Running along the edge of the world – Trail du Bout du Monde in Finistère

Each July, over 2,000 runners head to the tip of the Finistère region in western Brittany to race in the Trail du Bout du Monde. Since its first edition in 2004, the event has become a must on France’s trail running calendar, attracting athletes from all around the world.

In this Collection, you can experience the three courses (20, 37, and 57 kilometres (12, 23, and 35 miles)) at your own pace. The routes wind across clifftops, beaches, and forests, culminating at the Pointe Saint-Mathieu, one of the most westerly points of mainland France. The region is an absolute paradise for lovers of coastal landscapes and maritime history.

The routes mostly follow the GR34, France’s best-known long-distance coastal footpath. This section is stunning, with wonderfully wild landscapes and views over the islands of Molène and Ouessant and the Iroise Nature Reserve. The 37 and 57-kilometre courses also take you through the bay of Brest, with its calmer waters and views over the Crozon peninsula.

These Tours give you the chance to experience some of the local history up close. Thanks to its strategic position on the crossroads of trade routes between England and Northern Europe, Brest has been an active naval port since the Middle Ages and a military port since 1631. Lighthouses such as Petit Minou, Kermorvan, and Saint-Mathieu line the coast, and a series of fortifications watch over the entrance to the bay.

The positive elevation gain of the routes varies between 350 and 1,300 metres (1,100 and 4,300 ft). Although not comparable to mountain gradients, the terrain is very technical, with unstable and sometimes slippery paths, segments across beaches, and numerous steps. Good trail shoes are essential.

The event takes place in the summer, but the routes are accessible year-round. The trails are very exposed, so in hot weather, you’ll need to protect yourself from the sun and bring plenty of water. Outside of the summer months, you can expect colder temperatures and wind.

You'll find plenty of accommodation around Plougonvelin and Le Conquet. If you prefer to camp, I recommend the campsite at the Blanc Sablons. Don't forget to book early, especially during the school holidays.