Sarzeau countryside and coastal path along the gulf

This route combines the rich heritage of Sarzeau with views of the Gulf of Morbihan and birdwatching opportunities.

Details

128520
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.00 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 95 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 95 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 105 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Starting car park: Place des Trinitaines (behind the Tourist Office).

(Start/End) Head north-west through a passageway between the shops, which leads onto Rue du Général De Gaulle; follow this road to the right. Opposite the church, on your left, you’ll find the town hall and, in front of it, the bust of Alain-René Lesage, a writer born in Sarzeau. Continue via Place Richemont, then turn right into the tiny Place Lesage, which leads onto Rue Saint-Vincent.

(1) At number 17 on this street, a plaque marks Lesage’s birthplace and its garden, which is open to the public. Continue to the left as you leave the garden, go past the roundabout and turn right onto Chemin du Patis.
When you reach Rue de Beg Lan, turn left, pass the sports centre on your left and go under the D780 bridge via a designated underpass.
After Cohfournic, leave the track on your left and carry on towards Calzac Bas.

(2) Turn left onto the track and do the same at the next junction. Carry on straight ahead along Chemin Kloz Kerbleiz until you reach the D198.

(3) Opposite, you’ll see the Croix de Kerblay and a picnic table. Cross this road with care, take the small road opposite, then turn left straight away to follow Chemin Ar Vroel Vihan. Continue for about 1.8 km; this is the right-of-way of the old railway line.
At the crossroads, near Kerhouët-Saint-Comlombier, turn left, ignoring the dead-end on the left and taking the next turn.

(4) Follow the wide, shaded path which runs alongside the wall of the Château de Kerlévenan estate, which is not visible from the track. At the next road, turn left, then take a slight detour to the left to admire the splendid façade of the Manoir de Kerbot.

(5) Return to the road on the left and pass under the D780 through a tunnel. At the exit, turn right, then veer left to join a small road before the hamlet of Le Duer and follow this road for a few metres.

(6) Turn at a right angle to reach the coastal path. Ignore the path on the right leading to an observatory, which is not part of this route.

GR®®34Tour du Golfe signposting: White and red.

After about 200 m, there is an option to visit a viewing point on the right. This entire area is designated a quiet zone for the birdlife of the Gulf of Morbihan. (A beautiful viewpoint offering interesting sightings depending on the season – do not hesitate to go up there).

(7) Return and continue along the path which leads to the Pointe de Duer.
Continue along the path, which turns south-west. This section of the path has been fitted with wooden duckboards to make walking easier. The maritime pines also provide welcome shade. On your left, you’ll see Kergorget Castle.

(8) The path leaves the coast and climbs up to go round Kerbodec on the left.

(9) Then follow the wide path heading west. Ignore the paths on both the right and left.

No signposting.

(10) At the junction, about 100 m before the gate, leave Truscat Castle on your right (not visible from the path) and take the stony path leading uphill to the left. Walk alongside a pond and continue until you reach the cemetery.
Pass between the two sections of the cemetery and carry on straight ahead. At the next street, turn right then left to go round a car park. Carry on straight ahead along Ruelle Cavalin and cross the Place de la Mairie.

(11) Take an alleyway that goes round the chancel of the church. This leads to Rue de Poulmenach; follow it to the left to reach the car park on the right (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 98 ft - Place des Trinitaines
  2. 1 : mi 0.2 - alt. 92 ft - Lesage House and Garden
  3. 2 : mi 1.19 - alt. 39 ft - Calzac Bas
  4. 3 : mi 1.92 - alt. 66 ft - Kerblay Cross
  5. 4 : mi 3.17 - alt. 69 ft - Wall of Kerlévenan Castle
  6. 5 : mi 3.9 - alt. 52 ft - Kerbot Manor
  7. 6 : mi 4.29 - alt. 10 ft - Towards the coastal path
  8. 7 : mi 4.49 - alt. 7 ft - Observatory
  9. 8 : mi 5.32 - alt. 7 ft - Kergeorget Castle
  10. 9 : mi 5.73 - alt. 49 ft - Heading west
  11. 10 : mi 6.27 - alt. 10 ft - Path leading uphill to the left
  12. 11 : mi 6.87 - alt. 102 ft - Ruelle de l’Eglise
  13. S/E : mi 7 - alt. 98 ft - Place des Trinitaines

Notes

Along the way, you’ll come across a few signposts for routes, but there are no proper markings apart from the section ofthe GR®®34.

