Brest is an important port city in northwestern France, known for its maritime history and naval base. The best places to run in Brest are along the waterfront and on paths through the botanical gardens northeast of the city.
Waterfront Path. Google Street View
Waterfront Path. There’s a decent series of Quais and waterfront paths stretching for up to 11.2 km east from the center of Brest to Pointe Saint-Georges. Best to choose a section! It’s not 100% seamless, and there are a couple of industrial, not so pleasant sections around the port.
Pont Albert Louppe. Google Street View
Starting from the center near the Tour and Maritime Museum, run east along the Quai path. The first 2.5 km are around a marina, and the next ~3 km are around the working port, reaching the Océanopolis at 6.5 km. From here, there’s a nice waterfront section for 2.5 km around Moulin Blanc Beach. The next section is ~2 km to Pointe Saint-Georges, where the Pont Albert Louppe pedestrian bridge crosses over the water for 1 km to Le Cap. Great water views most of the way!
Botanical Garden. 2.8 km one-way. A series of mainly wooded paths pass through the National Botanical Conservatory of Brest. From Moulin Blanc Beach, a path heads north, extending through the botanical gardens and then continuing north to Rue de Kervalin. Note it’s a fairly steady climb headed north. Can be combined with a section of our waterfront route above. Note: Free to run in, but there are opening hours.
Bois de Kéroual. These 56-hectare woods, located 6 km northwest of Brest, are a lovely spot for a wooded run. The area is known for its large variety of trees. There’s a large network of trails, some wide and easier for running, others a bit more challenging. The ‘big loop’ is 4.5 km. Another highlight is the 17th-centiry Kéroual Manor, now owned by the city of Brest and an artists residence. There are some nice grounds for running here, and a parking lot. Thanks to Marie Bouchard for this route suggestion. INFORMATION AND LIST OF TRAILS
Brest is an important port city in northwestern France, known for its maritime history and naval base. The best places to run in Brest are along the waterfront and on paths through the botanical gardens northeast of the city.
Waterfront Path. Google Street View
Waterfront Path. There’s a decent series of Quais and waterfront paths stretching for up to 11.2 km east from the center of Brest to Pointe Saint-Georges. Best to choose a section! It’s not 100% seamless, and there are a couple of industrial, not so pleasant sections around the port.
Pont Albert Louppe. Google Street View
Starting from the center near the Tour and Maritime Museum, run east along the Quai path. The first 2.5 km are around a marina, and the next ~3 km are around the working port, reaching the Océanopolis at 6.5 km. From here, there’s a nice waterfront section for 2.5 km around Moulin Blanc Beach. The next section is ~2 km to Pointe Saint-Georges, where the Pont Albert Louppe pedestrian bridge crosses over the water for 1 km to Le Cap. Great water views most of the way!
Botanical Garden. 2.8 km one-way. A series of mainly wooded paths pass through the National Botanical Conservatory of Brest. From Moulin Blanc Beach, a path heads north, extending through the botanical gardens and then continuing north to Rue de Kervalin. Note it’s a fairly steady climb headed north. Can be combined with a section of our waterfront route above. Note: Free to run in, but there are opening hours.
Bois de Kéroual. These 56-hectare woods, located 6 km northwest of Brest, are a lovely spot for a wooded run. The area is known for its large variety of trees. There’s a large network of trails, some wide and easier for running, others a bit more challenging. The ‘big loop’ is 4.5 km. Another highlight is the 17th-centiry Kéroual Manor, now owned by the city of Brest and an artists residence. There are some nice grounds for running here, and a parking lot. Thanks to Marie Bouchard for this route suggestion. INFORMATION AND LIST OF TRAILS
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Essentials
Waterfront: Up to 11.2 km (7 miles) one-way; Botanical Garden Paths: 2.8 km (1.7 miles) one-way
Waterfront: 63m (206 feet) west to east; Botanical Garden Path: 75m (246 feet)
Waterfront Path: Brest start is at the Maritime Museum, or choose another starting point.
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.
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
Waterfront: Up to 11.2 km (7 miles) one-way; Botanical Garden Paths: 2.8 km (1.7 miles) one-way
Waterfront: 63m (206 feet) west to east; Botanical Garden Path: 75m (246 feet)
Waterfront Path: Brest start is at the Maritime Museum, or choose another starting point.
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!