Top 10 trail runs in Brittany

Do you prefer the beach or the forest? A night or a weekend? Choose your trail run depending on the landscape, the season and the atmosphere. In Brittany, any distance through nature is possible.

In the blink of an eye

1. Ebihens trail

A paradise archipelago

In May or June – Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer – Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel bay

Off the peninsula of Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer is the unspoilt Ebihens archipelago, accessible on foot at low tide. Energetic participants run across the channel on a 20 km marine trail on the shoreline and on paths. Ideal for filling up on sea air and seaweed.

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2. Guerlédan trail

Around the lake

In May or June – Guerlédan (22) – The heart of Brittany

From the Bon-Repos abbey, this demanding race through nature winds around the largest artificial lake in Brittany. The three trails, from 13 to 63 km, take place on hiking paths that are sometimes technical, with a demanding elevation gain. A high-level playing board where the best in the discipline compete with one another.

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Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

3. Gulf of Morbihan Ultra Marine Raid

177 km: top that!

End of June – early July – Vannes (56) – Southern Brittany – Gulf of Morbihan

The longest ultra-trail in Brittany forms a loop around the Gulf of Morbihan, intersected by a crossing in a rubber dinghy half-way. The route, on roads and paths, takes place in a single stage. Daytime and night-time. You have a maximum of 42 hours to get back to the start… For extreme adventurers only!

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4. Trail du Bout du Monde

West coast lighthouses

In July – Plouzané (29) – Brest terres océanes

At the gateway to Brest, four races in nature, from 20 to 57 km, take off in the direction of the ocean, following the customs officers’ path. Coves and creeks offer breath-taking views of the Iroise Sea. After the Bertheaume Fortification of Vauban and the square lighthouse of Kermorvan, the finishing line is on the cliffs of Pointe Saint-Mathieu.

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5. Belle-Île en trail

A little tour of the sea

In September – Southern Brittany – Gulf of Morbihan

Every two years, the largest of the Brittany islands reserves its coast and country paths for trail runners. The longest race (83 km) goes around the island following beaches, coastal paths and valleys with a few excellent sections across the fields and ports. Just to ensure that Belle-Île lives up to its name of being a beautiful island!

For those who fancy a swim, why not try the swimrun? This race, created in 2019, combines trail running and white water swimming for unique thrills!

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6. Brocéliande legend trail

The fairy effect

In September – Iffendic (35) – Brocéliande

This race in the land of King Arthur crosses wonderful landscapes of forest, moors and rocks, which set the scene for the legendary décor of the knights of the Round Table. The leisure centre of Domaine de Trémelin, the archaeological site of Château de Boutavent, and the little Chambre au Loup canyon are on the route of three hilly trails from 11 to 50 km. Who knows, you might even bump into Merlin on your way…

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7. Trail through Estran

Between the tides

In September – Trévou-Tréguignec (22) – Pink Granite Coast – Bay of Morlaix

A strip of land that is covered at high tide and then exposed at low tide: this is the intertidal zone, called L’Estran. This trail consists of running on sand, stones, pebbles and in sludge for 14, 32 or 50 km. It’s fun, exotic, and for a good cause, organised for a disabled children’s charity. There are many enchanting sites along the way: Casse pattes, L’Enfer, Le Gouffre, etc.

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8. Scorff valley trail

Fifteen years of experience

In October – Cléguer (56) – Southern Brittany – Gulf of Morbihan

This autumn race spans rivers and valleys against a backdrop of woods, gardens and prairies. It proposes five formats, from 4.5 to 45 km. Challenges include a night-time run up the slopes of Sainte-Anne, the Mémé coast or the Saint-Yves bump.

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9. Glazig trail

In the middle of winter

In February – Plourhan (22) – Baie de Saint-Brieuc – Paimpol – Les Caps

The first trail of the season defies the chilly weather as it crosses beautiful landscapes, between the land and the sea. Warm up on the rocky coastal paths, the beaches at low tide, the sunken lanes across bocage, etc. Or how about a nocturnal outing with a headlamp?

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10. Rennes Urban Trail

A city tour

In April – Rennes (35) – Rennes and the gateway to Brittany

The most recent urban trail (2017) crosses the capital of Brittany following its main monuments. It includes some surprising and unusual places, such as an underground station, a shopping mall, a bank, a stadium, etc. There are three routes around the city, the longest covering 24 km and 2,500 steps!

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