Brittany along the water: from Rennes to Nantes
A Modern Journey Through an Old Land
© Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
6 days and 5 nights
Niveau
Easy
ou Leisure
Departure date
From April 1st to October 31st
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une traversée itinérante
Destination
Les points forts
- Two historic, modern, artistic metropolises
- Rennes, with its historic heritage and Lices Market
- Nantes, the "City of Dukes" and its castle
- Quiet, peaceful towpaths
- The medieval castle of Blain
- The charming port of Redon
- The rolling woodlands near Guipry-Messac
- The Machines de l'Île: the only one of its kind in the world!
A cycling journey between the two capitals of historic and modern Brittany
Pedal along the Vilaine and Erdre rivers to discover the old country that links the Breton capital and its famous parliament, to the great city of the Dukes and its castle.
A Modern Journey Through an Old Land was born of the desire to help people discover or rediscover the culture of this beautiful western region. Four towns* that defy regional boundaries to offer you a cycling itinerary interwoven between land and sea. It’s a circuit where the rivers meet and where you’ll find art, landscapes, secret beaches and good addresses!
On this cycling adventure, you’ll link the Breton capital, Rennes, with the ancient city of Nantes. A cycling tour that takes you from the Parliament of Brittany to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
Take the Breton temperature with a galette saucisse (buckwheat crêpe and sausage) at the famous Lices Market! Enjoy timber-framed houses, pretty cobbled streets and the Parc du Thabor. The architecture of Rennes, steeped in both history and modernity, is on display everywhere in the heart of the city and offers you a warm welcome.
You’ll reach the banks of the Vilaine River and cruise through its locks, mills and charming villages. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of the Breton countryside, all the way to Redon, the crossroads of western waterways. You’re at the crossroads of the Vélodyssée, which follows the towpath of the Nantes-Brest Canal, and the Véloroute 42 (V42: a signposted route linking the English Channel to the Atlantic Ocean). You’re also straddling two regions and three départements. And that’s not all! With its harbor, historic bridges, townhouses and old buildings, Redon has undeniable architectural assets. Don’t miss Saint-Sauveur Abbey, witness to the rich medieval past of this Breton town.
Leave Redon behind and enjoy the horizon as the sun streams in. Treat yourself to a gourmet break, as the route is dotted with a number of terraces and pleasant restaurants.
On to surprising Nantes! Return to the canal and ride to the last lock of this adventure: Quiheix. Then the Erdre comes into view. The most beautiful river in France, according to François I, is a haven of nature and peace. You can enjoy the flight of many birds nesting on its banks.
The Erdre River guides you to the city center of the Dukes of Burgundy. Here again, history and modernity are skilfully blended. Take a leap back in time with the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, then soak up the contemporary with the unmissable Machines de l’île! Nantes is a city with an exceptional cultural and artistic heritage, and no shortage of emblematic landmarks: the Jardin des Plantes, the Passage de la Pommeraye and the Lieu Unique. Enough to delight both eyes and hearts!
*A Modern Journey Through an Old Land brings together Saint-Malo, Rennes, Redon and Nantes for tourism.
Itinéraire
Easy or Leisure FROM RENNES TO GUIPRY 49km 159m 
Leaving behind the half-timbered houses and cobbled streets of Brittany’s capital, you continue on your way to discover a succession of ancient mills, locks and villages that are characteristic of the Vilaine valley’s charm. Enjoy the river scenery and the pretty barges that brighten up the river.
From GUIPRY-MESSAC to REDON 43km 104m
This day’s itinerary is particularly pleasant. You pedal along a beautiful towpath alongside the Vilaine river, with pretty locks punctuating your journey at regular intervals. A few pedal strokes bring you close to the wooded valley of Corbinières, a natural site of remarkable geomorphology offering breathtaking views over the Vilaine valley. Continue on to the charming village of Langon, with its shops and restaurants to recharge your batteries. Don’t miss the Menhirs des Demoiselles, a megalithic complex so characteristic of Brittany. Before reaching Redon, two stops are highly recommended: one in the port of Beslé-sur-Vilaine, a quiet spot nestled in a green setting, and the other in the characterful village of Brin-sur-Vilaine. At the crossroads of the waterways, Redon welcomes you. Enjoy its river landscapes, historic architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
From REDON to LE GAVRE 50km 134m
After its confluence with the Oust, the Vilaine widens significantly. The bucolic towpath offers you the chance to pedal through protected, canalized wetlands. It’s an opportunity to discover the fauna and magnificent bird species that particularly appreciate these tranquil spaces. Arriving in the Loire Atlantique department, you leave the Vilaine to pedal along the canalised section of the Isac. Its banks, with their picturesque views over meadows, fields, woods and rural landscapes, brighten up your cycling trip. The Isac takes you to Guenrouet, where you can relax by the Etang de la Roche. You continue along the winding Isac, where one lock follows another, before returning to a more linear course as far as Blain. Take the time to visit the Château de la Groulais, an ancient medieval fortress that has retained all its architectural features. It’s here that you leave the Isac canal to reach what’s known as the water-logged green lung: the Gâvre forest. This is where you find your accommodation.
From LE GAVRE to NANTES 68km 243m
You leave behind the forest of Le Gâvre, one of the largest state forests in the region. Small country roads take you back to the banks of the Nantes-Brest Canal and its first locks. Each lock has its own number, giving you a clue as to how far it is to Nantes. Enjoy the bucolic scenery and calm of the towpaths. As you approach the Erdre, the most beautiful river in France according to François I, the signposted La Vélodyssée itinerary takes you right into the center of the ancient capital of Brittany.
NANTES
End of stay after breakfast. Before leaving, we invite you to wander and visit the city known as The City of the Dukes of Brittany. Nantes surprises with its blend of history and modernity. For a taste of history, take the time to visit the famous Château des Ducs de Bretagne. And don’t miss Nantes’ Machines de l’ile attraction, which delights young and old alike! The former capital of Brittany is not to be outdone in terms of its cultural, artistic and gastronomic heritage. Enjoy its inventive market cuisine, a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a coffee at the Lieu Unique or a spot of shopping in the charming Passage Pommeraye.
Ils ont voyagés avec nous
Informations pratiques
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 730€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 755€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request
Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 5 nights in a Double room
- 5 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Topo maps
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Dinners not included in “Price includes”
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminium frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Drivetrain Shimano 11 to 30 speeds (single, double or triple crankset). Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Shimano 11 to 30 speed transmission (single, double or triple crankset depending on the model). Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Gravel BikeA versatile bike brimming with qualities: maneuverability, lightness, versatility, elegance. Aluminum frame, carbon fork and steerer tube, Shimano GRX 400 derailleur, double chainrings, 11 speeds. Hydraulics disc brakes. Luggage-rack (not in photo) Weight: 10.50 kg Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : RENNES
Coming by car
- at 3h30 from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking Gare Sud C-PARK – RENNES
- Parking Les Lices – RENNES
- Parking Hoche – RENNES
Coming by train
- Rennes train station - 1h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes Airport
Arrival city : NANTES
Coming by car
- at 3h45 from PARIS
- at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Nantes train station - 2h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Nantes airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- Return by car in 1h30 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 730€
Book your trip
Fit
Aventure
RENNES
Arrival in Rennes on your own. The capital of Brittany is full of surprises, and you’ll quickly be won over by the architecture of this city, where history and modernity blend to perfection. Rennes is rich in gastronomy and contemporary art. Proud of its history and identity, it offers you a warm welcome.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.