The GR®34 coastal path
Touring Finistère on foot
The GR®34 coastal path covers an incredible 2,000 km in Brittany, and nearly half of that is in Finistère. Voted France’s favourite GR® (from Locquirec to Saint-Pol-de-Léon) in 2018, the section in Finistère offers the best sea views and is the richest in terms of history, landscape and biodiversity.
In the footsteps of history
The GR®34 coastal path was once walked by customs officers looking out for smugglers, so it’s nicknamed the Customs Officers’ Trail. One of France’s most iconic and best-loved long-distance footpaths, the Finistère section runs for more than 900 km, and offers breathtaking views over the Atlantic. Many sections are accessible all year round, although some sections are more challenging than others.
Steeped in history, this sea-swept route is one of the best ways to discover the area as it winds along the coast, linking Morlaix Bay to Le Pouldu. At each stage, it takes you from bucolic landscapes to remarkable sites, with stunning ocean views at every turn. It’s a magical spectacle with ever-changing light and atmospheres that shift with the tides, the sun, the wind and the seasons.
Get ready to feast your eyes on the GR®34 in Finistère!
All the way to Venice
GR®34 – Pointe du Raz-Venice: this milestone marks the achievement of a hiker who, in 2013, undertook a trek of over 3,000 km connecting Venice to the Cap Sizun.
The route connects to the European GR®E5, which crosses France towards the Alps, then passes through Switzerland, Germany, Austria and finally Italy.
6 panoramas not to be missed on the GR®34
1 Morlaix Bay
The view over Morlaix Bay from the heavenly, tropical-looking beach at Pointe Pen al Lann is simply glorious. You can see the fortress of Château du Taureau, which once protected the bay from enemy attacks, pretty Île Louët and its lighthouse, and Île Noire, whose lighthouse is said to have inspired Hergé to write one of Tintin’s adventures.
2 Pointe de Saint-Mathieu
A place of history and remembrance, Pointe de Saint-Mathieu offers a breathtaking panoramic view from the island of Ouessant to the island of Sein. At nightfall, you can watch the ballet of light beams from all the lighthouses of the Iroise Sea.
3 Vauban’s Tower
The Tour Vauban on the Crozon Peninsula watches over Camaret cove and the narrow waters of Brest. Also known as the ‘golden tower’, it offers a beautiful, unobstructed view of the Iroise Sea and the harbour.
4 Pointe de Pen Hir
The Pointe de Pen Hir faces the Pointe de Roscanvel and offers an exceptional view of the Crozon Peninsula, Douarnenez Bay, the waters of Brest and France’s Land’s End, the Pointe du Raz. Admire the Tas de Pois opposite, with its alignment of huge submerged rocks.
5 Pointe du Raz
Recognised as a ‘Grand Site de France’, the Pointe du Raz is a must-see natural site on the GR®34, our very own Land’s End. From the dramatic granite cliffs, you’ll enjoy a unique panoramic view of the Iroise Sea and the crashing waves of the Raz de Sein.
6 Pointe de Beg Meil
The Pointe de Beg Meil is a magical spot from which to contemplate the sublime bay of La Forêt-Fouesnant and the many turquoise coves that line the coastal path.
5 iconic lighthouses on the GR®34
Plan your trip along the GR®34 coastal path
Préparez vos étapes avec :
MaRando®, the official app from the French Hiking Federation (FFR), is the best way to plan your route along any GR®, GR® de Pays or PR® paths.
Itirando.bzh, click and get planning! You’ll find tools to help you plan your route along the GR®34 to suit your ability and preferences.
Need more information?
The Tourist Offices can tell you all about the areas and places you’ll be passing through. They can advise you on where to stay, where to eat and what services are available for your walk or holiday. Here are their contact details, from north to south:
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