GR® de Pays Bigouden
Living with the rhythm of the sea
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the part of Brittany known as Pays Bigouden during this five-day walk. Follow the rhythm of the sea and discover the life of Bigouden fishermen while enjoying a wonderful walk with a large dose of fresh sea air!
In the atmosphere of Bigouden ports
Your walk follows the GR® coastal path in Pays Bigouden, starting in Pont-l’Abbé, the capital of Bigouden culture. From here, you’ll head towards the legendary Pointe de La Torche, the best surfing spot in Brittany, drawing surfers from all over the world to catch its waves. After this, you’ll discover Penmarc’h (pronounced ‘pan-mar’), with its mysteriously shaped rocks, fishing port and the iconic Eckmühl lighthouse. Further along, you’ll reach the lively atmosphere of the fishing boats bringing back their daily catch to Le Guilvinec, France’s top small-scale fishing port. Nearby in the open-air shipyard of Léchiagat, you can watch trawlers in action, and the next port of call is Lesconil, recognised as a Port of Heritage Interest. Look out for a chance to sample the famous local Demoiselles de Loctudy, tasty jumbo shrimp, before returning to your starting point.
Le Guilvinec, the fishing town
Right in the heart of France’s top small-scale fishing port, you can’t miss Haliotika, a visitor centre that invites you to discover the daily life of Bigouden fishermen. Educational and fun, it looks at all the different aspects of fishing, taking you behind the scenes and revealing the mysteries of the trade. You can also try visits to the fish auction, cookery workshops, trips out to sea and the much-appreciated sight of the trawlers returning to port at around 4.30pm. It’s a real taste of local fishing life!
Plan your trip along the Pays Bigouden GR® coastal path
MaRando®, the official app from the French Hiking Federation (FFR), is the best way to plan your route.
Can we help?
The Tourist Office can also help you to prepare your route before you set off, and once you’re here, feel free to drop in for information and a warm welcome:
