The coastal footpath of Rhuys Peninsula is a beautiful trail surrounded by incredible landscape. Being the pretty corner of Brittany, Rhuys Peninsula offers activities for all members of families. Beautiful and long sandy beaches, small ports, hiking trails, and rocky points offer outstanding panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Morbihan.
I break the coastal footpath of Rhuys Peninsula into two sections, one near Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys and the other at Port-Navalo. They are moderately flat but with steep coastal points. Both paths are popular among the locals, serious hikers, or casual hikers like us. We discovered the area during our two-week road trip in Brittany and liked the coastline so much that it was difficult for us to turn away.
Walking path near Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys
The seaside town Saint-Gildas-Rhuys is lovely with weekly markets and of course beautiful sandy beaches. It has many well-developed paths throughout the peninsular, one of them is the beautiful cliff walking trail from the Pointe Du Gran Mont to Pointe de Saint-Jacques. From the centre of Saint-Gilda-Rhuys near the abbey, it is a short walk to the starting point, Pointe Du Grand Mont. If you drive there, then you can find a nice parking place near the starting point.
Pointe Du Gran Mont is the steep cliff part. It offers panoramic views of the surroundings. The footpath towards the Pointe de Saint-Jacques is gradually lower, passing a small tunnel, and then reaching several beaches near Port aux Moines, a small fishing port. Along the rocky coastline toward Pointe de Saint-Jacques, there are more beaches for a break. It is easy walking with lovely little spots.
The footpath is about seven kilometres long. It is possible to make it within a day. If you prefer to walk less, Port aux Moines is also a great starting point for the coastal walk.
Walking path at the coast of Port Navalo
Port-Navalo, located in the west of Arzon, is a typical old fishing port. The resort is a place for the spectacle of tides. One can discover the second most powerful tidal current in Europe. When the coastline is at low tides, visitors can walk on the rocky ground and see many oysters and sea snails. Port-Navalo is a must-see while in the Gulf of Morbihan.
We headed away from the port and towards the ocean. The short path, called Chem. de la Corniche, starts near the restaurant Le Grand Largue and goes around the lighthouse offering magnificent views across the sea and along the coastline. It was a clear day, and from the moderately trafficked walking path, we had views of Quiberon peninsula and the rocky coastline.
The path slightly goes up at the beginning and ends near Port Navalo beach. If you are a serious hiker, you can walk the entire coastal footpath of Rhuys Peninsula, from Saint-Gildas-Rhuys to Port Navalo in a day.
There are two parking places in the village, one is near the port, and the other is near the beach.
Travel tips for the coastal path of Rhuys Peninsula
Stay a few days for a relaxing holiday
The peninsula is the perfect place for a few days of relaxation. Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys is a great summer break destination because of its beautiful beaches. Choose to stay either Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys or Port Navalo and explore the peninsular from there:
Protect yourself when hiking
Although the hiking trails mentioned here are fairly flat, it is suggested to wear fitting shoes. Most part of the hiking trails has no shady place, and therefore you should also protect yourself from being sunburned.
Other things to do
Saint-Gildas-Rhuys has many market days. The market offers many daily goods, especially seafood which has a large selection, such as oysters, shrimp, mussels, clams, crabs, periwinkles, and whelks.
Port Navalo has many good restaurants that offer tasty seafood. Some of them might require a reservation. If you are a seafood lover, you should try one of them.
