The Grand Rocher of Saint-Efflam

Park in the car park along Saint-Efflam Beach, Avenue de la Lieue de Grève (D786).

(S/E) Set off along the beach at Lieue de Grève, heading east, more or less close to the shore depending on the tide.

(1) A stream crosses the beach; do not cross it, but head up towards the coast instead. You will find a footbridge to cross the stream. Continue along the path which joins the D786 road. Cross it carefully and continue to the left until you come to a path leading uphill to the left, near the sign marking the exit from Saint-Efflam, an information sign for Grand Rocher and a small ceramic sign on a low wall marked ‘Corniche du Grand Rocher’.

(2) Take this path, which soon curves to the right, and turn onto the first path on the left, continuing uphill. At the junction of the paths, turn left for a fairly steep round trip to the summit of the Grand-Rocher.

(3) Retrace your steps to the junction and continue straight on. Ignore a path on the left.

(4) At the next junction, turn right, ignore a path on the right and you’ll come to a track which you should follow to the left.

(5) At the junction just after this, keep left to cross the hamlet of l’Aunaye; ignore a path on the left leading to a Gallo-Roman temple, then take the next path on the left, signposted ‘Route des Chapelles’. You’ll reach a tarmac road at the hamlet of Keravenou and continue until you reach a junction with a road.

(6) Follow it carefully to the left, then turn onto the first road on the right, signposted ‘Circuit des Chapelles’. You’ll arrive at the entrance to Kerviziou Manor (private) and turn left. Shortly afterwards, you’ll catch a glimpse of this manor house and its monumental gate; you’ll then pass another beautiful residence. The small road gives way to a track. Further on, join a road and follow it to the right.

(7) At the junction with the D786, cross carefully and then follow it to the right, keeping to the left-hand verge. Shortly afterwards, take the path marked ‘No Entry’ (for cars): Venelle de la Fontaine Saint-Efflam. You’ll arrive at this beautiful fountain. Then turn right to follow Rue des Carrières, or the grass verge to its left (signs with photographs taken during our visit), to return to your car park (S/E), making sure to note the two very beautiful manor houses on the right-hand side of the street.

A hike rated as Moderate in difficulty, although short, as the path to the summit of the Grand Rocher is steep. It remains, however, Easy for hikers accustomed to this type of terrain. Standard hiking kit.

Photo gallery here

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