The treasures of medieval Upper Brittany
Discover the most beautiful towns in Upper Brittany and the bay of Mont Saint-Michel by bike
© Emmanuel Berthier - CRTB EV4
Duration
8 days and 7 nights
Niveau
Leisure
Departure date
From March 31st to October 31st
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une boucle itinérante
Les points forts
- Saint-Malo, its ramparts, its port and its shipowners' houses
- Dinan, the medieval city of Brittany
- The most beautiful villages like Combourg and Bazouges-la-Pérouse
- Fougères and its castle
- Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cancale, its port and its oyster market
The must-sees places of the countries of Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel
Brittany has preserved an exceptional heritage from the medieval and Renaissance periods. By bike, departing from Saint-Malo, discover the charm of these towns of character along a route between land and sea.
Between land and sea, between Brittany and Normandy, this cycle route connects the most beautiful medieval towns and castles in the region. You make progress in an exceptional natural setting with the Mont Saint-Michel bay as the highlight. You take small bucolic roads through romantic Brittany and its mix of woodland and pasture landscapes. They allow you in particular to discover the famous malouinières, large and beautiful residences of the shipowners of Saint-Malo. You walk through beautiful valleys sculpted by rivers. The stages of this stay offer a taste of getaway. They lead you to the treasures of the region as well as to the discovery of the local culture and gastronomy.
You begin your cycling holiday in the heart of the corsair city, Saint-Malo. Let yourself be surprised by the diversity of viewpoints as you walk along the ramparts that surround the old town. Depending on the time of day, the light, the tides or the weather, each panorama before you has something unique.
Heading towards Fougères, you will discover the charms of inland Brittany:
- The Canal d’Ille & Rance guides you on a calm and pleasant cycle route to Dinan. The city is a true medieval city in which you never tire of walking its beautiful cobbled streets.
- The Small City of Character of Combourg: birthplace of the poet and writer François René de Chateaubriand. Enjoy a bucolic atmosphere suited for a break. A very castle on the edge of the lake which could recall the legends of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table a few steps from the forest of Brocéliande.
- Bazouges-la-Pérouse, also a Small City of Character, bears witness to a rich history: you will discover a church with an original architecture since it is in fact two adjoining churches. Take the time to taste the local speciality: the Pommé, a kind of jam made from apples and cider. A real treat, highly recommended as fuel for your pedal strokes.
- The largest fortress in Europe opens its doors to you in Fougères. Its medieval castle, built in 1020, has retained all its charm of yesteryear. Its size is astounding. Take the time to stroll through the streets adjoining the castle where the half-timbered houses are a reminder of the city’s past wealth. Faithful stage town of the Tour de France, cyclists are welcome here!
After a few days spent inland, return to the seaside for an unmissable stopover at Mont Saint-Michel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An extra effort awaits you, on foot this time, to reach the heights and the famous abbey. Like the golden archangel that adorns the top of the abbey’s bell tower, you enjoy a unique, breathtaking panorama, which invites you to look at part of the road covered by bike and what remains to be pedaled.
Before returning to Saint-Malo, you reach Cancale along the Emerald Coast. On the port of Cancale, you leave your saddles for a moment for an oyster tasting for which this fishing port and all of Upper Brittany are famous. Another form of treasure…
Like a sailor, the trip ends where it started a few days earlier in Saint-Malo. You return to the corsair city by bike along a sea with surprising emerald reflections. When it comes to treasures…
Itinéraire
Leisure From SAINT-MALO to COMBOURG 66km 449m 
From Saint-Malo, board the star of the Compagnie Corsaire. This small cruise ship allows you to cross the mouth of the Rance. This river will guide you to Dinan today. You reach Dinard by boat. We invite you to meander by bike between the 19th century bourgeois villas which are beautiful and astonishing. Then, bags loaded with a snack for the road, which the beautiful market of Dinard will have concocted for you, you take the greenway laid out on an old railway path which leads you to the first lock and the start of the towpath. You ride along the Canal d’Ille et Rance to the port of Dinan. It gives you a good overview of what the city has to offer. An effort is necessary to reach the top of the city. After lunch in one of the beautiful taverns of the old town, you continue your route through romantic Brittany and discover the charm of the villages that make it up. Finally, you arrive in Combourg, where Chateaubriand spent part of his childhood. Its castle, on the edge of the lake, recalls a few legends. The forest of Brocéliande once extended to this small town of character.
