La Gouesnière walks

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.

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.

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.

A pleasant little walk that takes you across the fields to the Cancale plateau, then heads back towards the beach to return along the coast via Les Roches Noires and Le Vauleraud. A beautiful view of the bay from the top of the cliff above Cancale.This route is not difficult.

This section ofthe GRP® Tour du Pays Malouin takes you to two sites emblematic of the historic activities along the banks of the Rance: the Quinard tide mill and the Quelmer boat graveyard. There are beautiful views of the Harteau and Chevet Islands, the moorings, and the left bank of the Rance.

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.

A walk that allows you to explore the Rance estuary and a few islands. This is a shorter version of walk 88877, ‘Around Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets’.

Just ten kilometres or so south of Saint-Malo, Saint-Suliac is a small village situated on the coast of the Rance estuary. It is a former fishing village. The route suggested here allows you to discover the rich variety of landscapes; it passes via Mont Garrot (or Gareau), which, at a height of 73 metres, offers a panoramic view of the Rance valley and the ‘Viking camp’. It runs alongside the river and passes through designated nature reserves. Along the route, you can admire two historic mills: a windmill overlooking the hill (which cannot be visited, as it stands on private land that is not accessible) and the old Boschet tide mill, built inthe 16th century and in operation until the 1940s. A local association has carried out its complete restoration.

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.

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 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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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

Did the Vikings settle in the Rance valley at the foot of Mont Garot? Nothing is less certain, but in any case, this is a theory put forward by the guides. From La Ville-es-Nonais, along the right bank of the Rance, make your way to the site of the supposed Viking camp. At low tide, you can see the site, covered in short vegetation.

Cette randonnée de 12 km vous fera découvrir les pointes des Grands Nez et du Meinga ainsi que l'Île Besnard.

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.

This walk takes you along the paths of the Marais Blanc, and alongside the Guyolut, as well as the Cardequin and Ceinture Nord watercourses. The terrain is flat and easy, but can be exposed to the wind.The section of the route through the Marais Blanc allows you to discover old stone farmhouses that have retained the charm of their original stone construction. Some are listed as heritage sites.

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.

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.

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.

One of the classic walks in the Rance Basin. The path overlooks the Rance and offers numerous colourful views of the water, the riverbanks and river life. An opportunity to walk alongside the Minihic shipyards. A return via the sunken paths and the shaded valley of Saint-Buc takes us back to the Sainte-Anne Chapel, dating from 1631. Very breezy and shaded in summer, very bright and open in early spring. High tide, low tide: you never see the same landscape.

This is a circular route that allows you, on the one hand, to walk along the banks of the Rance from the Pont Saint-Hubert to the Grève du Roué near Langrolay-sur-Rance and, on the other hand, to explore the hinterland and visit the charming hamlets. There are also sections through woodland.

A superb coastal walk towards a major tourist attraction: Pointe du Grouin. During this round-trip route, you’ll discover the beauty of this coastline from different angles, depending on the light and the tide. The view of Fort Du Guesclin, which becomes an island at high tide, perfectly illustrates these varied landscapes.

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.

Since 2013, the cities of Rennes and Saint-Malo have been joining forces every two years for a new street art event. On this occasion, works by urban artists adorn the city’s walls, transforming them into giant, colourful murals. Thus, this ephemeral art form emerges and disappears with each edition. The most recent event took place in 2022. This purely urban walking route, created in August 2024, winds its way through various neighbourhoods of the city and allows you to discover a number of works – often panoramic in nature – some of which have vanished from the landscape, hidden beneath a layer of insulation or following façade renovation, notably on Quai Duguay Trouin. Wander through this open-air gallery – the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air whilst drifting between dreams and imagination.

A getaway between land and sea. Landscapes, heritage and a coastal path offering sweeping views of the entire coastline from the pirate city to Cap Fréhel.

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.

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.

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.

A walk along the Sentier des Douaniers between Guesclin Beach, Saint-Coulomb, to the west, and Pointe du Grouin, Cancale, to the east. The route follows the coastline along a well-signposted and accessible but uneven path. There are a succession of superb viewpoints all along the route. Although the route is a return walk, the paths have very different characteristics and equally pleasant scenery.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A pleasant walk along the banks of the Rance and through the countryside. A circular route of around 11 km with the option to adjust the length.

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

This short route offers superb views of Le Havre de Rothéneuf, the islands and Chevrets Beach.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A lovely day’s hike, taking you around the Rance Maritime as far as the Chatelier lock, the boundary between the Rance Fluviale and the Rance Maritime. On the itinerary: exploring the flora and fauna along the banks of the Rance, magnificent views, small coves and anchorages, and lush valley floors. Depending on the tide, you’ll alternate between shallow waters and mudflats. Please note: some sections along the banks of the Rance are only accessible at low tide and can be quite slippery.

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. 

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.

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).

A circular route starting from the Mordreuc slipway via La Chapelle and Le Moulin du Prat. This route is not difficult and follows the banks of the Rance to begin and end its loop via country paths. Along the route, you will discover two tide mills as well as some beautiful houses and manor houses.

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.

A lovely walk along the banks of the Rance and through the beautiful Bois de Rochel forest. This walk combines various routes suggested by Plouër-sur-Rance Town Hall. It begins as a blue trail along the banks of the Rance, where the landscapes and views change with every tide. After passing through hamlets with traditional stone houses, it continues as a green trail through the forest, where beech and chestnut trees over 25 metres tall never fail to impress and where sunken paths await the walker. Take care in winter, as some sections may be damp. But in summer, don’t hesitate – with its open, airy and shaded route, it offers a chance to enjoy a pleasant coolness in the heart of nature.

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.

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.

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.