Wealthy villa owners in France lose coastal path fight

Hikers will soon be able to walk along a pristine stretch of Brittany coastline after a 36-year legal battle with local villa owners.

Connexion journalist

Published Friday 25 January 2019 - 13:55 Modified Friday 25 January 2019 - 13:55

Work to build a path along the Emerald Coast, near Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, had been opposed by property owners, including the family of former US presidential candidate John Kerry. Path opponents claim security issues, but under French law the coastline must be accessible to all.

The path cuts through the wall of one property and runs next to another’s pool.