From COMBOURG to MAEN ROCH 50km 446m
You pedal through the Breton countryside throughout this beautiful day in the countryside. You cross the forest of Villecartier and reach the Small City of Character of Bazouges-la-Pérouse. The village overlooking the surroundings offers a beautiful view in addition to its architectural attractions. Its double church of Saint-Pierre – Saint-Paul is a rare case of two buildings finally united. You go back down to Antrain to find an old railway line converted into a pleasant greenway which softens the elevation. This track leads to Fougères. But today you stop in the small town of Maen Roch.
FROM MAEN ROCH, FOUGERES LOOP 40km 197m
From the charming town of Saint-Brice-en-Coglès, you can cycle to an old railway line. The very beautiful cycle greenway takes you to Fougères. The city of art and history is proud of its identity. She donned herself with the slogan “You haven’t seen Fougères, you haven’t seen anything”. What is certain is that with its medieval fortress, the largest in Europe, it is not possible to miss it or remain indifferent. Lock your bikes and take the time to stroll through its small cobbled streets to fully immerse yourself in its past.
- For a few more km 55km 301m
With this variant, you cycle through the hilly, bucolic and romantic countryside.
From SAINT-BRICE-EN-COGLES to MONT SAINT-MICHEL 55km 376m
Today’s route takes you on a bike ride around the border between Brittany and Normandy. You cross the small Norman town of Saint-James, famous for its woolen sailor sweaters. Then you cycle to Ducey, a charming little village whose natural and heritage riches are attractive. Finally, you ramble along the Sélune, a river that flows into the bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
From MONT SAINT-MICHEL to CANCALE 48km 95m
Make the most of this beautiful day of cycling with the change between small country roads and cycle greenways by the sea. The route is flat today, along the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. This allows you to ride 50km without difficulty. Halfway through, you pass the foot of Mont-Dol. A very strange rock in the middle of these marshes. This is the ideal place for your lunch. For the bravest, we advise you to climb it on foot or by bike, the view is unique. After the break, there are still a few kilometers to go by bike, in the middle of oyster farms, to reach the pretty port of Cancale and its oyster market.
From CANCALE to SAINT-MALO 27km 142m
Raise the anchors! You leave the port of Cancale to reach the corsair city today. A beautiful cycle route through the countryside and the seaside awaits you. Beautiful malouinières, houses of Saint-Malo shipowners from the 17th and 18th centuries, enrich the landscape that surrounds you. The Emerald Coast dazzles a little more this day with the radiant colors offered by the sea. Saint-Malo is only a few pedal strokes away, which allows you to enjoy a beautiful afternoon in the middle of the old rigs, on the large beach of the furrow or to do some shopping in the cobbled streets of the inner city.
SAINT-MALO
End of stay after breakfast. Have a safe trip back!
Ils ont voyagés avec nous
Informations pratiques
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 1020€/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 1440€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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.
Quote on request
Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 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 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 2 : Sea crossing - SAINT-MALO - DINARD
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 : SAINT-MALO
Coming by car
- at 4h15 from PARIS
- at 5h15 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking Saint-Malo Remparts 1 P8 – SAINT-MALO
- Parking du Naye – SAINT-MALO
- Parking Saint-Malo Quai Saint-Vincent – SAINT-MALO
- Parking Saint-Malo Feval – SAINT-MALO
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
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.
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 1020€
Book your trip
Aventure
SAINT-MALO
Welcome to Saint-Malo. After the orientation with our guide, enjoy the city in evening.
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.