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La Gouesnière walks
La Gouesnière circular via Bois Renou
This is a short, peaceful walk, partly through built-up areas and partly through what is known locally as the white marsh. In fact, the only remaining evidence of the marsh is the leat Jean. The route follows part of the GRP® Tour du Pays Malouin.
Circular around the Fort de Saint-Père-Marc-en-Poulet
The main attraction of this hike is the Fort de Saint-Père, built between 1777 and 1785 to protect Saint-Malo from English attacks by land and to complete the defence system designed by the famous Vauban. Part of its enclosure was destroyed in 1944 by the Germans as they fled during the Liberation. Today, the fort has become a cultural and leisure space. Every year, it hosts various trail events, flower markets, festivals and concerts. The fort is open to the public during the events it hosts, but the outer rampart walk is accessible to walkers all year round.
The Fort of Saint-Père-Marc-en-Poulet
Built in the 18th century, the fort completes the coastal fortifications designed by Vauban to protect the bay of Saint-Malo from English attacks. With a capacity of 3,000 men, 26 casemates and a 46-metre-long powder magazine, it was delivered too late to play a defensive role. During the 1914-1918 war, it housed German prisoners and, during the last war, it was converted into an ammunition depot by the Germans, who blew up part of the casemates during their evacuation. Decommissioned in 1988, it is now owned by the municipality of Saint-Père-Marc-en-Poulet, which has restored it; shows are organised there.
Circular loop of Saint-Jouan and La Chapelle du Val ès Bouillis
This is a gentle hike that forms a double circular route, one around the hamlet of Le Val ès Bouilli and the second around La Livaudais. Much of the route runs alongside the Rance. The rest is divided between sunken paths and small roads. Along the way, you can see the Pointe du Puits and the Pont Chateaubriand to the south.
Circular route to Saint-Suliac via Mont Gareau and Moulin du Tertre
Shortly after setting off, you will come to the oratory, dedicated to the safety of sailors setting out to sea for the banks of Newfoundland. There is a magnificent view of the village, the Rance and the opposite bank as far as the Pont Chateaubriand bridge.
The walk continues along the banks of the Rance to the summit of Mont Gareau, where another viewpoint will surprise you.
Along the way, you can admire two old mills: a windmill overlooking the hill (not open to visitors, as it is on private land) and an old tide mill, built inthe 16th century, which was in operation until the 1940s. An association is working to restore it.
Around Mont Garrot
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.
Saint-Suliac, North point
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
Mont Gareau massif
Mont Gareau, tomb of Gargantua. A historic site steeped in legends and mysteries. The highest point in the region, offering a magnificent 360° panorama from its height of 73 metres! It overlooks Saint-Suliac, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, and in good weather you can see Mont-Saint-Michel, Granville and the Normandy coast.
Circular via Pointe du Puits and Clos de la Croix in Saint-Suliac.
Saint-Suliac, a former fishing village, is located a stone's throw from Saint-Malo. The landscapes are varied, and this walk will allow you to discover the maritime side of Saint-Suliac and the narrow streets of the old part of the village. The steep side of the shore along the Rance is somewhat reminiscent of the GR®34 between Saint-Malo and Cancale, all things considered. There is a beautiful view of the Rance from the Pointe du Puits.
The heights of Cancale, Rocher Gaut and the points
Circular route around Cancale following the GR®34 and GRP® du Pays Malouin and the PR® de Cancale. The route passes by the points that offer beautiful views of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Along the way, you can sample some oysters in season.
Route des Malouinières de Saint-Coulomb
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.
La Rance at Quelmer, La Passagère and the boat graveyard.
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.
Around Quelmer, starting from La Goëléterie
A circular trail of about 10 km around Quelmer, starting from La Goëléterie. Points of interest: the banks of the Rance, La Passagère, the boat graveyard at La Passagère, the Pointe de la Roche du Port with its superb views of the Rance, and splendid malouinières (traditional houses) along the way.
