The GR®37
Crossing Finistère from East to West
The GR®37 walking path links Mont-Saint-Michel to Pointe de Pen-Hir in Camaret-sur-Mer. This route leads you right to the heart of the Armorique Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO Geopark, where a unique geography creates an atmosphere that sometimes feels maritime and at other times ‘mountainous’, highlighting the natural and mineral beauty that is so special to Finistère. The route is punctuated by natural treasures that are hard to imagine, such as the Crozon Peninsula and the ridges of the Arrée Mountains.
Must-see points of interest on the GR®37
1 Vorgium
At Carhaix-Plouguer, the Vorgium virtual interpretation centre reveals Gallo-Roman life in Armorica, brought back to life through augmented reality. A permanent exhibition traces the birth, life and decline of the largest town in ancient Armorica, once inhabited by the Gallic tribe, the Osismii.
2 Huelgoat Forest
At the heart of the Armorique Regional Nature Park, Huelgoat Forest is the birthplace of many legends. Follow the river and wander among the giant scattered boulders in a unique, soothing atmosphere. Take on the challenge of moving the mythical ‘trembling rock’, an astonishing block of granite weighing several tonnes that seems to balance precariously upon other rocks.
3 The Saint-Michel chapel
The iconic Saint-Michel chapel in Brasparts in the Arrée Mountains was saved from the flames in summer 2022 and has been restored with a new altarpiece by Finistère designer Ronan Bouroullec. From the top of the Arrée Mountains, at an altitude of 381 metres, you can see the whole of ‘inland’ Finistère, including the immense moors and peat bogs, and the waters of Brennilis Lake.
4 Le Faou
Situated at the gateway to the Crozon Peninsula, Le Faou has been recognised as a ‘Small Town of Great Character’. With 27 buildings protected as Historic Monuments, it offers a wealth of heritage treasures to discover.
5 The Pointe de Pen-Hir
The Pointe de Pen-Hir is a rocky outcrop high above the Crozon Peninsula. Below, admire the Tas de Pois, with huge rocks that look like dotted lines on the sea.
6 The Pointe des Espagnols
The Pointe des Espagnols sits like a watchtower over the waters of Brest, which you can follow all the way to Landévennec. The ruins of Landévennec Abbey face the Aulne Valley, and the superb Térénez bridge is the gateway to Le Faou. Here, modern and ancient architecture sit side by side in marvellous harmony.
The GR®37, voted France’s favourite GR® in 2024
Every year, the French Hiking Federation (FFR) organises its annual ‘My Favourite GR®’ competition, and the 2024 winner was the GR®37 – which starts in Finistère!
Plan your trip
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.
