The coastal road and path along the west side of the Quiberon peninsula — known as the Côte Sauvage — is one of the most spectacular places for a run in Brittany. A gravel path runs atop wave-battered cliffs, adjacent to the D186A coastal road, through open terrain of dunes & shrubland, with great views of the water below. Especially beautiful at sunset!
Google Street View
A good place to start is in Quiberon at the south end of the peninsula. From the Casino at the eastern end, a paved waterfront promenade runs alongside the Quai de Houat for 2.5 km. Then, as the road hugs the west coast, use the gravel path alongside (called the Chemin côtier Quiberon), and choose any distance you like! It’s fairly wide and flat, with good footing. The total distance is 11 km north to La pointe Beg-An-Aud. Nearly the entire path has water views, although there are a few inland sections. The northern 4 km of the route is way from the road, and is a bit more remote.
Landmarks along the way include Port Pilote (3.4 km), Port Kehau (4.5 km), Port Bara (8.3 km), Arche de Port Blanc (9.4 km).
Alternative Starting Spots: There are several parking areas along the Côte Sauvage — so you could park at one of those spots and choose a section of the path.
The coastal road and path along the west side of the Quiberon peninsula — known as the Côte Sauvage — is one of the most spectacular places for a run in Brittany. A gravel path runs atop wave-battered cliffs, adjacent to the D186A coastal road, through open terrain of dunes & shrubland, with great views of the water below. Especially beautiful at sunset!
Google Street View
A good place to start is in Quiberon at the south end of the peninsula. From the Casino at the eastern end, a paved waterfront promenade runs alongside the Quai de Houat for 2.5 km. Then, as the road hugs the west coast, use the gravel path alongside (called the Chemin côtier Quiberon), and choose any distance you like! It’s fairly wide and flat, with good footing. The total distance is 11 km north to La pointe Beg-An-Aud. Nearly the entire path has water views, although there are a few inland sections. The northern 4 km of the route is way from the road, and is a bit more remote.
Landmarks along the way include Port Pilote (3.4 km), Port Kehau (4.5 km), Port Bara (8.3 km), Arche de Port Blanc (9.4 km).
Alternative Starting Spots: There are several parking areas along the Côte Sauvage — so you could park at one of those spots and choose a section of the path.
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Essentials
Up to 11 km (6.8 miles) one-way. Choose a section!
57m (187 feet) south to north
Quiberon End: Casino. Or other points along the path
Numerous parking areas along the west coast coastal road
Some terrific running options in Brittany's capital city. We've put together a tour of central Rennes, including three notable parks, and routes on paths along the Vilaine River east to Champagne Park and south to the Apigné Lakes.
Some terrific running in this small coastal city in southeast Brittany. A highlight is the waterfront promenade, extending for several km, part of Ch. Douaniers. We also love running in Parc Paysage, and the 3.6 km loop around Bois Joalland Lake.
Long, flat run on waterfront promenade for up to 7.6 km between Pornichet and Le Pouliguen. The beach is also very runnable. In Le Pouliguen, there's also some nice running along the Quai around the marina.
A scenic loop around Le Croisic, a peninsula sticking out into the Bay of Biscay. A gravel path on the water side with good footing parallels the main road, offering scenic views the whole way. Full loop is 9.3 km, but can be shortened by ~1 km at the end.
A scenic running tour of the walled town of Vannes, combining some historic sites, parks, quai-side paths along La Marle, and a jaunt out to L'Île de Conleau.
A nice run along Quai-side paths along the Auray River (Rivière d'Auray). Includes the historic Pont de Saint-Goustan (bridge), and a jaunt around the historic center to the Église Saint-Gildas. Nice water views, and colorful homes.
In the seaport town of Lorient, two decent running options: a series of paths along the Scorff River, including a loop around Parc du Bois du Château; and the Voie Verte des Kaolins, a multi-use path winding through the countryside toward Plomeur.
Nice running options along both banks of the Odet River in this Brittany town known for its half-timbered houses, Quimper Cathedral, Breton museums, and faience pottery. We've created routes along the east and west banks, including Prom. du Mont Frugy.
Some lovely running in Brest: a series of waterfront paths extending east to Pointe Saint-Georges; a 2.8 km path through the Botanical Gardens; and lovely, wooded trails in the nearby Bois de Kéroual
One of the best sections for coastal path running in Brittany. A continuous gravel path, flat with good footing, runs above the cliffs alongside the D127 road. Wonderful views of the crashing waves below and a great option at sunset. More of a trail run.
One of the more scenic coastal routes in Brittany, famous for the 'pink cliffs'. This section of the Sentier des Douaniers is an easy-ish trail run. Wonderful views! See our route notes for important tips.
Car-free island located a short ferry ride from the mainland is special to visit and special for running. 35+ km of paved & gravel paths around rolling farmland terrain, lighthouses, historic churches, a water mill. Wonderful variety & views.
A unique & scenic running experience in Brittany! In Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer, run along a tidal flat to the Ébihens Archipelago, an island with scenic paths out to a viewpoint. Can only be done at low tide. Tidal flats section surface can vary.
A favorite run in Brittany becuause of the great water views from 70m high, and the option to run on a dedicated multi-use path or 'trail run' on the coastal trail.
This route in Dinard has it all: historic aristocratic villas, a charming old town, breathtaking views of the sea and the walled city of Saint-Malo, and a festive beach. Up to 4.5 km one-way, with good add-on options.
A fantastic run in this famous port city, combining a jaunt on the Old City Walls and waterfront paths along Sillon Beach & Bas Sablons marina. Add-ons include charming interior streets, Grand Bé & Fort National (at low tide). Beaches also runnable.
Home to one of the largest marshes in France. While much of the park can be explored by boat through the canals and flooded plains, there are some wonderful quiet roads and paths in the park as well. The interactive map is a good resource.
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Essentials
Up to 11 km (6.8 miles) one-way. Choose a section!
57m (187 feet) south to north
Quiberon End: Casino. Or other points along the path
Numerous parking areas along the west coast coastal road
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!