The GR®38
The arts trail
The GR®38 links Douarnenez to Redon via Châteauneuf-du-Faou. This colourful trail tells the story of the several iconic sites that have inspired countless artists through the years. It’s an enticing route lined with artistic towns, rolling landscapes and museums.
A thousand inspiring landscapes
The GR®38 in Finistère starts just a stone’s throw from the beaches at Douarnenez, a town of three ports. This maritime landscape gives way to farmland and woodland stretching as far as Locronan, which is classed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages and is famous for its role as a film set, offering an authentic architectural backdrop for film-makers.
A little further on is Quimper, capital of Breton culture that has a strong identity. With charming colourful timbered buildings, its undeniable charm comes from its historic and architectural heritage, quaysides and gardens. The route then zigzags along the meandering River Odet through forests and rolling countryside before reaching Châteauneuf-du-Faou. Paul Sérusier stayed here in the early 1900s and was captivated by the beauty of his surroundings.
Fall for Finistère’s charms
This little corner of Finistère has long been a favourite haunt for painters. It’s a magical place to stroll, offering a variety of landscapes and a fascinating light. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to paint: Ris Beach, Plomarc’h, Rosmeur Port in Douarnenez, Notre-Dame-des-Portes and the Aulne Valley that meanders through Châteauneuf-du-Faou, where you can follow a circuit of these inspirational spots.
A museum dedicated entirely to the painter Sérusier opened in 2024 and the municipal collection is also on display. Other artists, such as Boudin, Renoir and Maufra, also drew inspiration from these landscapes and rural ways of life. Some of their work can be seen in the collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts fine-arts museum in Quimper.
Points of interest not to be missed on the GR®38
1 The château de Trévarez
Listed as an historic monument, the fairytale-looking château de Trévarez reminds us of the gracious way of life at the end of the 1800s and invites visitors to experience a harmonious blend of art, history and nature. The gardens spread over 200 acres and offer a wide variety of landscapes and plants with French and English planting coexisting harmoniously with exceptional botanical collections. The park offers beautiful panoramic views over the Aulne Valley and the Montagnes Noires.
2 Douarnenez
Since the 1800s, the Douarnenez region has inspired artists drawn by its landscapes and colours. Many well-known names have stayed here, including Sérusier, Boudin, Renoir, Maufra, Picabia and Picasso. Opposite Port-Rhu you’ll see the tiny island of Île Tristand, which you can walk to at low tide, discovering a haven of peace and superb views over the town and the bay. This particular panorama was captured by Eugène Boudin in his painting ‘La Baie de Douarnenez’.
3 Locronan’s mini mountain
At a height of 270 metres, this mini mountain offers magnificent views over the Porzay countryside and Douarnenez Bay.
4 The Church of Saint-Ronan
At the heart of the medieval village of Locronan, the Church of Saint-Ronan is an architectural treasure. The history and art of the medieval period is revealed inside, through the pointed arches, colourful stained glass windows and sculpted details.
5 Saint-Corentin Cathedral
With its unmistakable twin spires, Saint-Corentin Cathedral in Quimper is a true masterpiece of Gothic art and a vibrant testimony to the history and culture of Brittany in Finistère. It boasts remarkable stained-glass windows, as well as sumptuous frescoes and murals.
Plan your trip along the GR®38 in Finistère
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.
