Distance: 9 km
Duration: ~2h30
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Coastal paths, rocky sections, tarmac road
Best season: April–October
Start/Finish: Plage de Trestraou
Explore the full loop with distance and route overview. Click through to Komoot if you would like to follow it on the app.
When people talk about the Brittany coast, they often mean the Pink Granite Coast. Here enormous blocks of rose-coloured granite sit along the shoreline as if deliberately placed. In certain light the rocks glow peach and pink, giving this stretch of coastline the feeling of a permanent sunset.
One of the best ways to experience it is on foot. This walk from Perros-Guirec to Ploumanac’h follows the GR34 coastal path around the peninsula, weaving between sandy coves and towering granite formations that rise directly from the sea.
Locals have a habit of giving the rocks names, much like identifying shapes in clouds. Napoleon’s Hat, the Mushroom, the Lovers’ Hideaway. Once you start looking, it becomes difficult not to join the game.
Ploumanac’h itself is a small harbour village within the commune of Perros-Guirec. Both names come from the Breton language: plou meaning parish and pen ros meaning “top of the mound.” Breton names remain common here, a reminder that this coastline has long had its own identity within France.
Route Description
This walk follows the GR34 coastal path from Trestraou Beach in Perros-Guirec around the Pink Granite peninsula of Ploumanac’h before returning along the opposite side of the headland.
Starting from the beach, the path heads east along the shoreline before gradually turning north as the peninsula begins to reach out into the Channel. The granite formations appear slowly at first, then build into the dramatic clusters of rose-coloured rock that define this stretch of coast.
Continuing along the GR34 brings you to the Ploumanac’h lighthouse, perched on one of the largest granite outcrops along the route. From here the trail curves south toward Saint-Guirec beach and the harbour village of Ploumanac’h.
After passing through the village, the route briefly cuts across the peninsula before rejoining the GR34. The final stretch follows the coastline back toward Perros-Guirec, descending once more to Trestraou Beach to complete the loop.
1. Trestraou Beach Start
Begin at Plage de Trestraou just outside Perros-Guirec. Follow the coastal path west, joining the GR34 as it climbs gently above the shoreline. Look for the red and white trail markers.
2. Eastern Coast
Follow open coastline before gradually turning north around the peninsula. Granite outcrops begin to appear along the cliffs as the landscape transitions into the Pink Granite Coast.
3. Pink Granite Formations
Wind through the first clusters of sculpted granite rocks, some rising over twenty metres above the sea. Many of these formations have local nicknames based on their shape.
4. Ploumanac’h Lighthouse
The GR34 leads directly to the Ploumanac’h lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks on the Pink Granite Coast, standing on a massive block of rose-coloured granite above the sea.
5. Saint-Guirec Beach & Ploumanac’h Village
Descending toward Saint-Guirec beach, the route reaches the harbour village of Ploumanac’h. Cafés, small restaurants and views across the bay make this a natural place to pause.
6. Cross the Peninsula & Return
Leave the harbour and cut across the village before rejoining the GR34 on the opposite side of the peninsula. Follow the coastal path south back toward Trestraou Beach, completing the loop.
Points of Interest
- The Sentier des Douaniers: The coastal trail you follow forms part of the GR34, a long-distance path that runs around much of Brittany’s coastline. Historically it was used by customs officers patrolling against smugglers.
- Château de Costaérès: This fairy-tale castle sits on a rocky islet just offshore. Built in 1896 by Polish engineer Bruno Abakanowicz, it remains a private residence and is not open to visitors.
- The Oratory of Saint-Guirec: Located on Saint-Guirec beach, this small oratory commemorates the monk Saint Guirec who is said to have landed here. Local tradition claims that single women who place a needle in the statue’s nose will marry within the year. If the needle is still there after high tide!
- The Ploumanach lighthouse: Built from the same pink granite that surrounds it, the lighthouse blends naturally into the landscape and has become one of the most recognisable landmarks of the coast.
- Maison Du Littoral: Situated directly on the coastal path, this visitor centre provides exhibitions about the landscape, wildlife and conservation of the Pink Granite Coast.
Practical Tips
Tide: Low tide exposes additional beach sections, making shoreline detours easier.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with grip; paths are sandy and rocky in sections.
Safety: Bring water and sun protection in summer. A rain jacket is useful year-round – the weather changes quickly along the coast.
Water & Snacks: Bring plenty of water. However, there are places to stop for food and drink along the way.
Shorter Alternative
Distance: 4.2 km
Duration: ~1h15
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Start/Finish: Port of Ploumanac’h
If you’re staying in Ploumanac’h or can drive over then cut the hike short and just loop around the best of the pink granite coast on this peninsula.