GR34 – Customs Officers' Trail around Carnac & Quiberon

Beaches & Nature
Written by Nathalie Simon

The GR34, also known as the Sentier des Douaniers(Customs Officers' Path), runs for over 2,000 kilometers along the entire coastline of Brittany, from the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel to the bridge at Saint-Nazaire. Around Carnac, La Trinité-sur-Mer, and the Quiberon peninsula, it offers some of the most spectacular views in Morbihan: jagged cliffs, wild coves, dunes, sandy beaches, and authentic fishing villages. It is an ideal route for day trips as well as longer hiking trips.

Around Les Druides Campground

From Camping Les Druides in Carnac, several sections of the GR34 are easily accessible by car or bike in just a few minutes. These sections allow you to discover the diversity of the landscapes: rugged coastline, sheltered bays, ports, megaliths, marshes, and granite headlands.

Key areas to explore:

  • Carnac – Beaches and coastline towards La Trinité-sur-Mer (3-5 km of coastal path)

  • La Trinité-sur-Mer – Banks of the Crac'h River (salt marshes, marina)

  • Quiberon Peninsula – Wild Coast (15 km loop possible)

  • Ria d'Étel – Typical ria landscapes and islets (including Saint-Cado)

1. Carnac & La Trinité-sur-Mer – Gentle Coastline and Sheltered Ports

Carnac-Plage and Beaumer

Starting from Carnac, the trail runs along Beaumer Beach and Grande Plage, offering unobstructed views of the bay and offshore islands. The terrain is gentle and accessible to all, ideal for a family outing or a gentle stroll.

Strengths:

  • South-facing beaches with fine sand

  • Panorama of Quiberon Bay

  • Easy access from the campground (a few minutes by car or bike)

  • Approximately 3 km route between Carnac and La Trinité-sur-Mer

Towards La Trinité-sur-Mer

Continuing eastward, the route reaches La Trinité-sur-Mer, a marina renowned worldwide for sailing. The GR34 follows coastal paths and small roads that run along the banks of the Crac'h River, with views of the pontoons, racing sailboats, and the former salt marshes of Kervillen.

Must-see:

  • Port of La Trinité-sur-Mer and Éric Tabarly Pier

  • Kerisper Bridge (panoramic view)

  • Kervillen salt marshes (rehabilitated) and beach of the same name

  • Kerbihan Point

2. Quiberon Peninsula – The Wild Coast

An iconic section of the GR34

The Quiberon peninsula is one of the most spectacular sections of the GR34 trail. The portion known as the Côte Sauvage, facing due west, alternates between jagged cliffs, rock arches carved out by the waves, isolated coves, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Features:

  • Well-marked trail (red and white GR markings), but exposed to the wind

  • Terrain can be rocky and stony in places, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots.

  • Many possible starting points: Portivy, Beg en Aud, Port Bara, Port Blanc (with its famous arch), Pointe du Conguel

Ideas for loops

  • Quiberon Tour: Complete 15 km loop for cyclists and pedestrians, or shorter alternative via the interior.

  • Portivy Loop – Côte Sauvage: Round trip along the ocean or loop returning inland

  • Plouharnel – Penthièvre – Start of the peninsula: Alternating dunes, beaches along the bay, and views of the isthmus

These hikes allow you to combine the open ocean, the beaches of Quiberon Bay, and a wild atmosphere in just a few hours of walking.

3. Ria d'Étel & Saint-Cado – Ria atmosphere

Typical ria landscapes

Northwest of Carnac (about 20 km by car), the Ria d'Étel offers a different atmosphere: winding inlets, mudflats exposed at low tide, oyster beds, salt marshes, and small ports. The GR34 trail partly follows the banks of this ria, offering superb views of the river's meanders and the powerful currents rushing through the narrow passage under the Lorois bridge.

The islet of Saint-Cado

The island of Saint-Cado, in Belz, is directly accessible from the GR34 hiking trail. It can be reached via a small stone bridge (the famous Devil's Bridge of legend), where you will discover a 12th-century Romanesque chapel, a picturesque fishing village with flower-filled streets, and the famous house with blue shutters in Nichtarguer, perched on its rocky islet.

Possible itineraries:

  • The Rivière d'Étel and Saint-Cado: 13.5 kmloop

  • Short loop of the Étel estuary: 15 km

  • GR34 westwards to the Lorois bridge (2 km), with spectacular views of the estuary

4. Practical Tips for Hiking on the GR34

Difficulty & Duration

The sections around Carnac, La Trinité-sur-Mer, and Quiberon are mostly accessible:

  • Generally low elevation gain, except on the Côte Sauvage de Quiberon (hilly terrain)

  • Total elevation gain along the entire GR34: 16,749 meters of ascent (maximum altitude 124 m)

  • Numerous possibilities for half-day (3-5 km) or full-day (12-15 km) hikes

  • Longer sections possible for experienced hikers

Recommended Equipment

  • Hiking boots or sneakers with good soles (terrain can be rocky at times)

  • Waterproof windbreaker (changeable weather at the seaside, frequent wind)

  • Water, snacks, sun protection (hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen)

  • IGN map or GPS hiking app (even though the red and white trail markers are excellent)

Site Security & Respect

  • Stay on the marked trail (fragile cliffs and dunes, private property)

  • Avoid cliff edges in high winds or heavy swells (risk of falling).

  • Respect wildlife, flora, and megalithic sites

  • Leave nothing behind (take all your trash with you)

  • Check the tide times for the sections along the ria (Saint-Cado, Étel)

5. From Les Druides Campground

The reception desk at Camping Les Druides provides:

  • Maps and ideas for GR34 trails for all levels (easy, moderate, difficult)

  • Personalized advice according to the desired duration (2 hours, half day, full day)

  • Useful weather and tide information to help you plan your trip safely

Vacationers can thus:

  • Combine the beach in the morning with hiking in the afternoon

  • Discover a new section of the GR34 trail every day

  • Enjoy the heated pool and campground bar (open from 6 p.m.) in the evening after your walk.

In Summary

Around Carnac, La Trinité-sur-Mer, Quiberon, and the Ria d'Étel, the GR34 offers an exceptional concentration of Breton landscapes: rugged coastlines, sheltered bays, megaliths, fishing villages, and cliffs battered by the ocean. Whether for a simple family stroll or a day of energetic walking, each section tells a piece of the maritime and natural history of southern Brittany.

Fact-checking performed:

  • Total length of GR34: 2,000-2,100 km confirmed (Mont-Saint-Michel to Saint-Nazaire).

  • Elevation gain: 16,749 m cumulative, maximum altitude 124 m confirmed.

  • Quiberon Wild Coast: 15 km loop (Tour de Quiberon) confirmed.

  • Carnac-La Trinité: approximately 3 km of confirmed coastal path.

  • Ria d'Étel & Saint-Cado: GR34 passes through Saint-Cado, Lorois bridge 2 km away.

  • Kervillen salt marshes: Present on the La Trinité route, confirmed.

📞 Useful Contacts

Nathalie Simon
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