The westernmost peninsula of France, the Brittany region also has the longest GR (great hiking trail) in France...Travel and visit of the GR34.
Before telling you about the different stages of this GR34, a bit of history and some very useful advice.
We can say that thanks to a tax on goods created in 1667, the fragments of a path along the Breton coast will see the light of day. Creating vocations, smugglers regularly unloaded merchandise from England illegally. In order to stem this phenomenon, the Régie Nationale des Douanes was created in 1791. This time a much more elaborate path was set up all along the coast, passing by each creek, each beach, each corner of the coast. Houses, huts or ford towers were built to protect and shelter the customs officers who walked along this coast and watched over this territory. Much later in 1968, when this path had disappeared under the ferns, Emile Orain undertook to restore this path. The GR34 was going to see the light of day again little by little and extend over more than 2000 kilometers in length and 17000 meters of elevation gain from Mont Saint Michel to Saint Nazaire and become the GR most loved by hikers.
Let's take a closer look at the route of this GR. You can go to Google.maps or a very good site to prepare your route-you route
As I told you, the GR34 is 2000 kilometers long, so there is no question of taking less than 2 or 3 months for a normal walker to complete it. So there are 3 possibilities: - either have time in front of you and cover the 2000 km in one go in 2 or 3 months - either do the hundred steps little by little over the years - or choose to do part of it by choosing sections that are close to your heart.
Whichever option you choose, you will have to prepare your itinerary carefully (as for every trek by the way!!)
- Think about returning to your starting point: train, bus, carpooling...why not boat (possible on certain stages), this GR is not a loop!! - The period to choose: preferably from May to September - The difference in altitude: from 500 to 1000 meters per day on certain stages (Yes!! we are not in the Alps but it goes up and down all the same)... So train yourself a minimum - Pay attention to the weight of the backpack: 20% of your weight maximum (it all depends on your type of accommodation). I remind you that this GR is not flat. - Get water: campsites, hotels or refuges, but also churches, cemeteries, ports, public toilets (take tablets to purify the water if necessary) - Food: you will regularly find small shops along your routes (beware of some more "desert" places)... So think about it in advance when preparing your day. - Accommodation: whatever it is, plan it in advance before your departure. Refuges, camping, homestays, hotels... There is a choice depending on how you see hiking over several days.
You can watch this article from the FFR on the GR34 for some additional information
You are therefore ready to discover this GR 34 which will leave you with only good memories.
For my part, I chose to do only a few sections for lack of time.
So I'm going to talk to you about this first section between Mont Saint Michel and Saint Malo and give you all the advice and tips for a successful trek in 4 or 5 days (distance 80 to 90 kilometers)
See the link below
I hope this article will make you want to do this extraordinary GR.
Do not hesitate to look at the article on the 1st stage (Mont Saint Michel/Saint Malo) using this link. You will find lots of tips and tricks to prepare your trek.
I will add articles later on other stretches that I have also done.
I wish you a good trip on this GR34 and good souvenir photos