Loop around the Gulf of Morbihan
From peninsula to island by bike
© Lucie Blanchais - Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
8 days and 7 nights
Niveau
Easy
ou Leisure
Departure date
From April 8th to September 30th
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une boucle itinérante
Destination
Les points forts
- Boat passages to the islands included
- Île aux Moines and Île d'Arz
- The picturesque port of Saint Goustan in Auray
- Suscinio Castle
- The ports of Vannes, Crouesty and Trinité sur Mer
- Oysters tasting from the producers
The story behind the trip
Opened in 2015, this circuit is the fruit of long planning and partnerships with ferrymen to constitute a sustainable journey between the islands and peninsulas of the Gulf of Morbihan. Without the boats, not only is the tour not possible but above all it loses all its meaning. This is why we wanted to set up a circuit associating the smugglers and allowing to weave between the strips of land and the large sea inlets, between the isthmus and the peninsulas which form and deform with the tides.
It is now the trip that we organize for the greatest number of travelers each year. The variety of its routes, roads and paths, and the accessibility – flat landscape – make it a route for all, ideal for families. Each year we take advantage of the experience of all of our travelers to continue to evolve the itineraries that allow us to follow regional developments and new riding opportunities.
Bike travelling between land and sea
From Vannes, set off for a bicycle loop to discover the Gulf of Morbihan. You go around it in 8 days on the strength of your legs and the help of the ferrymen between the islands and peninsulas.
Renowned for the beauty of its coastal landscapes and mild climate, the Gulf of Morbihan is the ideal place for a relaxing but active vacation. From the peninsula to the island, you cycle along the edges of this small inland sea* in a full circle (*Morbihan means “small sea” in Breton). From both land and sea, appreciate the geographic, historic and ornithological riches of this territory.
Following the pace of the gentle lapping of the sea, this bicycle ride allows you to meet the locals who know the land like the palm of their hand. Fishermen, shellfish farmers, oyster farmers, they share their passion and their profession and their trade with you in the Gulf of Morbihan.
Departing from Vannes, town of Art and History, you embark on a stay that combines bicycle and boat. Almost every day, a ferryman, a small Gulf boat, allows you to make maritime connections between the peninsulas and the islands. Cruises that last 5 to 30 minutes give another glimpse of the interior coasts of Morbihan and a good breath of sea air. Cozy and relaxing, Île aux Moines and Île d’Arz are on the program. Privileged island getaways.
Along the way, you will also discover the rich historical heritage of Morbihan. The passage through the Carnac stone alignments is a highlight of the adventure. Proof if you need one more that you have chosen a land of excellence, which men have maintained for thousands of years. Nestled in the hollow of the Auray river, the port of Saint Goustan is also a must during your stay. With its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, the port has retained its old charm.
Drawn largely from the sea, the gastronomy of Morbihan delights fish and seafood lovers . During gourmet stops, freshly caught fish and shellfish garnish your plates. In addition, the delicious Breton crêpes and galettes are a must.
Itinéraire
Easy or Leisure From VANNES to ILE D'ARZ 13km 45m 
From Vannes downtown you ride about 3 km to reach the pier of the island of Arz. You leave the beautiful city of Vannes by boat to reach the island of Arz.
On the island, you need about 10km to go around all the points accessible by bike. We leave you here free to stroll at your leisure, without a precise route. Let yourself go and surprise at the turn of these paths and small roads that offers you thousands of wonders and different colors on the waters of the Gulf.
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.
From ILE d'ARZ to ARZON via le petit passeur 35km 200m
The first boat drops you off on the Séné peninsula. In the midst of the birdlife, your mind wanders freely between land and sea. Small roads take you around the waters of the Gulf to reach the entrance to the Rhuys peninsula. Follow the southern shores of the little sea to reach Arzon. In between, the Château de Suscinio and the small village of Sarzeau grace this pretty route of small roads and greenways.
- For a few more km 45km 291m
This path takes you to the south shore of the Rhuys peninsula. Through countryside and marshes, reach one of Duchess Anne de Bretagne’s favorite summer residences, the famous Château de Suscinio. Well-preserved and restored, its drawbridge is open to visitors. The beautiful cycle paths in this southern part of the Golfe du Morbihan provide a pleasant link to the port of Crouesty and its dynamic summer life.
From ILE d'ARZ to ARZON via continent 49km 222m
The first boat drops you off on the Séné peninsula. In the midst of the birdlife, your mind wanders freely between land and sea. Small roads take you around the waters of the Gulf to reach the entrance to the Rhuys peninsula. Follow the southern shores of the little sea to reach Arzon. In between, the Château de Suscinio and the small village of Sarzeau grace this pretty route of small roads and greenways.
