When we go on vacation, we see to it that the entire family can get their endorphins going and get fit together by walking, cycling, kayaking, and other activities. So, in the summer of 2022, we decided to go hiking in the Finistere of Bretagne (Brittany), France. While searching the internet for activities in Kerlouan, we came across the website of Amis des Sentiers de Randonnee de Kerlouan, where we discovered some interesting trails. The first trail that we completed was the A Dreuz Trail. It was an easy walk with a distance of 7.7 km, an elevation of 82 meters, and a maximum altitude of 82 meters. It took us 3 hours instead of 1 hour and 40 minutes, because at some stage we took a different path that led us back to the same loop. Hence, we repeated the loop.
The start of the loop trail was at the La Digue car park with markings in green color. Once we got there, it offered us two possible directions – either towards the sea on the coastal park, or towards the town by the road. We took the first option. And the moment we set foot on the trail we experienced the most satisfying feeling because it signaled the beginning of an adventure, the acceptance of any difficulty we may encounter along the way, and the commitment to finish the trail and get back to the starting point.
It was a very pleasant walk as it allowed us to see a beautiful mix between sea and countryside. We loved walking along the coast because of the breathtaking landscape and scenery, and the refreshing sea breeze. One of the interesting places that we saw was the historical monument of Kerlouan Beach. It is dedicated to a Canadian destroyer which was sunk by a German submarine during World War II, and the superb view of the village of Meneham.
As the trail took us deeper inland, we passed by the charming chapel of St. Egarec from the 16th century, built in 1521.
Outside the chapel, at the dirt road exit, before we continued the green path, we went 50m to the right on the road, then we went to the left for 50m to discover the buried fountain of Kervizouarn, which has been restored by the Friends of the Hiking Trails of Kerlouan. The fountain is surmounted by a statue of Saint Herve, and it is one of the miraculous fountains in Brittany for earaches and eyesight. There were stairs that led down to the fountain water.
As we continued the green path, we saw the ruins of the manoir de Keryvoas (private property). The gate was opened, so we decided to get inside and see the old manor. The manor was built at the end of the 16th century. We saw only the following ruins: the stone gate marking the entrance; the surrounding wall to the south of the courtyard; and the southern end of the main building.
Then we went back to the path. On the route, we spied on some rocks in the shape of rabbit ears (Men Gaoulou), opposite a menhir and in the distance the church of Kerlouan. We also saw the Men Menac’h rock variant. It was easily accessible with a panoramic view of the town and the coast.
After visiting the Rocher de Men Menac’h, we retraced our steps and took the road again and crossed the sluice Bridge dating from 1850, which prevents the sea water from rising as far as the town of Kerlouan via Luhan stream.
It was such an enjoyable walk as it allowed us to see more of the countryside as we passed by streams, typical Breton flowers, a huge field of wheat, and very cool rock formations. Indeed, walking with family is truly life enriching. Although it left us a little tired, it also left us feeling incredibly satisfied, and confident that the next trek would be even more exciting and enjoyable.
Little Lilly Meets the World 