The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Vallée de Douvenant
4.6
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7,683
hikers
201
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Vallée de Douvenant offer a blend of wild natural landscapes and historical features in Brittany, France. The valley is characterized by its preserved, undeveloped nature, extending for approximately 5 kilometers and forming a green corridor between Saint-Brieuc and Langueux. Hikers can explore diverse terrain, including coastal paths, forests, and views over the Bay of Saint-Brieuc. The region also connects to the GR34, providing access to wider coastal landscapes.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Vallée…
Last updated: July 13, 2026
4.3
(9)
90
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
33
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
11
hikers
3.93km
01:06
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
7.31km
02:00
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
3.14km
00:53
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
We accidentally drove under the viaduct. Nice impression
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From 1905 to 1948, the train made a stop there between Saint-Brieuc and Moncontour. The inhabitants of the Grèves used it frequently to get around and transport goods, particularly bricks produced by the nearby factory. It was called the "Petit train des Côtes-du-Nord", the former name of the department, because there was only 1 m spacing between its rails compared to 1.435 m on a normal track.
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Classified as a Nature Reserve since 1998, all this wild nature almost disappeared during the 20th century. A landfill was located a little higher up, and plans for a port or even an airport were circulating. After twenty long years of fighting, led in particular by naturalists and local residents, the bottom of the Baie de Saint-Brieuc has regained its original calm and serenity. This landscape of water channels surrounding salt meadows, completely covered during the high tides, welcomes a diversity of birds from all horizons every year.
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Majestic arched viaduct, it is part of the many works of art in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc built by engineer Harel de la Noë at the beginning of the 20th century. 10 m high and 58 m long, it spans a small stream, which once allowed the Chemins de fer des Côtes-du-Nord line to connect Saint-Brieuc to Moncontour.
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Historical monument rated per 2018. Originally a rail connecton from 1905 till 1949.
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The second largest natural park in Brittany, the bay of Saint-Brieuc offers a preserved space with eclectic landscapes. Between salt meadows, dunes and lagoon waters, around 35,000 species of birds visit the bay each year. Surrounded by the customs trail (GR 34), the bay offers a wide variety of walks. Observation cabins allow you to stay on the lookout for wild life and enjoy a well-guarded world.
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Today, La Grève des Courses is part of the GR34, a coastal hiking trail that allows you to discover all of Brittany’s coasts. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Anse d’Yffiniac. The area is also home to mussel farms, known as “bouchots”, which are a local specialty. The Réserve Naturelle de La Baie de Saint-Brieuc itself is the largest nature reserve in Brittany.
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In the 19th and 20th centuries, La Grève des Courses was a festive place where horse races and aviation meetings took place. However, it later became a wild dump where waste was thrown directly onto the sand, polluting the bay. Thanks to the efforts of environmental associations, it was transformed into a nature reserve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there in Vallée de Douvenant?
The Vallée de Douvenant area offers a wide selection of routes suitable for families, with nearly 200 hiking trails available. Among these, almost 100 are classified as easy, making them perfect for outings with children.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for toddlers or strollers?
Yes, the region has several easy and relatively flat trails that are great for families with toddlers or strollers. For a pleasant, shorter option, consider the Boutdeville - The Brickworks loop from Langueux, which is just over 3 km long and takes about an hour. Another accessible choice is the Douvenant Viaduct – Viaduc de Douvenant loop from Saint-Brieuc, a 3.9 km easy route.
What are the main attractions or viewpoints along the family trails?
A significant highlight is the Douvenant Viaduct, a historic structure offering exceptional panoramic views over the Bay of Saint-Brieuc and the surrounding valley. Many trails incorporate this landmark, providing both historical interest and breathtaking vistas. The valley itself is known for its wild, preserved nature, offering genuine immersion in Brittany's natural beauty.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly trails in Vallée de Douvenant are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Douvenant Viaduct – Boutdeville - The Brickworks loop from Stade Fred Aubert is a moderate 7.5 km circular hike that takes you through diverse landscapes.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Vallée de Douvenant?
The Vallée de Douvenant is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for family hikes. The weather is generally milder, and the natural landscapes are vibrant with seasonal colors. Summer is also popular, but it's advisable to start earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible for refreshing walks.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Vallée de Douvenant?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,100 ratings. Reviewers often praise the blend of wild natural landscapes, the historical significance of the Douvenant Viaduct, and the diverse network of trails that cater to various skill levels, including many family-friendly options.
Are there opportunities for nature observation or wildlife spotting?
Yes, the Vallée de Douvenant is part of a green corridor connected to the Saint-Brieuc Bay National Nature Reserve. This area is a vital sanctuary for wildlife, especially birds, attracting around 35,000 bird species annually. Keep an eye out for various birdlife and other local fauna as you explore the trails.
Can we access the famous GR34 coastal path from the Vallée de Douvenant?
Yes, the Vallée de Douvenant provides a direct connection to the renowned GR34, also known as the Customs Path. A route from the Douvenant Viaduct leads to this famous coastal trail, which offers spectacular views of Brittany's coastline, including pink sandstone cliffs and secluded coves. You can learn more about the GR34 on Wikipedia.
Are there any longer, easy-to-moderate family hikes available?
For families looking for a slightly longer but still easy adventure, the Greves de Langueux – Boutdeville - The Brickworks loop from Langueux is a great choice. It's about 5.8 km and typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, offering a pleasant walk through varied scenery.
Where can we find parking for these family-friendly trails?
Many trailheads in and around Vallée de Douvenant, particularly near Saint-Brieuc and Langueux, offer designated parking areas. For specific routes, such as those starting from Stade Fred Aubert or within Langueux, you'll find convenient parking facilities nearby to begin your family adventure.
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