GR 34, Coastal hiking trail in Brittany, France
GR 34 is a long-distance coastal trail in Brittany, France, stretching more than 1700 kilometers from Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire and linking cliff paths, sandy coves and rocky headlands. The route alternates between narrow sections along precipices, wide stretches over beaches and grassy dunes, always keeping close to the edge of the land and facing the open water.
The path was created in 1791 so customs officers could patrol the coastline and stop smugglers from landing illegal goods. Over the centuries, much of the route fell into disuse until the 1960s, when it was restored as a footpath and now follows sections of the old patrol track.
Walkers pass stone chapels and roadside crosses that stand near the clifftops, reminding them of the deep connection between faith and the sea in this region. Small harbors let visitors watch fishermen mend nets and unload their catch, while weekly markets sell oysters and mussels gathered from nearby waters that same morning.
Red and white waymarks guide walkers along the entire route, and many towns offer lodging and shops for resupply. Some coastal sections become impassable at high tide, so checking tide times beforehand helps plan daily stages safely.
The section through the Pink Granite Coast reveals massive boulders shaped by wind and waves into odd forms that glow rose in the evening light. Some of these formations resemble giant animal figures or sculptures, attracting photographers from many countries.
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