Morbihan is a department in Brittany, northwestern France. Its name means ‘little sea’ in the Breton language. If you're lucky enough to set off by boat to discover its famous gulf and its many islands, you'll fully experience the force of the currents and the beauty of the waters of this rich and welcoming miniature sea.

The department is also known for its profusion of menhirs (standing stones), dolmens (tombs) and covered walkways. The concentration of these Neolithic megaliths is significant as Morbihan is by far the most densely populated area in Europe for archaeological sites dating from this period when human settlement began in Western Europe.

It's easy to forget that most of this territory lies inland, sheltered from the summer tourist hordes. This 192-kilometre (119 mi), eight-stage Collection takes you on a tour of Brittany that’s hidden, authentic and thousands of years old. You’ll start your adventure on the Morbihan coast and finish on the southern edge of the Côtes-d'Armor.

Leaving the town of Lorient, follow the GR 341 north up the Blavet river. From here, as you follow the rivers and sunken lanes, you’ll come across a large number of beautiful granite chapels, most of which date from the 15th century. The naive art of the statues of the saints inside these buildings is extremely touching in its simplicity and beauty. There are as many chapels as there are saints in Brittany – learning to list them is a great exercise for the memory. Good luck, because there are more than 180 of them on the Armorican Peninsula.

Beautiful towns such as Hennebont, Pontivy and Mûr-de-Bretagne will add a bit of urban life to the itinerary. At the end of the route, Lake Guerlédan is a pleasant place to stop and discover a beautiful site. The route is also dotted with beautiful forests. In Armorique, they’re often full of mystery to pique your imagination.

Thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the climate in Morbihan is mild all year round, but summer is the best time to hit the trails. The winter and autumn rains sometimes make the paths very muddy. Make sure you're equipped for the rain, and be sure to wear good quality hiking footwear.

The stages can be covered in one go, but some can easily be split into two. The region has been frequented since ancient times and is densely populated, making it easy to find accommodation. The relatively flat topography makes this Collection suitable for all fitness levels.

The route starts at Lorient railway station and ends at the Guerlédan tourist office. From there, you can easily reach Loudéac in the Côtes-d'Armor by bus and then return to your starting point.

Bon Voyage!