Saint-Père walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The first tidal mill on the Rance was built in 1181 (Moulin du Lupin near Rothéneuf). These mills flourished between the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, few of these renewable energy sources remain. This route allows you to see the remains of two mills (Fosse Mort and La Herviais) and to stroll through this estuary, which is 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Jutting out into the Rance estuary, Pointe de Cancaval offers beautiful views of the right bank: from Saint-Servan to Saint-Malo, the dam and the moorings dotted along the coast. During the walk, you will notice La Malouinière de Montmarin and its remarkable garden, which is one of the most beautiful private residences, and two tidal mill sites that bear witness to the industrial past linked to the tidal range.

The route takes you along the banks of the Rance between La Richardais and the hamlet of Créhen, via the Pointe de Gronget. The Pointe de Cancaval offers a beautiful view of the Rance, the dam of the same name and the town of Alet towards Saint-Malo.

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 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.

On the other side of the walls, the west coast of the Saint-Servan district unfolds before walkers like a green carpet stretching from the Cité d’Aleth to Parc du Briantais. From Cale Solidor, where the tower stands elegantly, this route, dotted with green spaces, passes through a multitude of exceptional landscapes alternating between coves, parks, inlets and beaches. The Parc des Corbières trail offers, right from the start, a unique view of the Rance estuary and the town of Dinard, and allows you to discover some rather secluded beaches. Further on, the magnificent Parc du Briantais invites you to enjoy a moment of discovery and relaxation before a more urban return through the parks and gardens. Next, the Port des Sablons and the ferry terminal bear witness to the town’s importance as a port. Finally, the Cité d’Aleth opens up to you; step back in time through its history, facing the English Channel where Vauban’s forts stand out against the horizon.

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.

We invite you to explore the three main fortified islets in the Bay of Saint-Malo: Fort du Petit Bé, Grand Bé—which houses Chateaubriand’s tomb—and Fort National. Access to these islets is only safe at low tide and when the tidal range is at least 80. Extend your exploration with a stroll along the foreshore and its wooden breakwaters, admiring the beautiful buildings and hotels lining the Sillon.Before setting off on the walk, check the day’s weather forecast.

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.

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.

Vauban erected numerous military structures along the Breton coastline, and they are very often built on remarkable sites. Here are two notable examples: the Fort de la Cité d’Alet at the summit of the Saint-Servan peninsula, and the Fort National, which faces the Plage de l’Éventail in Saint-Malo.

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 autumn equinox tides (coefficient of 92) allow you to make a return trip from the ramparts of Saint-Malo to the Pointe de la Varde, across the foreshore and with dry feet. You walk alongside theGRP®® Tour du Pays Malouin at a distance.

Discover the pirate town and the personalities who played a part in its history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A pleasant walk that takes you through the charming valley of the Ruisseau de Coëtquen, also known as the Val Hervelin – which is also the name of the village – on a return trip. The route is generally very pleasant and the path runs largely through woodland. It also offers the chance to discover a few old houses, particularly in St-Méleuc and La Forge. It takes you to a megalithic site in the Tougeais forest, north of the hamlet known as ‘Les Rouchiviers’. There are no significant difficulties, but the valley floor may be very wet during wet weather and the stream may even burst its banks.

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).