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The Granite Coast of Brittany

The land of myths & legends

With its own language and the highly Celtic flavours of its culture, Brittany can feel like a separate country, which is not surprising given its relative geographical isolation and several centuries of independent rule in the Middle Ages. Its distinctiveness is rooted much further back in history, though: it is thought that the Celts from central Europe first settled on the Breton peninsula in the 6th century BC, taking over from pre-Celtic peoples who put up many of the menhirs which dot the region. In the 5th and 6th centuries, a second influx of Celts from south-west England settled the peninsula, fleeing the invading Angles and Saxons. Their impact was great, shaping modern Breton culture, and they renamed the region Small Britain, after their homeland, Great Britain.

The coast is characterised by its variety of landscapes, from calm, wooded estuaries to craggy bays with their pink granite rocks weathered into weird and wonderful shapes. This splendid walking route is a discovery of Brittany’s northern coast, the Côte du Granit Rose, passing through bustling fishing ports and stone hamlets. Our route mainly follows the well-waymarked GR long-distance path, and though you cover up to 15 kilometres a day (about four hours' walking), the going is easy, along coastal paths, tracks and quiet country lanes. All the hotels serve delicious fish and seafood specialities.

Nights: 7
Grade: 1
Terrain: coastal paths, tracks and quiet country lanes
Hotels: one 2-star hotel; one 3-star chambres d’hôtes (guesthouse); three 3-star hotels
Meals: breakfast & dinner every day, plus 5 picnics
Climate: the climate of Brittany is similar to that of south-west England. Average temperatures range from 16°C in May and October to 25°C in July.

Wide, sandy beaches

The Côte du Granit Rose

Views that stretch for miles

Authentic seafood restaurants

Bustling fishing ports

Fortifications overlooking the sea

Starting point: Chambres d’Hôtes Troezel Vras (3* chambres d’hôtes), Troezel Vras. A delightful 17th-century manor farmhouse offering comfortable rooms and delicious country cooking.

Day 1: our suggested route for your first day is a pleasant mix of inland and coastal walking. The first leg to the pretty village of Pleubian leads across typically Breton farmland, while the return leg takes you along the coast past some examples of the coast's weirdly shaped rocks. (14km, 4.5hrs)

Accommodation: Chambres d’Hôtes Troezel Vras, as above.

Day 2: you head along the western side of the Presqu’Île Sauvage headland, taking in the viewpoint of the Men an Rompet and walking alongside the Jaudy Estuary to Tréguier, which you can spend the rest of the day exploring. Tréguier is a fine market town built on a hill at the confluence of the Jaudy and Guindy rivers, and has a beautiful cathedral. You can shorten the walk by taking the direct route across fields to the Jaudy Estuary. (15km, 4.5hrs or 9km, 3hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel Aigue Marine (3*), Tréguier. This is a modern hotel overlooking the marina and equipped with a sauna, jacuzzi and outdoor pool.

Day 3: today starts with a transfer to a point mid-way between Tréguier and Trévou-Trestel. From here, you rejoin the coast, walking past numerous sandy bays, the many tiny off-shore islands enhancing the views on clear days. (12km, 3.5hrs)

Accommodation: Hotel Kerbugalic (2*), Trévou-Trestel. The hotel is situated above the bay and surrounded by large gardens. Like the simple bedrooms, the restaurant overlooks the sea, and justly enjoys a loyal local following.

Day 4: your route follows the coast, taking in the broad Perros Bay, with the option of a detour inland through some very pretty countryside to make a pleasant change to the coastal scenery. After your walk, you can spend the rest of the day on the beach. (10km, 3hrs or 14km, 4hrs)

Accommodation: Manoir du Sphinx (3*), Perros-Guirec. Converted from an early 20th-century villa set on a cliff, this very welcoming hotel with an excellent seafood restaurant is located right by the sea, with wonderful views from the garden and many of the rooms of Trestraou Beach and the coastline. The grounds stretch right down to the sea.

Day 5: take it easy on your day at Perros-Guirec – relax on the beach or explore the town. Alternatively, you could take a boat trip to the Sept Îles ('Seven Isles'), the most important bird reserve in France (pay locally). The islands are home to 27 species of birds, plus a small colony of grey seals.

Accommodation: Manoir du Sphinx, as above.

Day 6: your last day's walk is a real highlight, with fine views in good weather to the Sept Îles. Your route follows the Sentier des Douaniers, a magnificent coastal path originally used by anti-smuggling patrols, then leads along paths through a reserve dotted with weirdly shaped rocks, moulded by the wind and waves, to the seaside resort of Trégastel. (10km, 3hrs)

Accommodation: Park Hotel Bellevue (3*), Trégastel. Set in pleasant gardens and with sea views from many of the bedrooms, this is a fitting place to end this great coastal discovery.

Walking chart: the chart gives the distance and an approximation of the ascents and descents involved each day. If comparing holidays, please note the scale of each chart as this can differ.

Recommendations for extra nights: Manoir du Sphinx (Perros-Guirec) to enjoy the coast to the full.

Take the Train and break your journey for a night in Paris on the way, staying at one of our favourite Parisian hotels. Read one traveller's experiences in her personal travel diary.

Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. You can also read our Favourite Regions feature for information about the region and its traditions.

Similar holidays: Along the Catalan Coast (grade 1), Catalan Castles & Coves (grade 1), Châteaux & Vineyards (grade 1), Around the Bay of Roses (grade 1-2), Meanders of the Lot (grade 1)

Prices & travel 2008:

Recommended destination airports: Brest & Paris CDG
Latest flight arrival time: Brest flexible; Paris 1200
Earliest flight departure time: Brest flexible; Paris 1700
*Connecting travel: return taxi from Brest (out 1h30/home 1h45) £110pp;
return rail/taxi from Paris (out 4h/home 4h45) £135pp
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
By rail includes: Eurostar/regional rail via Paris & Guincamp (out dep St. Pancras 0832/home dep Lannion 0904). Please note that a supplement may be payable depending on availability of seats for your chosen dates of travel and how far in advance of your departure date your holiday booking is made
Self-drive includes: P&O Ferries Dover-Calais
Start: Mon-Thur Apr-Sep; Mon & Thu in Oct

Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):

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