The Pointe du Grouin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Brittany, France. With its breathtaking beauty, the site offers one of the most expansive panoramas in Ille-et-Vilaine. Explore this perfect spot during your stay at our Ille-et-Vilaine campsite, located in the town of Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, less than 30 km from the Pointe du Grouin.
Geography and Landscape
Accessible from Pléneuf-Val-André and the Loire, Ille-et-Vilaine is home to the Pointe du Grouin, located between Saint-Malo and Cancale. Jutting out into the sea, this point features a semaphore. Visitors unanimously agree that this rocky promontory, situated on the border with Normandy, offers a spectacular view of the Mont Saint-Michel Bay in Normandy and the port of Saint-Malo. For the best viewpoint of the English Channel on its left, follow a marked hiking trail with positive elevation gain.
History and Heritage of the Pointe du Grouin
The Pointe du Grouin, near the beaches of Brittany and Saint-Coulomb, has a rich history. During the German occupation of France, it was home to bunkers. Due to its location, it was one of Brittany’s strategic sites. The semaphore at the point was tasked with monitoring maritime traffic off the Mont Saint-Michel Bay. Additionally, a lighthouse offshore from the Pointe du Grouin serves as another landmark of Cancale, a gem on the English Channel.
Flora and Fauna
The Pointe du Grouin in Cancale, France, boasts an ecosystem of exceptional diversity. Among the species inhabiting the Pointe du Grouin, you can observe silver gulls, common terns, and European shags. They find a privileged nesting ground on the Pointe du Grouin. The vast stretches of sea and pebble beaches along the English Channel bordering the Pointe du Grouin serve as a vital stopover for many long-distance migratory bird species.
Activities to Do at Pointe du Grouin
Located near Saint-Malo, Pointe du Grouin rises 40 meters above sea level and offers a variety of activities for nature enthusiasts. It boasts some of the best coastal trails in Brittany. Known as the Grand Tour of Cancale, the route from Cancale to Pointe du Grouin is a hiking trail suitable for all levels. To fully enjoy this loop in Ille-et-Vilaine, which takes approximately 2 hours to complete and covers a distance of 11 km with moderate elevation gain, consider using a GPS to track your coordinates. Starting from Anse du Verger, follow a hiking trail leading to Pointe du Grouin. This route, approximately 10 km long and taking about 2 hours at a moderate pace, features both positive and negative elevation changes. Additionally, the clear waters of Port-Mer Beach and Anse Du Guesclin Beach are ideal for swimming, water activities, or a leisurely stroll. At low tide, after taking in the view of the bay, descend from the point to explore a cave. Walking the trails leading to Pointe du Grouin is a chance to marvel at bird and seal observation spots. For a more in-depth experience, consider guided tours that take less steep paths.
Practical Information
To reach Pointe du Grouin, take the D201 road from Cancale or the D976 road from Mont Saint-Michel. You can also walk there by following the customs officers’ hiking route. This path runs along the coasts of Manche and Normandy, starting in the town of Cancale, famous for its oysters. Throughout your hike, pay attention to information about each loop or trail.