Hiking on the GR34 Coastal Trail in Lampaul-Plouarzel
Your Guide to two Breton Atmospheres
Fancy a short stroll or a long hike ? Just lace up your boots, step outside, and you’re right there !
This famous GR route, also known as the "Sentier des Douaniers" (Customs Officers' Trail), runs along the entire Breton coastline. This far-western section is exceptionally wild and unspoilt, offering magnificent landscapes dotted with small beaches of crystal-clear water, set between heather moorlands and rugged cliffs. Discover a rich diversity of scenery in all weathers, from sunrise to sunset.
Aber or Ocean? Which will you choose?
Setting off from L'Abri de la Plage, two distinct atmospheres await you :
- Discover the inland waters and the Aber Ildut ("Estuary" in Breton) : You can walk all the way around this tidal arm of the sea to reach Lanildut, a traditional little port renowned for seaweed harvesting, with breathtaking views ! The walk is about 9 miles (15 km) one way, and you can walk one way and take a boat back! Crossing the Aber back to Lampaul-Plouarzel takes just a few minutes with "Phine la passeuse" (booking required from April to September-bikes and pets welcome). Once in Lanildut, I recommend visiting "La Maison de l'Algue" (The Algae House) to learn all about seaweed, from harvesting at sea right to your plate. Yes, you really can eat it!
- Explore the coastline from Lampaul-Plouarzel to Le Conquet ! Whether for an hour's stroll or a full day's trek, you will fall under the spell of these breathtaking views over the Iroise Sea.
Our favourite moments along these trails :
The Aber Ildut at low tide : Discovering the boats resting on the sand in the sunlight.
Views of the islands from the coast : On a clear day, you can clearly make out the silhouettes of Molène and Ouessant (Ushant).
Porspaul Port and its fishing boats.
Swimming : In summer, enjoy the many coves with crystal-clear water to cool off (my favourite beaches : Ruscumunoc and Porztevigne).
Bar La Miaou : In summer, a very quirky little wooden beach shack opens above Porztevigne beach. Yvette and Marcel will give you a warm welcome for a drink.
Pointe du Corsen : Were you looking for the edge of the world in France ? You've found it ! Corsen is the westernmost point of mainland France. It is also where the English Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean. My top tip once you're there : stop off at Corsen beach, an absolute hidden gem !
Kermorvan Peninsula and its lighthouse : Explore this small peninsula, which you can walk all around, stopping right at the foot of its lighthouse.
Les Blancs Sablons beach : Set amid untouched nature, this vast expanse of fine sand is perfect for a break or a walk, come summer or winter.