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Northern Brittany

A cycling holiday in Brittany between earth and ocean

You ride mostly on small countryside roads. From Rennes to Dinard, the route takes the former boat hauling path: it’s fantastic!

Reviews (7) :
4.29 / 5
Reference B1001
  • Itinerant trip
  • 10 days
  • Easy
  • From April to November
  • Minimum age 9 years
GPSGPS-app available
1109€ / pers.
  • Itinerary
  • Experience the different sides of Brittany from the delights of the ocean to the Breton history.

    This cycling holiday is a mix between nature and culture: you will ride past the parliament house in Rennes, along the Mont-Saint-Michel bay and through Saint-Malo city walls.

    You ride mostly on small countryside roads. From Rennes to Dinard, the route takes the former boat hauling path: it’s fantastic! Fishing villages offer beautiful views on the river Rance.

    This bike tour not only have you discover the maritime side of Brittany by leading you along the Emerald Coast to Cancale then through the Bay of Mont-Sant-Michel to the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel.

    But this cycle tour have you also discover Brittany’s medieval inland with the beautiful cities of Fougeres and Vitre.

    DAY 1

     
     

    Rennes

    Rennes is the young and vibrant capital city of Brittany. Take a walk along the Ille and Vilane Rivers to get an overview of the city. Most of the town was destroyed by fire in 1720, but original sections still remain. The town center is vibrant with higgledy-piggledy half-timbered houses in various colors. Enjoy a delicious crepe, a speciality of the area.

    DAY 2

     
     

    Rennes - Hédé

    Bike
    45km
    Cycle path along towpath
    Start your ride next to the scenic Ille et Rance canal and you’ll soon reach the ancient towpath. Follow this route and you’ll see many canals houses lovingly decorated with flowers. The canal is now popular cruising way for pleasure boats. It’s always interesting to watch how boats are raised or lowered in the many locks along the canal. Keep riding until you reach Hédé and its eleven locks.

    DAY 3

     
     

    Hédé - Dinan

    Bike
    38km
    Cycle path along towpath
    Continue along the canal and towpath. Take time to explore the medieval town of Lehon with its splendid Royal Abbey.

    In Dinan, don’t miss taking a look at the 43 meter high "Tour de l’Horloge" which consists of both a dungeon and a bell tower.

    DAY 4

     
     

    Dinan - Saint-Malo

    Bike
    25km
    This morning your route leaves the towpath as you ride further into the scenic countryside through forests and well-tented gardens. The trail is quite flat since the path was a former railroad line. As you arrive in the city of Dinard, have a look at the beautiful mansions overlooking the ocean.

    From Dinard, take the ferry to Saint-Malo, the old city of privateers! Ferry crossing between Dinard and Saint-Malo is included.
       

    Ferry crossing between Dinard and Saint-Malo 0h

    Included

    DAY 5

     
     

    Saint-Malo

    Spending this resting day by exploring all that Saint-Malo has to offer. Stoll around the luxurious mansions, the city’s fortifications or the harbor with bobbing sail boats.
     

    Suggested day trip : Cancale

    Bike
    42km
    Ride through the verdant countryside small routes to the Emerald Coast, where you will enjoy an amazing view onto the harbor of Cancale. You may even see the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.

    Bike down to the harbor and order some of the famous local oysters. You ride back then to Saint-Malo on the coastline road, along which you can take a few breaks on the small beaches scattered between "La Pointe du Grouin" and the city of pirateers.

    DAY 6

     
     

    Saint-Malo - Dol-de-Bretagne

    Bike
    40km
    Today’s ride takes you along the wild, sandy beaches of the Mont-Saint-Michel. Ride at your own pace as you gaze at the magnificent abbey. You could enjoy some water activities in Hirel or bike directly through the countryside to Dol-de-Bretagne. This medieval town is dominated by the 13th century massive cathedral. Climb the Tour-Notre-Dame for outstanding views of the area.

