Hikes in Plovan

Great Birdlife and Worthseeing ArtThis hike ideally combines nature and cultural experiences: Two large lakes with extensive reed zones invite the observation of numerous birds, while art lovers can admire the impressive ruins of the Languidou chapel (13th–15th century).

The beaches of Saint-Jean-Trolimon are among the most beautiful dune landscapes in the Finistère department and are still a true hidden gem. At low tide, the beach stretches an impressive ten kilometers. The completely untouched and undeveloped beach is a place of peace and relaxation. It is located on the edge of a nature reserve featuring ponds and wetlands, as well as an extremely diverse array of flora and fauna. The first part of the hike follows the beach through this unique natural landscape, before returning to the starting point via a leisurely trail through the hinterland—featuring a cultural highlight. The sound of the wind and the roar of the sea are our constant companions.> We set out from Start and Finish01 (5 m)—the parking lot behind the tall dunes—and follow one of the many trails to the wide, golden-yellow beach. This is followed by a delightful stroll along the beach heading north. As soon as the high dunes end, there’s a freshwater lake on the right behind a small dam, fed by a river that isn’t visible at first because it’s surrounded by tall reeds.We continue our beach walk at Plage à Saint-Jean-Trolimon02 (5 m). However, you should only swim in the supervised areas, as there are dangerous underwater currents. A few naturists are scattered along the beach, and as evening falls, visitors arrive for a picnic on the beach. Walking on the beach is much easier at low tide. On the website https://gezeitenfisch.com/fr/bretagne-atlantique/lorient—you’ll need to scroll to the bottom of the page—there is a tide table. After about 3.3 km, behind the pebble dam, you can see the Ètang de Kergalan03 (1 m), which measures approximately 400 × 700 m. At low tide, it’s fascinating to watch how the lake’s water seeps through the dam, creating small streams that seem to appear as if by magic and flow into the sea. At a parking lot—where the long sandy beach ends and gives way to a rocky coastline—we walk along the road toward the interior; at the next opportunity, we turn right onto the road, and at the following fork, we continue half-right on the dirt path. This path leads through reeds, past pastures and farmland. At the first fork in the path—where we can see the church tower to the left—we continue straight ahead. When we reach a house, the dirt path turns into a paved road. At the intersection with the red fire hydrant, we continue straight ahead, then take a slight right at the beautifully landscaped traffic island and follow the road. Today’s cultural highlight is the ruins of the Languidou Chapel (Ruines de la Chapelle de Languidou04, 10 m). It was built in the 11th and 12th centuries; the 16th-century rose window is still particularly well-preserved. We continue on our way and, after a right-hand curve in the road, cross a bridge; just past it, we turn right at the oak tree onto the hiking trail. At the next fork in the trail, we take the path slightly to the left; the trail then joins a road, which we follow until it ends. We keep to the left and turn right behind the driveway to the house. At the next fork in the road, we head slightly left toward Kergalan and, in front of a house, turn slightly left again. The road ends in front of a large, tall hedge; from here on, we continue to the right, following the road downhill to the eastern end of the Ètang de Trunvel05 pond (20 m). After walking 150 m uphill along the straight stretch of road, a trail branches off to the right. There is also a wooden signpost at this point. From here, the route leads through a small wooded area. On the overgrown path, we walk partly bent over; every so often, there are beautiful viewpoints overlooking the pond, which now lies below us to the right. About 100 m before reaching the houses, we ignore the right-hand turnoff, walk along the paved road slightly to the right into the dead-end street, and behind the last house, we continue on a farm road. We ignore a left- and a right-hand turnoff and reach the access road to the parking lot. After a few meters on this road, turn right, then head slightly to the right over a bridge; from there, hike along a path parallel to the road back to the starting point.

From the fishing village Audierne to the beach of Penhors

A walk between coastal campsites on the GR34. Part of the sanssacados west Finistère itinerary.

Immer am Meer entlang