Great Runs Trip Report: Running in Brittany

Great Runs just completed a wonderful European trip. The first week was a cycling trip in the Netherlands, and then two weeks exploring Brittany and Normandy. Lots of time cycling, walking, hiking, and running!

Brittany Itinerary

In Brittany, we were mainly in coastal sections of the Côtes-d’Armor, between Trégastel and Saint-Malo. This included an excursion to Île-de-Bréhat, which we loved.

Brittany has a gorgeous coastline with high cliffs, extensive beaches, and big tides. The interior countryside is mainly farmland and small towns, with many quiet roads and some cycle paths. Brittany was less impacted during WW2 than Normandy, meaning some of the historic areas are better preserved.

Hiking and Running Highlights

We spent a lot of time on the GR34, the path that snakes along the coastline from Mont-Saint-Michel to the bridge of Saint-Nazaire. Some sections are on the beach or along easy coastal promenades, while others are more hiking or easy-to-moderate trail running. A few highlights:

• Pink Granite Coast. This is among the most scenic sections of the GR34, stretching for 30 km from Plestin-les-Grèves to Louannec, encompassing Trégastel. Pro Tips: Do it early or late to get the best light and the least crowds. Also: you can plan one way and take a bus back to the starting point. See our route.
• Nice Beach and Coastal Promenade Walking in Plougrescant and Port Blanc.
  
• Île-de-Bréhat. A short ferry ride from L’Arcouest near Paimpol. This car-free island is a runner’s delight, with something for everyone. There are 35 km of cycle paths and numerous additional trails, passing rolling farmland terrain, lighthouses, historic churches, a water mill. Pro Tips: It can get crowded, so try to stay a night and go for a later afternoon or early morning run. Also, it’s hilly! ROUTE
• Dinard. Beautiful coastal promenade run, featuring historic homes, a charming old town, breathtaking sea views, and a festive beach. ROUTE
• Saint-Malo. Across from Dinard (and a 10-minute ferry ride). A fantastic run in this famous port city, combining a jaunt on the Old City Walls, waterfront paths along Sillon Beach & Bas Sablons marina. Pro Tips: Run out to Grand Bé & Fort National at low tide. Beaches also runnable. Can get crowded & touristy… ROUTE
• Plouha Area. A beautiful beach run in Étables-sur-Mer, best at low-ish tide. Just west of there, a beautiful coastal hike on the cliffs in Plouha. Also trail runnable,
• Cap Fréhel. This peninsula is located in Plévenonis 35m above the water, affording majestic views of the turquoise waters below, with trails leading to a historic lighthouse (Phare) at the tip. In addition to the great scenery, it’s great for running since there are options for an easy multi-use path or a more rugged coastal trail. ROUTE