From Rennes to Saint Malo by bike, the Ille & Rance Canal
From the Breton capital to the corsair city of Saint-Malo on an extended weekend by bike
© Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
4 days and 3 nights
Niveau
Leisure
Departure date
From April 1st to October 31st
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une traversée itinérante
Destination
Les points forts
- Flat and secure paths
- The site of the eleven locks at Hédé
- The medieval town of Dinan
- The ferry crossing from Dinard to Saint-Malo
- Family friendly tour
Ride the romantic and medieval Brittany on the Ille & Rance Canal
From Rennes, make the most of a pleasant towpath to reach the beautiful corsair town of Saint-Malo.
From Rennes to Saint-Malo, the Ille & Rance Canal offers you a beautiful and relaxing ride from the Breton capital to the sea. At an Easy level, it is an itinerary that is perfect for beginners and families with young children. On the towpath, flat, marked and secure, you move in a peaceful and green setting where nature is predominant. In the middle of this lush greenery, the chirping of birds and the soft sound of the river underline your getaway as a couple with family or friends.
On the towpath, you will discover the multiple charms of the interior of Brittany: rural, wooded, forest and romantic. Along the canal, Brittany reveals its many natural and tourist attractions.
The passing through the city of Dinan is a high point on the trip. This medieval city which is among the most beautiful cities in Brittany dominates the Rance valley from a rocky promontory. Its maze of cobbled streets adorned with half-timbered buildings invites you for a stroll. Along the way, don’t miss Léhon, a charming town full of character.
Throughout the route, crossing the locks enlivens your adventure. Often decorated with flowers, the 48 locks that line the canal are essential for its proper functioning. By crossing the Ille & Rance Canal you meet other travellers (cyclists, hikers) and locals (lock keepers, amateur sailors, residents, fishermen). They will always be happy to tell you about their love story with the channel.
As you approach Dinard, the sea is not far away. The decor changes. The atmosphere too. The seaside and the maritime landscapes take over the bucolic and the untamed ones. The Rance estuary and the Emerald coast welcome you. What a joy to reach the sea! It was it that guided the departure from Rennes.
To reward your efforts since the Breton capital, why not take a dip in the sea or simply enjoy a sunbath on the beach? It is also an opportunity to treat yourself to a good Breton buckwheat crêpe!
After a cruise between Dinard and Saint-Malo, the corsair city accompanies your cycling adventure on the Ille & Rance Canal. The inner city of Saint-Malo is magnificent. Stroll through its cobbled streets and contemplate the immensity of the sea from the promenade des ramparts, a walk on the high walls.
Itinéraire
Leisure From HEDE-BAZOUGES to DINAN 41km 134m 
From the top of the village of Hédé, you will descend on the “11 locks”. You will continue your journey on the towpath. In Tinténiac, in an old lock house, a museum will tell you the story of ancient crafts.
Your path will continue in the middle of the wooded nature. At Pleugueneuc, you can reach the castle of Bourbansais. The zoo will delight young and old in this historic space.
You will then reach Evran where the Ille and Rance rivers come together to join the sea.
Before the last effort to arrive in Dinan, located on an imposing rocky outcrop, you will cross Léhon, one of the most beautiful small towns of character in Brittany. All the houses are beautiful. You will experience an old atmosphere that is at the same time lively and warm. You will enter Dinan by the port. Enjoy the site before climbing up the historic center of one of the most beautiful medieval towns of Brittany. It holds incredible architectural treasures.
From DINAN to SAINT-MALO 27km 160m
Aim for the sea!
You cycle down to the port of Dinan to take the towpath. This does not take you directly to Saint-Malo. After a few kilometres, you have to leave the canal to join a beautiful greenway built on an old railway line. This will take you through the Breton countryside to Dinard. On arrival at this 19th century seaside resort, a stopover is essential to discover the beautiful villas and why not taste an ice cream facing the beach.
You will then embark on a short cruise to cross the mouth of the Rance, the river which forms the canal linking Rennes to Saint-Malo. It is thus by boat that you reach Saint-Malo, like Surcouf or Cartier, famous navigators and privateers of the city.
FROM SAINT-MALO, CANCALE LOOP 42km 280m
The corsair city and its ramparts open its doors. You discover the Emerald Coast and this varied city, from the beautiful Sillon beach to the mythical “intra-muros” city. A loop to Cancale will allow gourmets to taste its famous oysters!
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 515€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
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 600€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
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: 3 nights in a Double room
- 3 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- 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
- Boat transfer from Dinard to Saint-Malo
- The trip itineraries available 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
- Day 3 : Sea crossing - DINARD - SAINT-MALO
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- 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
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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
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EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
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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
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Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
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Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : RENNES
Coming by car
- at 3h30 from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Rennes train station - 1h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes Airport
Arrival city : SAINT-MALO
Coming by car
- at 4h15 from PARIS
- at 5h15 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Coming by train
- Saint-Malo train station - 2h30 from Paris
- Rennes train station - 1h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes Airport
Taxi : 1h - Saint-Malo Dinard airport
Taxi : 22 min
*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
- By train from Saint-Malo to Rennes in 55 min (hotline)
- Return by car in 1h00 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
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| 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 515€
Book your trip
Fit
Easy , 
From RENNES to HEDE-BAZOUGES 44km 159m
You descend on the first lock of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance as your journey on the towpath begins. Under the trees and on a pleasantly surfaced lane, you enjoy a flat route in the middle of a hilly landscape. After passing some villages, you arrive on the basin of Bazouges. It’s made up of a water reserve that feeds the canal. The site of the eleven locks resembles a water staircase. It allows for 27 meters of difference in level. It’s a especially superb site thanks to the close succession of the flower covered locks in a beautiful alignment. If a boat comes through, you can see the lock keepers at work!
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.