The Rhuys Peninsula Tourist Office provides a very useful map free of charge, which complements the IGN map well.

Worth a visit

Lesage’s birthplace and garden:
This is the birthplace of Alain-René Lesage (1668–1747), one of the great writers of his time. The property was acquired by the local council in January 2010.
The complex comprises a house, outbuildings and a garden with a pond, all set within an area of approximately 2,653 m². The property is surrounded by a 2.50-metre-high wall, the existence of which was already recorded in 1682.

Kerlévenan Castle: there is an admission charge to visit the grounds.
Kerlevan Castle

Kergorget Castle (private), visible from the coastal path.

5 km away: Château de Suscinio: A path allows you to walk around it and take in the full view.
Suscino Castle

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 20 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Loic Riffier
Loic Riffier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Prefer this route at high tide

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billbock
billbock

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

sarzeau is a pleasant town, but the route leaves us feeling a little unsatisfied as there are few accessible sites apart from the marshes. Nevertheless, it is still enjoyable

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pfbb
pfbb

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike without any difficulties

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jules retour
jules retour

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Pleasant route. Very interesting observatory at the Duer marsh.

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Christine 14
Christine 14

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

No difficulty

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gribouillebellou
gribouillebellou

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

pleasant hike, starting with a visit to the centre of SARZEAU, the LESAGE house and garden, then beautiful country paths, woods and marshland

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Mike95
Mike95

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The informative Duer Marsh Observatory, marshy bays: a very pleasant walk.
We preferred to continue our walk along the coast to Gulay Beach to enjoy the sun, then take the same route back to stay in nature, rather than going through the town.

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Jm_29
Jm_29

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk that offers a real insight into the different facets of this town and its surroundings. You just need to take care to follow the right path at a few junctions.

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jemarche72
jemarche72

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with a wide variety of landscapes and architectural heritage.
The walk through the bird sanctuary is interesting: views of the marshes, bird watching, views of the islands in the gulf...
The route description at the start, although very precise, is difficult to follow in a city centre that is crowded during the summer; I suggest starting at the sports complex and strolling through the city centre at the end of the hike.
(The garden at Lesage House was neglected and disappointing.)

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FLOCH
FLOCH ★

Hello,

I am surprised by your comment, which does not correspond to previous messages received, the last one dating from February 2021.
I clearly stated, "Along the way, you will encounter a few directional signs for trails, but there are no real markings except for the section ofthe GR®34" between (6) and (10).

I apologise for this disappointment.

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milka
milka

Overall rating : 1 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 04, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Very busy route : No

This route is not recommended, as there are no signs or directions
i wasted an hour going round in circles without finding a way out,
i turned back, very disappointed
the paths are roads!
milka

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RENNODNAR
RENNODNAR

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

With sunshine that doesn't burn (you know, winter anticyclones), just the right amount of breeze, varied landscapes (foreshore, bird sanctuary, wetlands set back from the coast), paths that are passable even in winter +++
My only regret: Sarzeau was deserted, but that's Covid for you.

Highly recommended ++

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mahornsolo
mahornsolo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

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mamyclaudy
mamyclaudy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We really enjoyed this hike and it's one we'll happily do again. We stopped off at the observatory to admire the view of the marshes and birds, which was superb. Thank you to the person who organised it.

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rudvid56
rudvid56

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 12, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike with lovely wooded paths inland and the path along the gulf, which is as beautiful as ever.
I recommend visiting the Truscat salt marshes. These salt marshes can be reached by taking a small path that descends straight down to the gulf, located 100 metres after point 9 (the place called Kerbodec).
A must-see.

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