GR34 in Morbihan
Morbihan, in Brittany, is one of France’s most popular destinations. It offers visitors countless activities, including hiking along the GR34 in the Gulf of Morbihan. This great hike is for lovers of landscapes and treks. For easy departure and access to the various GR34 trails in Morbihan, and for a restful stopover after a day’s hiking, opt for a stay at Camping de la Baie in Loire Atlantique.
The GR34 in a nutshell
Before it became a hiking trail known as the ” sentier des douaniers”, this path was associated with the protection of Brittany’s coastline from smugglers and plunderers. During the 17th century, maritime smuggling increased sharply in response to the taxation of foreign products introduced in 1661 by the government of Louis XIV. In 1968, hikers belonging to the Comité National des sentiers de grande randonnée exploited and developed these forgotten paths into a trekking trail. Since then, the GR34 has grown to 1,700 km, linking Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire and running along the entire coast of Brittany. In 2017, it was voted “France’s favorite GR”.
From the pointe de Pen Lan in Arzon, on the Rhuys peninsula, to the department’s border with Finistère, the GR34 in Morbihan is over 180 km long. Covering all or part of this distance, you’ll pass through various towns in Brittany, including Vannes, Quiberon, Carnac and La Trinité-sur-Mer. The trail is relatively well-marked and offers a variety of terrains.
This hike can take several days. If you want to do the whole thing, it’s advisable to define the length of your stay accordingly. The duration of each stage varies according to distance, your pace and the nature of the terrain.
A change of scenery is guaranteed thanks to exceptional panoramas of fine sandy beaches and islands with their fishing ports.
Places not to be missed on the GR34
Tackling the GR34 in Morbihan is an excellent alternative for an outdoor sporting activity during your stay. What’s more, hiking these trails is a great way to discover the region’s natural and cultural riches. Among the places not to be missed on the GR34 in Morbihan:
- La Pointe du Conguel: located at the entrance to the Quiberon peninsula, it offers panoramic views over Quiberon Bay and the surrounding islands.
- The Ria d’Etel: a beautiful estuary located between the Quiberon peninsula and the town of Lorient. The GR34 hikes along the estuary, offering remarkable views over the salt marshes.
- Les Alignements de Carnac: the Alignements de Carnac are one of the world’s most fascinating megalithic sites, with thousands of menhirs erected over 5,000 years ago.
- Belle-Île-en-Mer: The GR34 allows you to walk around the island from Bangor. Here you can admire a variety of landscapes, including secluded coves and picturesque villages.
- Vannes: Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Morbihan and criss-crossed by the GR34, the town of Vannes offers surprising discoveries through its historic medieval center, ramparts and marina.
