France - Brittany - self-guided walking from Mont-Saint-Michel (Granville) to Saint-Malo

Description	Dates and prices

Self-guided hiking tour around Brittany on GR34

GR34 is a famous footpath also called in French Sentier des Douaniers (Path of the Customs officer). It was created in the 18th century to discourage smuggling.This is a 1800 km (1120 miles) trail which is perfectly signposted with red and whites blazes as a GR is commonly marked in France.

The complete tour of Brittany can be walked on this coastal trail, starting from Granville or Mont Saint Michel and continuing westward to Saint Brieuc, Brest and ending in Arzal in the Gulf of Morbihan, Southern Brittany.

The whole tour can be walked and can be customized as you wish. Please do not hesitate to ask for more informationand ask for your self-guided walking tour of Brittany, by sending me an email.

Here is an example of the first hike starting in Granville and continuing on days 2 and 3 to approach Mont Saint Michel.

Part 1 : From Granville to Saint Malo, starting in Normandy and ending in Brittany, this hike takes you on the footsteps of the former pilgrims, eternal travelers and dreamers. Great heritage and stunning natural beauty,come and discover this legendary trail. Walk along rocky headlands, beaches and woodland valleys with seagulls as fellow travellers.

Level of hiking : 4 to 5 hours per day with an elevation gain inferior to 300 m. 1 day is more challenging : 22 km with an elevation gain of 535 m in ascent and 490m in descent.

Day 1

Arrive in Granville

Day 2

Granville to St Jean le Thomas - 18 km - 11.18 miles - 4h30
Walk along the coast and beaches from where you can see the Chausey islands and the first views on Mont Saint Michel tower.

Day 3

St Jean le Thomas to Beauvoir -17 km - 10.5 miles -4h15
Crossing of the Bay with a guide.
After hiking through the dunes and a seabirds reserve, you will cross the Mont Saint Michel Bay with a guide expert of the place that will take you across an exceptional environment (barefoot walk and short needed). The pilgimage history, the traditional activities, the legends, the high tides and sand phenomenon. At the end of the day you will freely visit the Mont Saint Michel Abbey (depending on the tide schedule). Arrive by foot at your hotel in Beauvoir.

Day 4

Beauvoir - Roz-sur-Couesnon - 14 km - 8.7 miles - 4h15
Today the walk takes you to the polder land with the pre salés sheep, grazing a salted grass. Arrive in Saint Broladre a charming granite village and the spend the night in Roz sur Couenon.

Day 5

Roz-sur-Couesnon - Dol-de-Bretagne - 22.5 km - 14 miles - 5h15
After the crossing of woodland areas, charming hamlets and ponds you will discover the amazing Dol de Bretagne another highlight on you walking trip with the impressive St Samson Cathedral . Night in Dol de Bretagne

Day 6

Dol-de-Bretagne - Cancale -21 km - 13 miles - 5h15
Teh Mount Dol like a promontory is as an islet in the middle od the land and is legend-full area. Then you will follow the beautiful coast up to Cancale, one of the major oyster ports of the region. Night in the lively Cancale.

Day 7

Cancale - La Guimorais -18 km - 11.2 miles - 5h15 - +535/-490
From Cancale follow the footpath towars the Grouin headland, theater of the highest tides in Europe. You will discover Port Briac, Port Pican and Port Mer, rest havens, small sea resorts nestled in creeks protected by high cliffs. The walk ends with the splendid cove of Duguesclin. Night in La Guimorais. 22 km. Montée : 535 m - Descente 490 m

Day 8

La Guimorais - Saint-Malo- 17 km- 10.50 miles - 4h15
From the safe haven where Colette wrote " Le blé en herbe" your steps follow the Rotheneuf Gulf and cross lovely coves, sandy headlands, sculpted rocks and pine wood forest. Free time in Saint Malo, the Corsair city. End of your walk or additional night