From Rennes to the Mont Saint-Michel
Through the Rance valley and the Emerald Coast
© Emmanuel Berthier - CRTB
Duration
7 days and 6 nights
Niveau
Leisure
Departure date
From April 1st to November 11th
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une traversée itinérante
Les points forts
- Rennes, a historical, dynamic and trendy city
- The Ille & Rance canal
- Dinan, a medieval town
- Saint-Malo, the corsaire port
- Cancale and its oyster market
- The Mont-Saint-Michel, "Marvel of the West"
RENNES TO THE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
From Rennes, its capital, ride through romantic Brittany along the Mont St Michel Bay
This journey takes you through some of the most beautiful cities in Brittany and to an exceptional site labeled part of the World’s heritage by UNESCO. this historical and architectural pilgrimage offers variety and many surpises along the way.
- The Ille & Rance canal guides you onto a calm, flat, and pleasant route to Dinan, an authentic medieval city in which you will enjoy exploring the old town.
- The greenway from Taden to Dinard takes you to the seafront by an old railway track. With its 19th century villas, the seaside resort has kept its charm.
- Taking the bus boat form Dinard to Saint Malo
- The Tour de Manche and its dedicated cycling routes greenways offer a beautiful crossing of the Mont-Saint-Michel bay, between land and sea.
Cancale is a gourmet halt before the Mont-Saint-Michel. The oyster farmers prepare and serve them directly on the port. An experience you wouldn’t want to miss!
Itinéraire
Leisure 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!
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 to CANCALE 26km 208m
You leave the Corsair city in the morning to reach the port of Cancale. Enjoy a bike ride through countryside and seaside. Along the way some Malouinières enrich the landscape. They are beautiful 17th and 18th century houses of ship owners in Saint Malo. In the evening, park your bike on the waterfront and taste some famous oysters.
From CANCALE to MONT SAINT-MICHEL via MONT-DOL 48km 114m
You head toward one of the architectural wonders of the world, riding on a mix of country roads and more important routes along the sea. After Cancale the route is flat. You can easily ride 50km without during the day. Halfway through you reach the Mont-Dol, a strange rock in the middle of the marsh land, which is an ideal spot for lunch. After the break, you still have a few kilometers to go through the salted marshland. You are at the foot of the Mont Saint-Michel. One last effort, on foot this time, to reach the top and its famous abbey.
FROM LE MONT SAINT-MICHEL, NORMANDY LOOP 35km 136m
Today, take height to appreciate the grandeur of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. On the small Norman roads, the path takes you to Roche Torin. You have then descended to the sea level. A peculiar atmosphere emerges from this place, mystical at times, with an advantaged view of the Mont Saint-Michel.
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 865€/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 940€/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: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 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
- 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 4 : 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
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 : MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
Coming by car
- at 3h from PARIS
- at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Coming by train
- Pontorson train station - 3h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes 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
- By train from Pontorson to Rennes in 50 min (hotline)
- Return by car in 1h15 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 865€
Book your trip
Fit
Easy , 
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.