross the road bridge with care, then rejoin the path immediately afterwards, on the left. Walk along the bay and enjoy some beautiful views of Sauzon until you reach Port Blanc.

(3) Continue along the coastal path and, via a series of ascents and descents, reach Pointe de Kerso, which offers beautiful panoramic views to both the right and left.

(4) Carry on along the coastal path to the cove at Port Jean Beach.

(5) After taking in the scenery, head along the path, passing Port Collen Beach and then Port Fouquet Beach, before reaching Pointe de Taillefert and its fort.

(6) Take some time to explore the casemate structures dating from the Second World War. Continue along the coastal path.

(7) At the road, turn left, walk through the hamlet of Taillefert, follow the perimeter wall of the holiday centre, then take the path on the left which starts at the corner of the building and follow it to the Vauban Citadel.

(8) Enter the citadel, then turn right and walk along the ramparts on your left. Head towards the harbour, cross the footbridge over the lock and turn left onto Quai Jacques Leblanc. Continue along Rue Jules Simon to reach the Port du Palais (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 16 ft - Bus stop, Pen Brad – Port de Sauzon - Église Saint-Nicolas (Sauzon)
  2. 1 : mi 0.95 - alt. 98 ft - Pointe du Cardinal
  3. 2 : mi 2.4 - alt. 16 ft - Crossroads
  4. 3 : mi 3.37 - alt. 92 ft - Port Blanc
  5. 4 : mi 4.25 - alt. 56 ft - Pointe de Kerzo
  6. 5 : mi 5.55 - alt. 16 ft - Port Jean Beach cove
  7. 6 : mi 7.79 - alt. 79 ft - Pointe de Taillefer
  8. 7 : mi 8.14 - alt. 85 ft - Route
  9. 8 : mi 9.19 - alt. 98 ft - Vauban Citadel
  10. E : mi 9.7 - alt. 13 ft - Port du Palais

Notes

Food and drink are available at Sauzon harbour and on arrival at Le Palais.

I arrived at Le Palais at around 10.15 am and set off again on the 6 pm ferry, arriving in Quiberon at around 7 pm. However, it’s best to check the timetables, as they vary depending on the season.

Worth a visit

Sauzon harbour.

Stunning views all along the route.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.