C005-STANDARD  Pink Granite Coast

This ragged coastline, which stretches from the Pointe de l’Arcouest to Trébeurden, is constituted almost entirely of the pink granite that inspired its name. Large rock formations spot the coastline. Time and harsh weather have taken their toll, eroding these rocks into unique forms, some resembling animals or everyday objects. Others balance on a hair and topple at the slightest brush of breath.  On this wild and picturesque coast are located beaches and ports that delight vacationers. Several islands lie closely to the coast and are accessible at low tide. They have become sanctuaries for thousands of birds

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at PERROS GUIREC.  This seaside resort offers to the visitor a unique natural beauty of strange and grandiose landscapes, with pink granite rock structures given shape by millions of years of battery by wind and waves.  Opposite the bird sanctuary of the Archipel des Sept-Iles, three vast fine-sand beaches await the laughter and running feet of vacationers, and the port opens itself to yachtsmen. Lodging and breakfast in a two-star hotel close to the port.

Day 2 – PERROS GUIREC – PLOUMANAC’H (12 km).  You will begin at the yachting port and make your way to the coastal line.  You will pass by a residential area of villas built at the start of the 20th century.  Follow the coast to the Pointe du Château.  You will continue along the lovely Trestrignel beach and the large beach of Trestaou, lined with palm trees.  You will take the path of Douaniers which runs along the coast, weaving about the pink granite forms until you reach the Ploumanac’h lighthouse, and the beach and oratory of Saint Guirec, situated on the sand.  You are only a short distance now from the port of Ploumanac’h, and your hotel – Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a two-star hotel

Day 3 – PLOUMANAC’H – TREGASTEL (13 km).  Today’s hike begins with a tour of the tide mills built at the mouth of the Traouiero valley.  Their history dates back to the 14th century, but the building that exists today was built in 1735.  Following the coastal path, continue along the Baie de Sainte Anne to the Ile Renote where you will discover a chaos of imposing pink granite formations and a covered path.  You will pick up your hike again, crossing the Coz Porz beach, La Grève Blanche, and the Baie de Kerlavos. You will leave the shore at bottom of this bay to discover the covered alley of Kerguntuil (a burial ground 9 meters in length dating to 2000 BC) and the Kerguntuil’s dolmen, one of the most imposing of Trégor. Then you will return to the centre of Trégastel by the same path or by the fields. Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel facing the sea. Dinner not included

Day 4 – TREGASTEL – TREBEURDEN (14 or 19 km). Transfer by taxi from Trégastel to Landrellec hamlet in the morning. You will continue your trek across the Breton countryside towards Saint Uzec’s menhir, then on to Penvern’s chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Citeaux.  Established by the Cistercian monks of Bégard around 1300, it is possibly one of the oldest chapels in the region.  The fountain which lies beside the chapel was known to heal maladies.  The most courageous adventurers among you will continue the hike along the coast so to visit the Ile Grande (+ 5 km) where you will uncover a landscape of heaths along the seashore, inlets, marshes, and a lovely covered alley.  You will next arrive at the small village of Trébeurden by way of the ponds of Quellern, where a small family of Camargue horses claim residence.  Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a two-star hotel.

Day 5 – TREBEURDEN – LANNION (16 km).  From here you climb up the Castel overlooking the port, greet “Pére Trébeurden”, a rock looking like a face! and – if the tide allows – discover the Ile Millau with its sandy moors, magnificent views, and covered alley.  Once again on firm ground, you will follow the large beach of Tresmeur to the Pointe de Bihit.  You will make your way across the Baie de Lannion by means of the coastal path, the beaches or the moors, and arrive at the Pointe Servel at the mouth of the Léguer River.  You will hike to Lannion along the valley and towing paths which lead into the city.  Your journey is at its end.  Take time to discover the richness of the city’s architectural and patrimonial history. Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel in the city centre.

Day 6 – LANNION.  The tour ends after breakfast.

Season

From Easter to middle of October but be careful this area is very crowded in summer time and we recommend you (if you can) to come outside this period. Nevertheless this area attracts a lot of tourists and you have to reserve earlier to get the best rooms.

What’s included?

• 5 nights’ accommodation in 2-star hotels
• 5 breakfasts – 2 dinners
• Hotel to hotel luggage transfer
• Taxi transfer : Tregastel- Landrellec
• A set of maps (1/25 000 scale) with the route marked on and detailed route notes describing the trail.
• A daily itinerary together with information about facilities and places of interest along the trail.
• Emergency assistance.

Visa fees – transportation fees to and from the walk area – Insurance (strongly recommended on all trips) – Transfers except those mentioned above – Drinks – Additional meals – Entrance fees – Spending of personal nature e.g. laundry, souvenirs, phone calls,…are not included

Getting there and away

By train: The nearest rail station is Lannion. Several TGV or fast trains from Paris-Montparnasse station to Plouaret or Guingamp (on the Paris-Brestroute), and change to Lannion.

Take a taxi to go to the hotel at Perros.

By car: Go to Rennes by following highways A11 and A81 from Paris. Then take N12 road to Guingamp and  D767 road to Lannion.

Where to park: free  unattended car parks, available in Lannion or Perros Guirec

Walk difficulty

Grade 1: short walks of 3 to 5 hours each day on clearly way marked and flat paths. Everebody can walk this tour.