Exploring Brittany’s most beautiful coastal path with kids
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A trail that winds all around Brittany’s coastline and carries countless stories along the way — that’s the GR®34. In France, everyone calls it the “Sentier des Douaniers,” or customs officers’ path. Long ago, men with watchful eyes walked these cliffs and headlands, always keeping the sea in sight as they searched for smugglers. Today, that once-patrol route has become one of families’ favorite hiking trails.
Stretching for over 2,000 kilometers, the path traces the coast of Brittany — past cliffs and beaches, through tiny harbors and fishing villages, and by relics like old bunkers. Of course, the goal isn’t to walk it all. Families pick their favorite stretches and explore them at their own pace. Getting lost? Impossible. Red-and-white markers point the way, and kids love turning them into a little game, spotting each one like a hidden treasure along the path.
Dinard: between Belle Époque charm and sea views
On our very first evening, we discover the section near Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, just west of Dinard. In the evening light, the trail shows its most beautiful side: the sea sparkles, the sun casts a golden glow over the rocks, and small coves open up between the cliffs. A walk that instantly makes you want to explore more of the GR®34.
Right in Dinard itself, the Promenade Clair de Lune follows the curve of the bay. The name sounds like music—and that’s exactly how it feels, with the sound of the sea in your ears. Palms and Belle Époque villas line the path, and along the way, you’ll spot fishing boats and cruise ships heading out to sea.
It’s especially lovely when you combine the promenade with the loop around the Moulinet headland. The view stretches far into the distance, whitecaps dance in the wind, and at the Villa Roches Brunes, one of the city’s landmarks—an exhibition awaits with a breathtaking panorama.
Pink Granite Coast: a natural playground of stone
On the Pink Granite Coast, Brittany feels almost surreal. The name says it all—this is one of the few places in the world where the rocks actually shimmer in shades of pink. The color comes from the high feldspar content in the stone, which, together with quartz and mica, gives it its unique hue. In the evening sun, the boulders glow in golden pink; under clouds, they appear in a mysterious matte rose.
Over thousands of years, wind and water have sculpted shapes that look like works of art. Some rocks resemble animals, others faces. The kids scramble across the stones, balance on natural bridges, and invent their own stories among the bizarre formations.
We start in Ploumanac’h at Saint-Guirec Beach. Even the parking lot is just steps away from the action. From there, the GR®34 begins. Walking to the right, you’ll reach the Men Ruz Lighthouse after about half an hour, also built entirely from pink granite. With photo stops and breaks along the way, it’s an hour filled with storybook scenery—perfect if you only have a short window of time but still want to experience the most photogenic stretch of this coast.
Carnac: a treasure hunt with a sea view
In Carnac, the GR®34 turns into a playground. Instead of classic hiking, a treasure hunt awaits that guides you along the coastal path. Small riddles draw your attention to things you might otherwise overlook. What’s the story behind the chimneys along the path? What objects can you spot in the sand? Kids immediately slip into explorer mode. The materials for this app-guided treasure hunt are available at the Tourist Information Office in downtown Carnac. The booklet and the app are only available in French, but even with limited language skills, it’s easy enough to follow. You can take a sneak peek here.
Before or after the treasure hunt, be sure to stop at Restaurant Le Kreizh right on the seafront promenade. The treasure hunt begins there, and the restaurant serves delicious meals for both kids and adults (as almost everywhere in France, there’s a dedicated children’s menu).
Just a few steps further along the GR®34, the landscape reminds you that Carnac is not only about the coast but also about history. The famous standing stones—the menhirs—have stood here for thousands of years and still puzzle scientists today. Some believe they formed a place of worship, others think they were part of an ancient calendar.
Find even more cool family favorites in Brittany here.
This article was created in collaboration with the Brittany Tourism Board.