The first part of this route follows the coastal path. The second part follows another route called "Around Quelmer and La Passagère".
Around Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets
From Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets to La Rance via theGRP® long-distance hiking trail and the countryside around Saint-Malo.
Pointes des Grands Nez et du Meinga, Île Besnard au départ de Saint-Coulomb
Cette randonnée de 12 km vous fera découvrir les pointes des Grands Nez et du Meinga ainsi que l'Île Besnard.
Loop between Rance and Terre, from Pont Saint-Jean to Pointe du Puits
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.
Between land and sea towards the chapels of Saint-Vincent and Notre-Dame des Flots
Between the land and the Emerald Coast, this protected natural area invites you to go hiking and enjoy its ever-changing panoramic views. Breathe in the air of Brittany between Saint-Malo and Saint-Coulomb for a breath of fresh air along the customs officers' path, its beaches, windy points and inland areas. Set off to explore its secret chapels and magnificent manor houses.
Saint-Coulomb and the circular route around La Touesse
A nice little walk, partly on the Sentier des Douaniers on the GR®34. Superb view from the headlands, especially at low tide when the rocks are exposed and covered with sea spray. In good weather, the view stretches as far as Cap Fréhel to the west and Pointe du Grouin and the Herpin lighthouse to the east.
The Guesclin Cove from Pointe des Grands Nez to Pointe du Nid
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.
The balconies of Minihic-sur-Rance
One of the classic hikes in the Rance Basin. The trail overlooks the Rance and offers numerous colourful views of the water, the beaches and river life. An opportunity to walk along the Minihic shipyards. A return via the sunken paths and the shady valley of Saint-Buc takes us back to the Sainte-Anne Chapel, dating from 1631.
Very airy and shady in summer, very bright and open in early spring. High tide, low tide: you never see the same landscape twice.
Around Rotheneuf and Pointe de La Varde
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 Pointe du Meinga and the Malouinière de la Vieille Bague
The Pointe du Meinga and Île Besnard areas are ideal for beautiful hikes in any season. This hike starts on the GR®34 and then turns inland to discover some of the malouinières near the Étang Sainte-Suzanne. You can extend the hike by going around Île Besnard.
Pointe du Meinga, Île Besnard and Havre de Rothéneuf
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.
Pointe du Nid and Anse du Verger
Short walk along the coastal path between beautiful beaches and return via Anse du Verger, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
Along the route, you will find Fort du Guesclin, the Gaudes guardhouse and the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Verger, remarkable for its marine paintings offered as ex-votos.
Rothéneuf: the points of Rothéneuf and La Varde
This route will take you along the customs officers' path between Rothéneuf and Pont beach, via Pointe de la Varde. Beautiful views of St-Malo bay, with Cézembre and Fort de la Conchée to the west, Île Besnard and Les Chevrets (large and small) to the east.
Cancale and its surroundings
Loop between land and sea around Cancale via St Coulomb, following theGR®34andGR®34Atrails.
The Pointe du Grouin circular tour from La Gaudichais
This route follows part of the GR®34 along the coast, an old customs officers' path, and the trails that cross the point between the hamlet of Le Verger and Cancale. The route offers beautiful views of the bay of Mont Saint-Michel and a string of islands to the west. In good weather, you can see Cap Fréhel.
Route of the Notre-Dame du Haut Bout Chapel from Port Briac
This route follows part of the customs officers' path between Port Briac and Port Mer. It then winds its way between the hamlets of Haut Bout, Basse Cancale and Ville ès Péniaux, where you can see old, modest stone houses and other less modest but equally picturesque dwellings. A few passages through the undergrowth add to the charm of the route.
Pointe du Meinga at Saint-Coulomb
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.
On the Emerald Coast between Pointes de la Varde and Pointes du Grouin
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.
