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Boucle Port Andro - Samzun
Country walking circuits, Long trekking paths, Short circuit walks, Walks and hikes, Walking/pedestrian
in Locmaria
8.5
km
Loop
Walks and hikes
2h 15min
Easy
- 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 nor 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 as of June 20th 2022, walking poles with metal tips are prohibited along the entirety of Belle-Île’s coastal trail. 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: [email protected]
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From Port Andro, the coastline becomes gentler and long stretches of fine sand appear. The Kerdonis lighthouse, with its red lantern, is located near the GR340 hiking trail. The GR340 trail is left at Samzun, a typical 19th-century village overlooking the coast.
- Departure
- Locmaria
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Difference in height
- 214.09 m
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Route interest
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The Lighthouses:
A first lighthouse was established on the island at the entrance to the port of Le Palais in 1833 (the one at the port of Sauzon dates from 1860). Three others were built during the 19th century. The Grand Phare, constructed in the middle of the island on the wild coast, was first lit on January 1, 1836; the lighthouse at Pointe des Poulains was built in 1868, and the one at Kerdonis eleven years later.
It was in the latter that the keeper’s children became famous in 1911 by ensuring, throughout an entire night, the rotation of the lantern after the sudden death of their father.
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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
Port Andro is a superb beach dominated by a Second Empire defensive post. From the beach's car park, follow the road for 75 metres, then take the coastal path on the right as far as the first marker stone. Head northeast toward Pointe de Kerdonis, where a military redoubt and a Second Empire battery stand.
Steps
At the second marker, turn left and rejoin the road to skirt a small fortification. At the next marker, descend to the right toward the coast. The coastal path then overlooks numerous sandy coves. Nearby, the Kerdonis lighthouse is easily recognised by its red lantern.
Along the route, several former coastal batteries built as earthen ramparts can be seen: Pointe Sainte-Foy, Pointe de la Perrière, Port Huellen, and Pointe de Kerouarc’h.
The path then passes inland of the guardhouse known as La Biche. Descend to Samzun Beach, protected by a masonry retrenchment with a vaulted passage. Above rises the picturesque village of Samzun, with its 19th-century houses.
Leave the coastal circuit here. Turn left onto the path leading up to the paved road. At the junction, follow the road to the right, then continue left toward Kerouarc’h.
Cross Kerouarc’h, follow the path toward Kerdonis, then take the first path on the right to descend through a valley back to Port Andro.
Along the route, several former coastal batteries built as earthen ramparts can be seen: Pointe Sainte-Foy, Pointe de la Perrière, Port Huellen, and Pointe de Kerouarc’h.
The path then passes inland of the guardhouse known as La Biche. Descend to Samzun Beach, protected by a masonry retrenchment with a vaulted passage. Above rises the picturesque village of Samzun, with its 19th-century houses.
Leave the coastal circuit here. Turn left onto the path leading up to the paved road. At the junction, follow the road to the right, then continue left toward Kerouarc’h.
Cross Kerouarc’h, follow the path toward Kerdonis, then take the first path on the right to descend through a valley back to Port Andro.
- 214 meters of difference in height
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- Start altitude : 4 m
- End altitude : 11 m
- Maximum altitude : 40 m
- Minimum altitude : 3 m
- Total positive elevation : 214 m
- Total negative elevation : -207 m
- Max positive elevation : 28 m
- Min positive elevation : -19 m