GR 34 from the Pointe du Raz to the Pointe du Van

What it is

The stretch of the GR 34, the customs officers' path, that links the two points at the end of the Cap Sizun: it goes down from the Pointe du Raz to the Baie des Trépassés and climbs to the Pointe du Van across cliffs and heather heath. It is short but among the most spectacular of the whole Breton coast, always with the Île de Sein and its lighthouses in view. The natural site's official map marks it as a difficult-level GR 34.

The route step by step

According to the Finistère Département map:

1. Pointe du Raz – Baie des Trépassés: 2.5 km, about 1 h 30. You leave the point and go down the coast to the beach.
2. Baie des Trépassés – Pointe du Van: 3 km, about 1 h 30. You cross the bay and climb the cliff to the Saint-They chapel and the point.

One way is about 5.5 km and three hours with stops. Out and back, double that.

If you want a loop, the official map suggests two: the Pointe du Van loop, of 11 km and about 3 h 45, and the Pointe du Raz loop, of 10 km and about 3 h 20, which combine the GR with inland paths (PR). For a full day, there are guides that give about 17 km and 6 to 7 hours for the complete round trip from point to point.

Waymarking and terrain

The GR 34 is waymarked with white and red marks. The terrain is narrow path and rock, with ups and downs beside the cliffs. Wear hiking footwear. It is not suitable for pushchairs or bikes.

Where to park

• At the Pointe du Raz: parking costs €8 a day from April to the end of October. If you are going to walk all day, it is the most convenient option: it has toilets, restaurants and the Maison de site.
• At the Pointe du Van: there is parking next to the point. Some guides give it as free and others as paid in season; check the signs on arrival.

To do only the outward leg, the Maison de site runs in July and August a shuttle between the Pointe du Raz and the Pointe du Van; ask there for the times.

Guided visits

From April to October the Maison de site runs a guided nature route at the Pointe du Van (3 hours, 5 km, on Tuesdays at 9:00, from the Van car park) and a discovery route at the Pointe du Raz (3 h 30, 9 km, on Thursdays at 9:00, from Lescoff, for experienced walkers). They cost €9 and €6 reduced; free for under-10s. Book at the Maison de site or the tourist office.

When to go and what to bring

From April to June and in September: heather in flower, long light and fewer people. In August, set off early. There is no shade or fountains on the path: bring water, a hat, sun cream and a windcheater.

With children or with a dog

With older children used to walking, the stretch from the Raz to the Trépassés is manageable. With little ones, better just the central path at the Pointe du Raz. Dogs on a lead.

To sleep halfway along, the Hôtel de la Baie des Trépassés is on the beach.