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Boucle Samzun - Port Yorc'h
Country walking circuits, Long trekking paths, Natural, Short circuit walks, Walks and hikes, Walking/pedestrian
in Locmaria
8.0
km
Loop
Walks and hikes
2h
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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A gentle loop along the seafront. Part of it can be done as a coastal walk along the Grands Sables beach. Then you'll discover an agricultural side of Belle-Île, passing near pastures, cattle farms, and a farmhouse.
- Departure
- Locmaria
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Difference in height
- 173.87 m
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Route interest
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Les Grands-Sables:
Because of its size and the proximity of a good anchorage, this beach provided an ideal location for an enemy landing. As early as the late 17th century, it was already defended by five batteries. In the mid-18th century, new fortifications and masonry entrenchments, arranged for artillery and infantry, completed the beach’s defensive system, discouraging the English from landing there in 1761.
This beach barrier still exists in its main outlines, although some structures were modified or built later: the guardhouse of La Ferrière, built in 1859 in the middle of the beach, and German fortifications from the Second World War.
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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
To the left of the vaulted passage beneath the 18th-century retrenchment, take the path climbing toward the village of Samzun in the direction of Les Grands-Sables. On the right, Pointe de La Biche and a German battery are visible. At the exit of Samzun, note old enclosure walls with a fishbone pattern on the left of the path.
Steps
Les Grands-Sables beach, approximately 1.5 km long, is well suited to water sports. At high tide and during strong spring tides, it is recommended to remain on the coastal path whereas low tide offers an opportunity for a long beach walk.
At the far end of the beach, near the car park, stands a restored fountain. At this point, climb the coastal path and follow it. Views open over Pointe du Bugul and its horseshoe-shaped battery housing a 17th-century guardhouse.
The path skirts the Bugul guardhouse (19th century), now a private residence, then descends toward Port Yorc’h beach. From here, there are views of the Gros-Rocher islet and its 17th-century battery.
Take the paved road toward Locmaria. At the top of the hill, take the second road on the right toward Arnaud. Cross the village, noted for its fine old houses built directly onto the rock.
Reach the valley below and descend the paved road on the left. After about 600 metres, take a dirt track on the right climbing the attractive Kerdavid valley.
At Kerdavid, turn left, then right. Facing a dirt path, note on the left a vegetation-covered tumulus. Continue on the paved road; at the next junction turn left, pass through the village of Borduro, and follow the valley to the next road junction.
Descend back to the Samzun beach car park.
At the far end of the beach, near the car park, stands a restored fountain. At this point, climb the coastal path and follow it. Views open over Pointe du Bugul and its horseshoe-shaped battery housing a 17th-century guardhouse.
The path skirts the Bugul guardhouse (19th century), now a private residence, then descends toward Port Yorc’h beach. From here, there are views of the Gros-Rocher islet and its 17th-century battery.
Take the paved road toward Locmaria. At the top of the hill, take the second road on the right toward Arnaud. Cross the village, noted for its fine old houses built directly onto the rock.
Reach the valley below and descend the paved road on the left. After about 600 metres, take a dirt track on the right climbing the attractive Kerdavid valley.
At Kerdavid, turn left, then right. Facing a dirt path, note on the left a vegetation-covered tumulus. Continue on the paved road; at the next junction turn left, pass through the village of Borduro, and follow the valley to the next road junction.
Descend back to the Samzun beach car park.
- 174 meters of difference in height
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- Start altitude : 5 m
- End altitude : 6 m
- Maximum altitude : 50 m
- Minimum altitude : 3 m
- Total positive elevation : 174 m
- Total negative elevation : -174 m
- Max positive elevation : 28 m
- Min positive elevation : -20 m
