recommended route
Shelburn escape line: the Freedom Trail
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/ Chapelle de Saint-SamsonPhoto: Thierry FRAISSE -
/Photo: Thierry FRAISSE
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/ Tunnel d'accès à la plage BonapartePhoto: Thierry FRAISSE
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/ Plage BonapartePhoto: Thierry FRAISSE
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/Photo: Thierry FRAISSE
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/ Stèle Maison d'AlphonePhoto: Thierry FRAISSE
The paths of Plouha are full of history. They played an important role at the time of resistance and they were one of the most important sites in France. It is a duty never to forget the courage of those who have fought and resisted through their courageous deeds, generosity and commitment to freedom. Plouha was liberated on August 5, 1944.
The Shelburne escape line follows the footsteps of the English airmen and resistance fighters to the Bonaparte Beach. The historical path takes us past the Saint-Samson chapel and the Alphonse House. Then the path winds through the forest and across fields, bevore we reach the sea. Finally we arrive at the edge of the 100 m high cliffs where we have a wonderful view at the sea. From the cliffs we can see the Pointe de la Tour, which children call "the crocodile" because of its shapes.
Author’s recommendation
It is possible to take this tour with an audio guide.
Reservations are required. Information is available at the Tourist Office "Cliffs of Armour" of Lanvollon Plouha.
Safety information
This 3 km long loop road is continuously signposted. Signs with the inscription "Circuit Shelburn" lead along the path.
The tour is not recommended for children under 12 years.
Tips and hints
For further information, please contact the Office du Tourisme Falaises d'Armor:
Le petit Echo de la mode
2rue du Maillet
22170 Châtelaudren
Tel : +33 (0)2 96 79 77 71
Opening hours low season:
Monday: 2 pm until 6 pm
Tuesday until Saturday: 9:30 am until 12:30 am and 2 pm until 5:30 pm
Closed on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons outside school holidays
Opening hours high season (1st of July until 31st of August):
Monday until Sunday: 09:30 am until 12:30 am and 2 pm until 6:30 pm
Public holiday: 09:30 am until 12:30 am
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From the chapel of St. Samson, the starting point of this hike, you join the remains of the "house of Alphonse", which was the point where the Allied airmen were gathered before their repatriation to England.
You then follow the more or less narrow path that leads you to the cliff overlooking the Bonaparte beach where the exflitration took place. Imagine this night journey. Access to the edge of the cliff is no longer possible due to landslides. You reach the beach Bonaparte retracing your steps and taking the path down to this place steeped in history. A tunnel allows access to it and it may be that its access is regulated according to the intremperes. If you have the opportunity to access it, imagine the airmen descending the cliff in the dark, in all seasons. 135 Allied airmen managed this perilous exfiltration.
You continue to the Bonaparte Stele erected in memory of all those who worked for the success of the Shelburn network.
The return path follows in part the path that you used to go down to the beach Bonaparte and takes you back to the Saint Samson chapel.
Note
Public transport
From Plouha, follow the signs.Getting there
To get to Plouha:By car: Mainly by the RN12. Between 20 and 30 minutes by car from Saint-Brieuc station and 15-20 minutes from Guingamp station.
From Plouha, take the D786 towards Lanloup / Plouézec / Paimpol. After 2.5 km, turn right towards Bonaparte Beach Arriving at Kerlevenez, turn left. Drive 300 meters, then turn right, the chapel is in front of you.
Parking
Free parking is close to Saint Samson's Chapel.Attention, limited number of places.
Coordinates
Equipment
Some passages are steep, so good footwear is recommended.Basic Equipment for Hiking
- Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Hiking socks
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Kit para bolhas
- Bivy / survival bag
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
- Emergency contact details
- ID
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
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