Côte d’Émeraude
Bretagne
via the
GR 34

The Emerald Coast is the name given to a part of the Breton coastline, located between Cape Fréhel and the bay of Mont Saint-Michel (architectural marvel classified as a UNESCO world heritage site). It owes its name to the color of the sea, which varies from blue to green, depending on daylight and tides. Brittany is a region rich in natural and cultural heritage, which offers numerous opportunities for hiking, leisure and discovery. It is also a place full of history and tradition. Numerous chapels and churches dot the landscape and remind you that in the past, many pilgrims called the Miquelots passed through there. The pilgrimage to Mont Saint-Michel has existed since the 8th century (well before that of Santiago de Compostela) and it attracted faithful from all over Europe. They followed routes called the “paths to Paradise”. They were easily recognized, because they generally carried a staff decorated with a shell, symbol of the legendary victory of the archangel Saint-Michel over the dragon, an allegorical figure of evil representing Satan, as mentioned in the last book of the New Testament, the Apocalypse according to Saint John. The Miquelots also wore a round hat, reminiscent of the crown of the archangel. They were dressed all in blue and white, the colors of the sky and the sea. Throughout their march, they sang hymns and canticles in honor of Saint Michael, such as the famous "Regína caéli" or the “Salve Regina.” ​By going to the abbey and sanctuary dedicated to the Archangel St-Michel, the Miquelots were all driven by a deep faith and a desire to get closer to God. In May 2023, I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I left from Mont Saint-Michel to the port of Saint-Brieuc. This first major stage of my tour of Brittany on foot was an opportunity for me to discover grandiose landscapes, between fine sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, steep cliffs, salt meadows, fishing ports and picturesque villages. . I can't wait to go back there to explore the Pink Granite Coast this time by continuing the famous GR 34 long-distance hiking trail. It runs along the entire Breton coast for nearly 2000 km and follows the old route of the Chemin des customs officers, created at the end of the 18th century to fight against smuggling at the time. I hope that my videos will make you want to embark on this adventure...

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✨ Buen camino ⭐

Lionel of Compostela 🦋

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