For a special running experience, the Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Cliffs) is one of the most scenic spots on the Brittany coast. This is run/hike follows the Sentier des Douaniers (GR34) coastal path for up to 15 km between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel. There are wonderful water views most of the way. The famous ‘pink cliffs’ are particularly special when the sun hits them a certain way. The path varies in terms of hilliness and footing: wide, flat, and paved in spots, and narrow/gravel/a bit rocky & hilly in others. In all, it’s a easy-ish trail run. There are kiosk maps along the trail.
Four Important Tips:
The pink cliffs are most special when the lower sun hits them — plan your run early or late, and headed east/west depending
This trail can get very crowded in season…and can be almost un-runnable. Best to go ‘off-peak’, especially the ‘granit rose’ section
Be aware of the tides — at low-ish tide, there are some nice beach sections, which provides an alternative or a shortcut!
Use the local bus for a one-way run! A bus runs along the coast, which allows for a great one-way run opportunity! (INFO — also at tourist office)
Plage de Trestraou. Mark Lowenstein
Our mapped route is 14.6 km between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel, passing through Ploumanac’h. It’s a hike we did, so involves a couple of offshoots on the rocks. Even though our route starts at the tourist office in Perros-Guirec, a better start point is at the Plage de Trestraou (beach). Follow the GR34 path (red & white stripes) for whatever section you choose! Notice our route also includes a ~2 km loop around île Renote, which is lovely. Also, the area around Muscle Beach offers a bit of a shortcut when the tide is right. We took the bus back from the beach in Trégastel.
For a special running experience, the Côte de Granit Rose (Pink Cliffs) is one of the most scenic spots on the Brittany coast. This is run/hike follows the Sentier des Douaniers (GR34) coastal path for up to 15 km between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel. There are wonderful water views most of the way. The famous ‘pink cliffs’ are particularly special when the sun hits them a certain way. The path varies in terms of hilliness and footing: wide, flat, and paved in spots, and narrow/gravel/a bit rocky & hilly in others. In all, it’s a easy-ish trail run. There are kiosk maps along the trail.
Four Important Tips:
The pink cliffs are most special when the lower sun hits them — plan your run early or late, and headed east/west depending
This trail can get very crowded in season…and can be almost un-runnable. Best to go ‘off-peak’, especially the ‘granit rose’ section
Be aware of the tides — at low-ish tide, there are some nice beach sections, which provides an alternative or a shortcut!
Use the local bus for a one-way run! A bus runs along the coast, which allows for a great one-way run opportunity! (INFO — also at tourist office)
Plage de Trestraou. Mark Lowenstein
Our mapped route is 14.6 km between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel, passing through Ploumanac’h. It’s a hike we did, so involves a couple of offshoots on the rocks. Even though our route starts at the tourist office in Perros-Guirec, a better start point is at the Plage de Trestraou (beach). Follow the GR34 path (red & white stripes) for whatever section you choose! Notice our route also includes a ~2 km loop around île Renote, which is lovely. Also, the area around Muscle Beach offers a bit of a shortcut when the tide is right. We took the bus back from the beach in Trégastel.
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Essentials
Up to 14.6 km (9 miles) between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel
Eastern 5 km has some elevation change; West of Ploumanac'h is fairly flat
Plage de Trestraou or other start point
Numerous parking areas/access points. Also, a bus runs along much of the route
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.
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 the cliffs alongside the road, among dunes and shrubland, with great water views. Gorgeous at sunset!
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.
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 14.6 km (9 miles) between Perros-Guirec and Trégastel
Eastern 5 km has some elevation change; West of Ploumanac'h is fairly flat
Plage de Trestraou or other start point
Numerous parking areas/access points. Also, a bus runs along much of the route
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!