Dreaming of a wild, decidedly maritime Brittany where every turn reveals a new postcard-worthy panorama? Settle in at Telgruc-sur-Mer, buckle up, and follow our two-week program in Finistère. Hiking on the GR34, kayaking in turquoise caves, medieval cities brimming with history... and even a jaunt to the Pink Granite Coast: here's a packed yet breathable itinerary, peppered with delicious stops and anecdotes (sometimes legendary!) that will make the whole family's eyes sparkle.
Why choose Telgruc-sur-Mer as a base camp?
Located on the eastern edge of the Crozon peninsula, Telgruc-sur-Mer offers an ideal starting point: Trez-Bellec beach for swimming, direct access to the GR34 for hikers, and an XXL view over the Bay of Douarnenez. The village remains within a reasonable distance from Brest (1h) and Quimper (1h), while allowing for further excursions without changing accommodation.
Brittany by the Numbers: A Traveler's Magnet
In 2024, the Brittany region recorded 111 million tourist overnight stays: a slight decrease compared to 2023 (-3%) but still +2% versus 2022. Foreign visitors now account for 22% of the total, driven by a massive return of British, German, and Dutch tourists. In Finistère, some emblematic sites like the Pointe du Raz are nearing half a million annual visitors (500,000 since the 1980s). Suffice it to say that the edge of Brittany is far from a secret... but it remains possible to enjoy it away from the crowds by timing visits strategically and combining star spots with lesser-known gems.
14-Day Itinerary: The Best of Finistère (with a Pink Granite Detour)
Day 1: Cliffs of Guern (5 min from Telgruc)
First leg stretch on the GR34: 4 km of cliffs covered with moorland, plunging views of the bay, and return via Trez-Bellec beach. Remember binoculars: often you can spot gannets and dolphins.
Day 2: Kayaking in the Morgat caves (20 min)
In the morning, depart from Morgat harbor for 3 hours of paddling. The girls love going under the colorful arches of the Sainte-Marine cave, where the light makes the water emerald. Beginners accepted if the sea is calm.
Day 3: Pointe de Pen-Hir & Tas de Pois (35 min)
70 m cliffs, perched bunkers, and a 360° panorama over the Iroise Sea. Picnic option facing the ballet of seagulls.
Day 4: Océanopolis, Brest (1 hr)
Dive into three pavilions (polar, tropical, Breton). Plan 4 hours for the visit, perfect for when it's raining.
Day 5: Medieval Quimper (1 hr)
Saint-Corentin Cathedral, half-timbered houses, crêperies... and faience shopping. In the evening, a peaceful return via the Odet valley.
Day 6: Locronan, granite village (40 min)
Streets paved and frozen in the 15th century. Climb to the Ar Sonj chapel for the view over the bay.
Day 7: Gourmet market at Rozavern cider house (5 min)
Every Monday evening in summer, local producers, folk concert, and tasting of raw cider. Bring back a box: the artisanal fermentation is top-notch.
Day 8: Pink Granite Coast (Perros-Guirec) (2 hrs 30 min)
Long road but guaranteed wow-factor: the pink chaos of Ploumanac'h, Mean Ruz lighthouse, customs officers' path... Before returning, swim at Trestraou.
Day 9: Huelgoat Forest (1 hr 30 min)
Granitic chaos, Arthurian legends, and Trembling Rock. A 7 km loop that's cool and shaded; perfect mid-trip.
Day 10: Pointe du Raz (1 hr 30 min)
Head west! Walk 4 km round trip to the extreme point, facing the legendary Raz de Sein. On-site, 275 m of cumulative elevation gain: bring good shoes.
Day 11: Walled town of Concarneau (1 hr 20 min)
Stroll on the ramparts, fresh fish at the morning market, then relax on the Sables-Blancs beach.
Day 12: Île d'Ouessant (30 min to Camaret + ferry 1 hr 30 min)
Bike day: 20 km of flat asphalt to connect Créac'h lighthouse, Porz Doun beach, and the town's crêperie. Last boat at 6 pm.
Day 13: Pointe des Espagnols (40 min)
Vauban remains, panorama over the bay of Brest, and a reddish sunset. Advised detour by the cove of l'Auberlac'h.
Day 14: Trez-Bellec Beach (on-site)
Rest: paddleboarding, napping, and last kouign-amanns facing the sea.
Essentials of Finistère... and some figures
- 166 km: Full loop length of the GR® 34 around the Crozon peninsula, doable in 8 days for the most seasoned hikers.
- 70 m: Height of the Pen-Hir cliffs, a favorite playground for climbers.
- 115 million tourist overnight stays in Brittany in 2023 (a historical record).
- 500,000 annual visitors estimated at Pointe du Raz: consider arriving before 10 am or after 5 pm for tranquility.
- 300 days/year: average wind measured off the coast of Ouessant (heads up, sailing enthusiasts!).
Preparing your stay: practical tips
Transport: The car remains essential but expect small winding journeys (30 km may take 45 min). Paid parking at major sites during summer; opt for carpooling or the beach shuttle when available.
Budget: Count 8-10 € for a complete crepe + bowl of cider, 25 € for a kayak excursion, 28 € for Océanopolis admission, 35-40 € for a round-trip ferry to Ouessant (pedestrian + bike rented on-site).
Weather: Yes, it can rain three times in the same day: this is also what creates the region's magical light. Layer light clothing rather than wearing a heavy coat.
Note well
GR34: Known as the "Customs Officers' Path," this coastal trail marks over 2,000 km all around Brittany. The Crozon sections are among the most spectacular but also the most exposed to the wind. Respect the dune flora: stay on the path.
Tides: The range can exceed 7 m in the Bay of Douarnenez. Check the tide chart before any kayaking trip or swimming.
Conclusion: Finistère, a taste that beckons you back.
In fourteen days, you will have skirted the edge of the world (literally), savored salted butter crepes, and walked in the footsteps of customs officers, privateers... and even the legendary King Gralon, founder of the mythical submerged city of Ys, who, according to tradition, still slumbers beneath the waves of Douarnenez Bay. One more reason to return: who knows, you might hear the bells of Ys ringing under the swell on a stormy evening.
Anecdote: King Gralon, an emblematic figure of Breton legends, ruled over Ys before the city was submerged. Some storytellers place his palace at the very location of Telgruc; adding a mythical shiver to your road trip!