    DAY 7

     
     

    Dol-de-Bretagne - Mont-Saint-Michel (Pontorson)

    Bike
    38km
    Let’s get ready, your daily step takes you to the world-famous Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey! The gravity defying medieval monastery will astound you as you explore this massive building.

    DAY 8

     
     

    Mont-Saint-Michel (Pontorson) - Fougères

    Bike
    44km
    Follow the banks of the Couesnon which winds through the countryside and the small typical villages of Brittany.

    You arrive in Fougères, a beautiful medieval town. On the borders of Brittany, Maine and Normandy, Fougères was one of the most important stronghold of Europe in the Middle Ages. The impressive fortress still testifies of this golden age.

    DAY 9

     
     

    Fougères - Vitré

    Bike
    35km
    From Fougères, you arrive to Vitré through a comfortable cycle path. Vitré is another amazing town which has beautifully preserved its medieval appearance.

    On the left bank of the Vilaine, a rocky spur bears the spectacular triangular fortress and the rich mansions of the upper town. But do not miss the right bank where the steep slopes house the timber-framed Faubourg of Rachapt, preserved in the 20th century thanks to its knitters.

    DAY 10

     
     

    Departure from Vitré

    You can decide to extend your stay or start your home travel.
  • Accommodation
  • Category A

    You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category B

    You’ll get a good night’s sleep when you stay in these 2 or 3 Star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included!
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
  • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:

    • a touring bike adjusted to your size or a tandem
    • equipped : front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), reflective vest, repairing toolkit with patches etc.

    We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.

    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
  • To get to departure point:

    • By plane: flight to Rennes.
    • By train: TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse. The duration of the trip is about 2h20. To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com.


    Parking

    If you drive to Rennes, you can park your car in a secured car park located in the city center, close to your accommodation. The weekly rate is about 25€. You can also park for free in the streets around the location where you can pick up your bike. All details will be given in your travel documents.


    To get back to starting point:

    Regional trains take you back to your starting point if you wish. They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot (approximative duration: 30 minutes, full rate around 5€/adult). There are several trains per day. You will find the timetable in your travel documents.


    Meeting time:

    The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.


  • Reviews
  •   Memory of the trip  

    prev next
    1 2 3
    7 bike travelers reviews 4.29 / 5

    Michael Bevan

    On the 2023-07-10 by Michael Bevan
    We would highly recommend Le Velo Voyageur for any of our Canadian friends who would enjoy a perfectly planned France cycling vacation.

    Good trip

    On the 2019-09-18 by Amr
    First time with the company. Overall, I had a good time.

    AT

    On the 2019-07-07 by Art Tupper
    Brittany is a beautiful area fantastic food ,scenery and people - a must do if you cycle tour

    les ch'tis au pays des crépes

    On the 2017-08-24 by duo nordiste
    ce parcours en vélo porte bien son nom entre terre et mer, nous avons aimé passer de la vie autour des canaux et écluses à la vie en bord de mer pour revenir en campagne, sans oublier les sites touristes impressionnants, le rythme du vélo permet des arrêts fréquents et faciles pour bavarder, photographier, admirer ou simplement se reposer. approcher la Bretagne en vélo c'est l'observer plus intimement .l'organisation de vélo voyageur donne une sensation de securité, la réception a chaque lieu d'hébergement est sympathique, déconnection assurée.

    Beau voyage pour famille avec ados

    On the 2015-08-25 by Famille Canada
    Nous avons beaucoup apprécié les hôtels, les sites historiques, les paysages, l'exercice... Belle expérience d'une vie pour tisser des liens en famille et apprendre sur la Bretagne et la France. Merci aux organisatrices pour leur efficacité, disponibilité et flexibilité.

    les débrouillards.

    On the 2014-08-21 by denis
    Beau parcours

    Merveilleux voyage

    On the 2013-08-01 by Normand
    C'est une merveilleuse façon de découvrir une région avec ses habitants.
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