From the Customs Officers’ Footpath to the GR®34
The Customs Officers’ Footpath was patrolled for a century by customs officers on the lookout for smugglers landing along our coasts. Now known as the GR®34, it runs along the Brittany coast and is enjoyed by thousands of walkers every year.
From the banks of the Trieux to the cliffs of Plouézec, you can follow the coastline over almost 50 km of breathtaking views, glimpsing the magic of the Bréhat archipelago along the way.
Plan your journey
From the charming little port of Bréhec to the Trieux estuary, there are 5 stages of the GR®34 coastal path, through exceptionally varied and beautiful landscapes.
From Bréhec to the Pointe de Plouézec, this section of the GR®34 coastal path takes you through breathtakingly beautiful scenery. From the picturesque little port of Bréhec to the Pointe de Minard and the Pointe de Bilfot there are some of the highest cliffs in Brittany, interspersed with sandy and pebble beaches. Take a moment, breathe in the sea air, and admire the beautiful bay of Paimpol with its scattering of islands - Mez Goëlo, St-Riom and, in the distance, Bréhat.
From the Pointe de Bilfot to the Pointe de Guilben, this part of the GR®34 coastal path offers glorious views over the Bay of Paimpol. Its crystal-clear waters are home to oyster beds which are revealed at low tide. Take the time to admire the 13th-century Beauport Abbey nestling in the shoreline in the heart of the bay of Paimpol. Between the Pointe de Kérarzic and the Pointe de Guilben, the Abbey grounds extend over 120 hectares of salt-meadows, reed beds, marshes and lagoons, all protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral Coastal Protection Agency.
This section of the GR®34 coastal path, between the Pointe de Guilben and Pors-Even forms a cove sheltering Paimpol marina and the pretty little fishing port of Pors-Even, chosen by Pierre Loti as the setting for his novel Pêcheur d’Islande (the Iceland Fisherman). Along the walk, you’ll come across numerous examples of local heritage recalling the epic cod-fishing voyages and their tragedies: ‘Le mur des disparus’ in Ploubazlanec cemetery commemorating those lost at sea, the chapel of Perros Hamon, also known as the Chapel of shipwrecked sailors and the Croix des Veuves Widows’ Cross.
From the small fishing port of Pors-Even to Loguivy-de-la-Mer, this section of the GR®34 coastal path offers an exceptional walk with breathtaking views. Facing the open sea, admire the 96 pink granite islets of the Bréhat archipelago. At Loguivy-de-la-Mer, look out for the fishermen coming back into port; perhaps you’ll have the chance to see the famous blue lobster of Loguivy! Switch off from the world for a moment to enjoy the magnificent Roche aux Oiseaux in the mouth of the Trieux river, leading your gaze to the open sea and the far horizon.
This part of the GR®34 coastal path marks your entry into the Trieux estuary, leaving behind the staggeringly beautiful maritime scenery of the Bréhat archipelago and la Roche aux Oiseaux for a different but equally remarkable environment. Take the time to observe the migratory birds sheltering in the mudflats that border the river. Linger awhile at the Mélus gallery grave, the relic of a collective funerary monument from the late Neolithic era.
Getting about
Explore the GR®34 coastal path at your own pace!
Would you like to discover the GR®34 coastal path without having to retrace your steps? Or be free to choose your starting point? Taking the bus is the ideal way! Plan your route on breizhgo.bzh or mobibreizh.bzh
Luggage transport
Make the most of your surroundings and travel light. Leave your luggage in the capable hands of the professionals:
- La Malle Postale
- Les taxis Omnès in Paimpol - 02 96 20 58 02
Luggage storage
If you’d like to have a stroll round Guingamp or Paimpol without worrying about your luggage, these storage providers allow you to leave your cases and fully enjoy your visit!
- Maison de la Presse in Paimpol : 5 Place de la République - 02 96 20 85 30 - 6€ per day for 1 - 3 items of luggage - 6 € per additional item
- Auberge Ty Gousket in Guingamp : 7 rue Anatole Le Braz - 06 22 78 70 91 - 10 €
Accommodation along the GR®34 coastal path
The Tourist Office has a selection of accommodation and restaurants for touring walkers along the Customs Officers’ Footpath.
