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Boucle Donnant - Goulphar
Long trekking paths, Short circuit walks, Walks and hikes, Discovery lanes on foot
in Bangor
12.0
km
Loop
Walks and hikes
3h
Medium
- Alerte
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Along the trail, you will pass through wild areas whose beauty is due in part to the absence of infrastructure. For this reason, you will find no bins, water points, or toilets. You must therefore carry out all of your waste (including toilet paper) and plan ahead for the amount of water you will need before leaving your accommodation.
Please note that since June 20th 2022, walking poles with metal tips are prohibited along the entire coastal path on Belle-Île. The use of walking poles without metallic tips, or equipped with rubber tips remains permitted.
These measures have been taken due to the increased risk of trail erosion and vegetation damage caused by the use of walking poles, in order to preserve the quality and long-term sustainability of the trail.
The path can be quite steep, and slippery after rain. Wear appropriate footwear, remain vigilant, do not approach cliff edges, and do not leave children or pets unsupervised.
The trail is open to all pedestrian activities: hikers, walkers, and trail runners.
Common sense and courtesy rules apply to ensure everyone’s safety.
Help us monitor the trails: info@belle-ile.com
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The hike begins on sandy ground along the beaches of Donnant and Vazen. The route then becomes rockier as you advance towards the hike’s highlight, the Aiguilles de Port Coton. The rocky pinnacles accompany you all the way to Goulphar, before heading back inland through farmland, heathland, and Belle-Île’s peaceful hamlets.
- Departure
- Bangor
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Difference in height
- 243.22 m
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Route interest
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The Aiguilles de Port Coton:
So named because, during major storms, the waves crash against them with such violence that the foam piles up and is swept into the air in large, fluffy clumps resembling cotton.
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Documentation
- GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
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- See all reviews
How to reach the start
From the Donnant car park, head down toward the beach to join the coastal trail approximately 400 metres beyond the parking area.
Steps
Follow the trail up the southern slope of Donnant Beach, overlooking its vast expanse of fine sand, dunes and surrounding cliffs. Continue south as a bend in the coastline reveals the narrow inlet of Vazen.
Cross the beach, climb the gentle slope opposite, and continue along a flat, barren and rocky section of coastline toward the Trou de Vazen and the Pointe du Grand-Guet.
Proceed south past the Baguenère islets on the right. After the rocky cove of Port Coton, marked by the sea cave known as La Grotte de l’Étoile, the trail leads to the Aiguilles de Port Coton, immortalised by Claude Monet in his celebrated series of paintings.
Beyond, the path follows an especially rugged stretch of coastline and passes a small white building that once housed a foghorn linked to the lighthouse, now obsolete.
The trail then opens onto the magnificent Bay of Goulphar, scattered with reefs and islets. Near the Hôtel du Grand Large, the path briefly follows the D190 before descending steeply to Port Goulphar, a sheltered anchorage.
Cross the beach and climb inland through a lovely valley to the village of Radenec.
At Radenec’s main paved road, turn left. About 50 metres later, turn left again, then immediately right through a narrow passage between two old houses. Follow the dirt path across a small wooded valley to the village of Kervilahouen.
At the paved T-junction, turn left, cross the D190 and head toward the Grand Phare (visits organised during the tourist season).
Before reaching the lighthouse, a dirt road on the right leads toward Borzose. Before entering the hamlet, turn right and continue back toward Donnant and its car park.
Alternative: from the Aiguilles de Port Coton, it is possible to head directly to the Grand Phare, shortening the circuit by approximately 3 km.
Cross the beach, climb the gentle slope opposite, and continue along a flat, barren and rocky section of coastline toward the Trou de Vazen and the Pointe du Grand-Guet.
Proceed south past the Baguenère islets on the right. After the rocky cove of Port Coton, marked by the sea cave known as La Grotte de l’Étoile, the trail leads to the Aiguilles de Port Coton, immortalised by Claude Monet in his celebrated series of paintings.
Beyond, the path follows an especially rugged stretch of coastline and passes a small white building that once housed a foghorn linked to the lighthouse, now obsolete.
The trail then opens onto the magnificent Bay of Goulphar, scattered with reefs and islets. Near the Hôtel du Grand Large, the path briefly follows the D190 before descending steeply to Port Goulphar, a sheltered anchorage.
Cross the beach and climb inland through a lovely valley to the village of Radenec.
At Radenec’s main paved road, turn left. About 50 metres later, turn left again, then immediately right through a narrow passage between two old houses. Follow the dirt path across a small wooded valley to the village of Kervilahouen.
At the paved T-junction, turn left, cross the D190 and head toward the Grand Phare (visits organised during the tourist season).
Before reaching the lighthouse, a dirt road on the right leads toward Borzose. Before entering the hamlet, turn right and continue back toward Donnant and its car park.
Alternative: from the Aiguilles de Port Coton, it is possible to head directly to the Grand Phare, shortening the circuit by approximately 3 km.
- 243 meters of difference in height
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- Start altitude : 35 m
- End altitude : 36 m
- Maximum altitude : 42 m
- Total positive elevation : 243 m
- Total negative elevation : -242 m
- Max positive elevation : 30 m
- Min positive elevation : -25 m
