Customs Officers’ Path – GR34

You’ve probably already figured out that you’re walking along Saint-Nazaire’s seafront—but what you might not know is that this very path is actually part of the famous GR34, also known as the Customs Officers’ Path. Behind that slightly technical name lies one of France’s most iconic hiking trails. Stretching over 2,000 kilometers along the entire Breton coastline, it links towns like Saint-Nazaire and Pornichet, winding its way past cliffs, coves, and sweeping ocean views. Recently voted the French public’s favorite hiking route, the GR34 is often described as a “maritime balcony”—and it’s easy to see why. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful three-hour walk with the scent of maritime pines in the air and your gaze drifting out across the endless blue of the Atlantic. Gone are the days when customs officers would patrol these paths, keeping watch for smugglers along the coast. Today, it’s all about taking in the scenery—and along the way, you’ll spot a series of charming fishing huts, perched on stilts above the water. These iconic little cabins are dotted along the Atlantic coast, adding a unique and picturesque rhythm to your walk.