Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets walks

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.

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

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".

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Rance once had many tide mills on its banks. Today, with the passage of time, erosion and lack of maintenance, little remains. This circuit allows you to discover the coastline, countryside, coastal path, remains of the Montmarin mills, the new mill and the dam that uses the movements of the tides for its tidal power plant.

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.

La Rance saw its first tidal mill built in 1181 (Moulin du Lupin near Rothéneuf). Were built between the sixteenth and seventeenth century. Today there are not many of these renewable energy suppliers. This tour allows you to see the ruins of two mills (Fosse Mort and La Herviais) and to walk around this estuary ideal for the construction of mills.

From the beautifully landscaped public garden, there is a remarkable view of the Rance and its right bank, from which the village of Saint-Suliac stands out. From the garden, you can easily reach Garel Beach and the Landriais shipyard with its specific equipment: the above-ground wooden dry dock, via the cliff-top path. The wet Guérouse valley winds through the undergrowth that makes up the Domaine du Pièton.

Walking along the Chemin de Ronde between the dam and the pier, you will enjoy various panoramic views of Saint-Servan-sur-Mer and then Saint-Malo. A short boat trip will take you to an outer basin of the port of Saint-Malo. Continue on to the Cité d'Aleth, the Solidor Tower and the Rosais to complete this tour by crossing the dam.

The Cité d'Alet is a family-friendly walk, with an exceptional promontory, offering 270° panorama of the Cité Corsaire, the fortified rocks of La Conchée, Petit Bé, Île Harbour, Grand Bé (Chateaubriand's burial place), the Rance estuary and its dam, and Dinard and its beaches. It's also Saint-Malo birthplace, with the remains of the first human settlements.