Run the Côte de Granit Rose: Perros-Guirec to 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)

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.