The GR34 stretch along the Ria d'Étel is one of the most beautiful in Morbihan: brackish-water crossings, oyster farms, chapels and inhabited islets. Here's a self-supported 3-day itinerary from Plouhinec, with a stopover at Le Moulin des Oies Campsite in Belz.
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Day 1 — Plouhinec → Étel (12 km, 3h30)
Starting from Plouhinec, the trail alternates between dunes and the ria's edge. Spectacular views over the Barre d'Étel — that shifting, formidable sandbar. Arrival in Étel for lunch on the port (the Tuna Museum is worth a stop), then crossing the ria by passenger ferry (check seasonal schedules). Evening at Le Moulin des Oies after a final 30-minute walk.
⭐ Plus : the passenger ferry between Étel and Le Magouero, a true change of scene
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Day 2 — Étel ↔ Belz / Pointe de Mané Guen (9 km, 2h30 — recovery stage)
Recovery day with a shorter loop: walk back to Pointe de Mané Guen, panoramic view over the ria, then a detour along the north shore. Sunset picnic. Evening swim in the campsite's natural seawater pool and a crêpe at the snack bar.
⭐ Plus : the afternoon nap with the seawater pool 50 metres away
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Day 3 — Belz → Saint-Cado loop (8 km, 2h)
Final day: loop from Belz to Saint-Cado, one of Brittany's most iconic sites with its famous house on the water and 12th-century chapel. Return via the inland farm tracks and the Bignac pond. Picnic on the islet, oyster tasting facing the ria, return to the campsite.
⭐ Plus : Saint-Cado chapel at sunrise, no one else on the islet
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Minimalist 3-day kit
For this summer coastal thru-hike: 1 30 L backpack, 2 technical tees, 1 shorts, 1 swimsuit, sandals and walking shoes, light kway, 1 L water bottle, headlamp, toiletries, foot-care kit (essential), sunscreen, cap and a charged phone. At the campsite, the hot-water laundry lets you wash between stages and travel light.
⭐ Plus : under 6 kg on the back — the ultimate luxury
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Resupply and restaurants per stage
Stage 1: Étel Tuesday market (fresh fish), village bakeries. Stage 2 (Belz): Belz village shops 700 m away, campsite snack in the evening. Stage 3 (Saint-Cado): oyster farmers on site, small picnic bought in Belz in the morning. Notable spots: Le P'tit Resto in Étel (fish), La Charcuterie de Belz for takeaway.
⭐ Plus : oysters tasted feet-in-the-water facing Saint-Cado chapel
🥾 Learn more: our GR34 campsite page details every service for hikers (laundry, snack, recovery accommodations). For a hike-bike combo, see our cycling routes on the Ria d'Étel.