The Gulf of Morbihan and Belle Ile en Mer
Cycling cruise in Southern Brittany
© Emmanuel Berthier - CRTB
Duration
9 days and 8 nights
Niveau
Easy
ou Leisure
Departure date
From April 1st to September 30th
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Une boucle itinéranteLes points forts
- Tour of the Golfe du Morbihan thanks to the ferrymen
- Crossing to Ile aux Moines
- 2 days on Belle-Île en Mer
- The needles of Port Coton
- The famous menhirs of Carnac
- Vannes, City of Art and History
Tour of the Golfe du Morbihan by bike and a getaway to Belle Ile en Mer
From island to peninsula, the charm of this bike tour begins as soon as you set off in the emblematic Gulf of Morbihan. Boat crossings on the calm waters of the small inland sea (Morbihan in Breton), sheltered from the tumult of the ocean, are an opportunity to breathe in the sea spray and appreciate the beauty of this landscape that only nature is capable of shaping.
Departing from Vannes, you embark on a cycle tour. This bike trip takes you along small roads and wide paths to discover a small inland sea (Morbihan in Breton), which has shaped a unique area in the region. Made up of numerous peninsulas, it can be difficult to find your way around, so much so that nature has created a natural labyrinth. So, with the help of the “passeurs” – the name given to the Gulf’s bus boats – we’ll help you make your way from island to peninsula on the Tour of the Gulf of Morbihan by bike. It’s a pleasant escape into a preserved, natural environment that’s full of surprises. Between boat crossings, you’ll dance on your bike as nesting and seabirds swirl overhead.
The ports of call are lively, festive and pleasant. Plates feature fish and shellfish, as well as the famous buckwheat crepes often found in Breton families on a weekly basis. In the warm atmosphere of the cafés, the local brasseries and cider houses take pride of place, warming hearts when the drizzle settles on these picture-postcard landscapes.
The Golfe du Morbihan is an ideal destination for cycling thanks to:
- A renowned microclimate, with over 2000 hours of sunshine a year – the equivalent of the city of Toulouse!
- A flat, very accessible environment, easy to cycle in.
- An advanced network of cycle routes, linking the various peninsulas and sites of interest via safe, quiet secondary roads.
A cycling trip that takes you to 2 Breton islands:
- Île aux Moines, a lush, charming and lively island, one of the region’s jewels.
- Belle-Île en Mer is the largest of the Breton islands. Its insularity shapes its character. Its position, facing the ocean, the elements and winter storms, means that the cliffs are finely chiseled, the rock is raw and is continually reshaped by the winds and tides. The terrain is more rugged, and must be earned by bike, but rewards the brave with exceptional panoramic views.
- As an option, with an extra day, we suggest adding the wild, unspoilt and peaceful Ile d’Arz, sheltered at the end of the Golfe du Morbihan.
History buffs will be enriched by the many sites of interest, including the town of Vannes, classified as a Town of Art and History, the Carnac alignments, the Vauban fortress on Belle-Île en Mer, the Gavrinis and Petit-Mont tumulus or cairn, or the Château de Suscinio… So many opportunities to immerse yourself in the history of the Rhuys and Quiberon peninsulas and the whole of Southern Brittany.
Itinéraire
Easy or Leisure From VANNES to ARZON 38km 187m 
You cycle on the peninsula of Séné, a few kilometers at the end of the Gulf surrounded by birds. A “passeur” boat then allows you to reach the peninsula of Rhuys. You ride along the southern shores of the small sea to reach Arzon.
- For a few more km 44km 246m
You reach the castle of Suscinio for a nice historic loop.
From VANNES to ARZON 45km 230m
From Vannes, you can cycle to the Rhuys peninsula. The small roads and big paths offer you a bucolic stroll.
- For a few more km 52km 277m
Take advantage of these few extra kilometres to visit the castle of Suscinio.
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 LE PALAIS 33km 144m
Today, you’ll be heading for the Quiberon peninsula via its west coast, before taking the boat to Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Brittany’s largest island. On the island, you quickly feel the pleasures of being cut off from the world. Time has not stood still and modern means of communication are still present. But half an hour by boat is enough to give you the impression of being far removed from your daily routine for a truly active and relaxing vacation!
FROM LE PALAIS, SAUZON AND LA POINTE DES POULAINS LOOP 34km 410m
You ride North and along the coast to Sauzon! The Sauzon marina, the prettiest on the island, was for a long time an active fishing port. You then ride to the Pointe des Poulains where you can enjoy an exceptional view on the island of Groix, Quiberon and Lorient. Sarah Bernhardt lived her for the last thirty summers of her life.
From LE PALAIS to CARNAC 35km 116m
Depuis Le Palais, vous embarquez pour une traversée en bateau jusqu’à Quiberon, offrant une belle vue sur Belle-Île et la côte bretonne. À l’arrivée, l’itinéraire longe la presqu’île jusqu’à la pointe du Conguel, un site préservé où la mer encadre un paysage de dunes et de rochers. La route remonte ensuite vers Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, alternant entre plages sauvages et falaises sculptées par les vents marins. Après Plouharnel, porte d’entrée de la baie de Quiberon, vous prenez la direction de Carnac. Avant d’y arriver, une halte s’impose aux célèbres alignements de Carnac : des milliers de menhirs dressés sur plusieurs kilomètres, vestiges mystérieux datant du Néolithique. L’itinéraire s’achève dans la station balnéaire de Carnac, connue pour ses longues plages de sable fin et son ambiance animée.
From CARNAC to VANNES 57km 386m
The stage takes you first through Auray and its historic port of Saint-Goustan. You will then approach the Gulf of Morbihan and this beautiful inland sea, before finally reaching Vannes and its famous ramparts.
VANNES
End of your stay in the late morning.
As an option, if you have a little time left before leaving the region, we invite you to take the boat to the Ile d’Arz. This small island in the center of the Gulf of Morbihan is a haven of peace. You won’t be disturbed by cars, which are very rare here. The narrow streets and houses with their colorful shutters are particularly enjoyable by bike!
In short, it’s the ideal place to round off your stay in style.
Return to Vannes by boat (30-minute cruise).
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 1150€/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 1235€/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 1690€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Price includes
- Accommodation: 8 nights in a Double room
- 8 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
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner and topo maps
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Day 2 : Sea crossing - PRESQU’ILE DE SENE - SAINT-ARMEL
- Day 3 : Sea crossing return trip - PORT DE KERNERS - ILE AUX MOINES – EMBARCADERE
- Day 4 : Sea crossing - PORT NAVALO - LOCMARIAQUER
- Day 5 : Sea crossing - QUIBERON - LE PALAIS (Embarcadère)
- Day 7 : Sea crossing - LE PALAIS - QUIBERON
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 1150€
Book your trip
Expert , 
Aventure
VANNES
Arrival on your own and check in to your hotel. Orientation with our guide today. Take time to explore Vannes.
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.