Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- The Customs Officers’ Trail, Perros-Guirec’s signature hike
- The Pink Granite Coast Loop: 11 km right up close to the rocks
- The Traouïero Valley: A Hidden, Wooded Hiking Trail
- The Saint-Guirec Oratory Loop, 5 km in Ploumanac’h
- A Tour of the Renote Peninsula, Between Trégastel and Ploumanac’h
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Perros-Guirec: 5 Hikes to Explore the Coast on Foot
With its pink rocks, coves, and coastal trails, Perros-Guirec is a true hiker’s paradise. From the famous Customs Officers’ Trail to the more secluded valleys, these hikes reveal all the facets of the Pink Granite Coast. From our campground in Perros-Guirec, most trailheads are just a few minutes away. Here are 5 hikes to enjoy in Perros-Guirec—ranging from the shortest to the most challenging—so you can explore the coast at your own pace!
Summary of the Article
- A hiker’s paradise: Perros-Guirec is one of Brittany’s must-visit destinations for hiking, with trails offering exceptional views of the Pink Granite Coast, winding through beaches, moors, and impressive rock formations.
- The famous Sentier des Douaniers (GR®34): The GR®34 runs through the town and offers visitors the chance to explore Ploumanac’h’s iconic sites, including the Men Ruz lighthouse, the pink granite rocks, and stunning views of the Sept-Îles archipelago.
- Trails for all skill levels: In addition to the GR®34, several marked loop trails allow you to explore the hinterland, the Traouïéro Valley, La Clarté, and the coastline, with routes suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.
- An ideal way to explore the natural heritage: Hiking in Perros-Guirec offers an immersive experience in a pristine environment where history, geology, and flora and fauna come together, making hiking one of the best ways to discover the region’s treasures.
- Perros-Guirec offers a variety of hikes, ranging from 4 to 11 km, along the Pink Granite Coast. The Customs Officers’ Trail remains the most popular hike, running between Trestraou and Ploumanac’h. The Traouïero Valley offers a more secluded atmosphere, far from the coast. Several loops start from Ploumanac’h or La Clarté. Most of the trails are suitable for the whole family.
The Customs Officers’ Trail, Perros-Guirec’s signature hike
The Perros-Guirec Customs Officers’ Trail is the must-do hike in Perros-Guirec. This section of the GR34 connects Trestraou Beach to the port of Ploumanac’h, covering about 4 km. It winds past the most stunning formations of pink granite, offering constant views of the sea and the Sept-Îles archipelago.
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Fun fact: This path was once used by customs officers who patrolled the coast to combat smuggling.
Practical Information:
- Starting point: Trestraou Beach in Perros-Guirec.
- Distance: about 4 km one way, or a 1.5- to 2-hour walk.
- Difficulty: easy, with little elevation gain.
The Pink Granite Coast Loop: 11 km right up close to the rocks
This 11-km hike along the Pink Granite Coast is ideal for hikers who want to see everything in a single outing. Starting from the parking lot at the La Clarté cemetery, the trail descends toward the port of Ploumanac’h, follows the Pink Granite Coast, and then returns through the countryside, past the mill and the La Clarté chapel.
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Our team’s tip: Plan on spending half a day there and bring water, since there’s very little shade along the coast in the middle of summer.
Practical Information:
- Starting point: La Clarté Cemetery parking lot.
- Distance: 11 km; allow 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace.
- Difficulty: moderate, with a few sections over rocks.
The Traouïero Valley: A Hidden, Wooded Hiking Trail
Away from the coast, the Traouïero Valley offers a completely different side of Perros-Guirec. This cool, wooded valley, through which the Kérougant Stream flows, hides a granite boulder field overgrown with vegetation. A roughly 7-km loop starting from the cemetery parking lot crosses the valley and runs along Tourony Beach, offering a view of Costaérès Castle.
Did you know: The Traouïero Valley is the second most-visited site in the area, after the Customs Officers’ Trail.
Practical Information:
- Starting point: La Clarté Cemetery parking lot.
- Distance: about 7 km, or a 2- to 2.5-hour walk.
- Difficulty: easy to moderate, mostly shaded.
The Saint-Guirec Oratory Loop, 5 km in Ploumanac’h
Shorter in length, this 5-km loop starting in Ploumanac’h is perfect for a family outing. It passes by the beach and the Saint-Guirec Oratory, perched on the sand amid the pink rocks. The route combines the seaside, village streets, and ocean views in Perros-Guirec.
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Good to know: The Saint-Guirec Oratory is only accessible on foot at low tide, so be sure to check the tide schedules.
Practical Information:
- Starting point: Quai de Bellevue parking lot in Ploumanac’h.
- Distance: about 5 km, or a 1.5-hour leisurely walk.
- Difficulty: easy, ideal for children.
A Tour of the Renote Peninsula, Between Trégastel and Ploumanac’h
Just a few minutes from Perros-Guirec, the Renote Peninsula extends the exploration toward Trégastel. Connected to the mainland by an isthmus, you can walk around it on the GR34 trail, winding through white-sand beaches and granite outcrops. A walk around the island reveals stunning panoramic views of Ploumanac’h and the open sea. A favorite among visitors: the sunset over the pink rocks, one of the most beautiful spots along the entire coast.
Practical Information
- Starting point: the Renote Island parking lot in Trégastel.
- Distance: short loop; adjust according to detours.
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for everyone.
Our Tips
To get the most out of the trails, set out early in the morning during the summer and be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the granite can be slippery after it rains. Our guests often combine a short loop hike in the morning with a swim in the afternoon. Be sure to check the weather and tide schedules before heading out on the coastal sections.
What if you spent your next trip to Brittany exploring on foot?
From the customs officers’ trail to the hidden valleys, hiking in Perros-Guirec reveals a coastline unlike any other in Brittany. Book your cabin at the Village Perrosien and set out on foot to explore the Pink Granite Coast.