Langrolay-sur-Rance route starting from the Souhaitier Chapel
This hike follows the Rance river and the valleys around Langrolay-sur-Rance. It starts at the foot of the Souhaitier Chapel and follows a north-south route offering beautiful views of the Rance and the opposite bank, Saint-Suliac and Mont Gareau. The route is also dotted with some very pretty stone houses. The route follows a branch of the GR®34 to GR®37 trail.
Pointe du Grouin: large circular
This circular follows the GR®34 (Tour de la Bretagne) route from Port Picain to Verger beach, via Pointe du Grouin.
Tour of Île Besnard via the coastal path
This short route offers superb views of Le Havre de Rothéneuf, the islands and Chevrets Beach.
Les Hauts de Miniac-Morvan
This route, in the hills above Miniac-Morvan, will take you to the Mesnil National Forest, passing through the hamlet of Vieux-Bourg and the old Rennes-Saint-Malo tram line.This route takes you along numerous paths on land and in the undergrowth. Very pleasant in fine weather, but sometimes very wet otherwise.
Circular route starting from Miniac-Morvan via Gué Briand and Saint-Gré.
This route, in the hills above Miniac-Morvan, will take you to the "little" Mesnil State Forest via the village of Vieux-Bourg and the old Rennes-Saint-Malo tramway line.From Saint-Gré, on a clear day, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Cancale coast.This route takes you along numerous paths on land and in the undergrowth. Very pleasant in good weather, but sometimes very wet otherwise.
The Grouin Tip (La Pointe du Grouin)
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.
The banks of the Rance from Ville Ger to Mordreuc
This hike will allow you to discover the flora and fauna of the Rance estuary.
The Rance is a wintering ground for migratory birds.
Mordreuc's mascot, seal L 214, will let you take photos with him if the water level allows him to lounge on the slipway. Otherwise, look in the water to see if a whiskered snout is peeking out.
In Mordreuc, if you continue 100 metres along the shore, you will discover the old lime kiln.
Short circular loop of Pointe du Grouin
This circular route starts at the Port Mer seafront and follows the GR®34 (Tour de la Bretagne) from Port Mer to Saussaye Beach via Pointe du Grouin.
Circular routes via Pont Allain and Le Perray from Étang de Beaufort
The route links two of the water retention ponds in the Plerguer area. It alternates between sections on small country roads and stretches through the undergrowth. The route is mainly on hard ground, small roads or stony paths; it is particularly uninteresting during the wet months from autumn to March but can be enjoyed in the other months of the year.The route presents no particular difficulties.
Circular route to the Étang de Beaufort via Mireloup and Le Tronchet
The route links two of the reservoirs in the Plerguer region. It alternates between small country roads and sections in the undergrowth, particularly in the Mesnil Forest, along the Mireloup Reservoir.The route does not present any particular difficulties despite the significant cumulative elevation gain (for the region).
From the Mordreuc tide mill to the Prat tide mill
From the Mordreuc tide mill, follow the shaded cliffs along the banks of the Rance, which will take you to the Prat tide mill. You will pass an old lime kiln and see the village of La Moinerie in Plouër-sur-Rance through the trees. On the mudflats, you will see common shelducks.
At the end of the Moulin du Prat pond, you will see Quincourbe Castle and its dovecote. You will pass by the ferruginous fountain.
The banks of the Rance at Mordreuc
This route has two circular sections, allowing it to be completed in two stages. Both sections highlight the banks of the Rance and allow you to discover the hinterland, the former lands of the gabarriers and Cap-Horniers.
Mordreuc - La Vicomté-sur-Rance circular loop
A beautiful circular walk along the banks of the Rance, from the slipway at Mordreuc to La Vicomté-sur-Rance, passing by the charming Moulin du Prat, and returning through the countryside to explore the banks of the Rance.
The Forges route in Baguer-Morvan
This route runs largely through the countryside and follows sunken lanes. It passes through several hamlets whose names raise questions about their origins: Les Forges, Le Portail des Forges and La Ville Feu.