- For a few more km 60km 300m
This path takes you to the south shore of the Rhuys peninsula. Through countryside and marshes, reach one of Duchess Anne de Bretagne’s favorite summer residences, the famous Château de Suscinio. Well-preserved and restored, its drawbridge is open to visitors. The beautiful cycle paths in this southern part of the Golfe du Morbihan provide a pleasant link to the port of Crouesty and its dynamic summer life.
ARZON, DAY ON ILE AUX MOINES 15km 51m
A “passeur” boat takes you to Île-aux-Moines for this island day. A nice island discovery awaits on the small car-free roads of this little paradise. It is probably with regret that you take the boat to return to Arzon… The rest of the tour is comforting!
From ARZON to CARNAC 29km 140m
Take the boat from Port Navalo to Locmariaquer. Located on the pretty Rhuys peninsula, it marks the northern entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan. In addition to its advantageous geography and attractive marina, this Morbihan commune is best known for its megalithic heritage. The Grand Menhir Brisé, the Alignement du Mené-Bré and the Table des Marchands are particularly worth a look.
Thanks to the small cycle routes and cycle paths, you can reach Saint-Philbert, a charming commune with a wealth of beaches, coastal paths and historic sites. Its famous Rue de l’Océan lives up to its name, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Atlantic. From the Saint-Philbert cliff, you can appreciate the port of La Trinité-sur-Mer, one of the most important on the Atlantic coast, and the exceptional natural beauty of Quiberon Bay. After a gourmet stopover in La Trinité-sur-Mer, you’ll head into the countryside and forests of the hinterland to reach Carnac and its famous menhir alignments. These megalithic gems are among the most impressive and mysterious in the world! After this beautiful cycling stage, relax on the fine sandy beaches of Quiberon Bay.
- For a few more km 35km 169m
Use this day to discover the extent of Carnac’s megalithic alignments. This national monument site is unique and an exceptional world heritage site. By bike, then on foot, you can enjoy this 6,000-year-old work of art.
From CARNAC to AURAY 25km 148m
You leave Carnac by the famous alignments. After admiring this masterpiece of the Neolithic of invaluable value, you reach Auray. The city has a charming historic center. It is on the banks of the river of the same name that you will find the most interesting place: the harbour of Saint-Goustan. We recommend you to spend the evening and the night there.
- For a few more km 55km 222m
This detour leads you to discover the natural landscapes of the Ria d’Etel. A Ria is the mouth of a small river into which saltwater enters at high tide. The Rias create landscapes that change hourly.
Here you’ll discover two of Brittany’s postcards:
- the house between the rocks, intriguingly positioned as if it had drifted into the middle of the Ria
- and the peninsula of the village of Saint-Cado, one of the region’s must-sees.
From AURAY to VANNES 38km 253m
You’ll cross the old Bono suspension bridge, an iconic structure offering breathtaking views of the meandering river. Then head for the village of Bono, with its traditional port and fishermen’s cottages, before pedalling on towards Baden. From here, you can see the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan, particularly from Port-Blanc, where the boats leave for Ile aux Moines. Along the way, the footpaths plunge you into peaceful countryside, with moorland and small woods. Continue on to Arradon, a charming town with lovely views over the gulf, before heading back to Vannes along a greenway. The old town of Vannes welcomes you with its ramparts and half-timbered houses.
- For a few more km 42km 266m
In Larmor-Baden, take time to explore this charming seaside village. It’s also the starting point for a visit to the Gavrinis cairn, a masterpiece from the Neolithic period. Accessible by boat from Larmor-Baden, this visit is possible from April to September (approx. €20 per adult, duration 2 hours). The price includes the boat trip and a guided tour of the burial mound, which reveals remarkably well-preserved prehistoric engravings.
VANNES
End of your trip after breakfast.
Have a safe journey back!
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 990€/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 1080€/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.
Starting from 1370€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 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
- 6 boat passages (described in the program)
- 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 2 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Day 2 : Sea crossing - VANNES - ILE D’ARZ
- Day 3 : Sea crossing - ILE D’ARZ - PRESQU’ILE DE SENE
- Day 3 : Sea crossing - PRESQU’ILE DE SENE - SAINT-ARMEL
- Day 4 : Sea crossing return trip - PORT DE KERNERS - ILE AUX MOINES
- Day 5 : Sea crossing - PORT-NAVALO - LOCMARIAQUER
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 : VANNES
Coming by car
- at 4h45 from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking P4 parc du Golfe longue durée de Vannes – VANNES
- Parking de Strasbourg – VANNES
- Parking Indigo République – VANNES
- Parking de la Gare – VANNES
- Q-Park Port – VANNES
- Parking Gare de Vannes – EFFIA – VANNES
Coming by train
- Vannes train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lorient Airport
- Nantes airport
Arrival city : VANNES
Coming by car
- at 4h45 from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Coming by train
- Vannes train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lorient Airport
- 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.
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 990€
Book your trip
Aventure
VANNES
Arrival on your own and check in to your hotel. Orientation with our guide today. Take time to explore Vannes.