Walking EuropeSt-Briac-sur-Mer to Pointe du Décollé
Walk 6093
Country - France
Region - Ille et Vilaine (35) - Brittany
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 16.0 km / 10 miles
Time - 5.00 hours
Grade - easy/mod
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This delightful walk follows a section of the long distance footpath GR34 or Sentier des Douaniers along the beautiful Brittany coastline to the west of Dinard. There are no significant ascents and with plenty of opportunities for refreshments along the route it makes a very pleasant extended half day excursion. The path is well signposted although it is useful to have a copy of the recommended map.
The start is located alongside the D786. We approached from Ploubalay and after crossing a bridge over a coastal inlet the roads turns north with the beach at St-Briac-sur-Mer coming into view on your left. Almost immediately, on your right hand side is a large parking area. Park here.
Walk north along the D786 past a small garden on your left with a memorial. Reaching a four way junction, turn left to walk along the back of the beach. The route is marked with red and white flashes and some care is needed to spot some of the markings. Towards the end of the beach turn right past houses. At the next junction turn left and follow the road round to a t-junction. Turn left. Continue along this road eventually bearing right along a wide track to a small car park (which could also be used as a starting point. Walk through the car park and follow the path turning right and then left to head towards the sea.
You are now on the coast with a golf course on your right. Immediately you have wonderful views across the sea to outlying islands. Little description is required from this point onwards except to follow the clearly marked path. After turning west you reach a small café (presumably only open in season) to reach a longer beach. At the far end of this expanse of sand is a hilly promontory, the Pointe de la Garde Guérin, which the path soon reaches.
From the top of the promontory you have a wonderful view east across the Plage de Longchamp towards the Pointe du Décollé with its large stone cross. Continue along the back of the beach on the wide promenade with cafés and restaurants. Reaching the far end of the beach the GR34 takes to the road turning left through residential housing to reach the Pointe du Décollé where further refreshments are available. The view east from here across Rance Estuary to St Malo is particularly good.
The return route follows the outward path and offers a different perspective of the beautiful coastline. At a leisurely pace the walk takes about 5 hours excluding stops for refreshments.
Suggested Maps
- IGN Carte de Randonnée - St-Cast-le-Guildo & Cap Fréhel - 1:25000 Sheet 1116 ET
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.