La Régalante, from Mont Saint-Michel to Nantes
The Historic Land of the Marches of Brittany
© Emmanuel Berthier - EV4
© Alexandre Le Roy
© Noé C. photography
© Noé C. photography
© Mathilde Boclet
© Emmanuel Berthier
© Région Pays de la Loire
Highlights
Mont Saint-Michel: An Iconic Landmark
Medieval Towns: Fougères, Vitré, and Châteaubriant
Diverse Landscapes: Forests, Lush Valleys, Rivers, and Canals
Local Gastronomy: Seafood, Pommé, Galette Saucisse…
A Safe and Easy Cycling Route
La Régalante: A Cycling Route Designed for Pleasure
From Mont Saint-Michel to Nantes, a 275 km cycling journey to explore the historical, natural, and gastronomic heritage of the Marches of Brittany.
Set off on an adventure along the La Régalante cycling route, a unique experience between land and sea, guiding you from the legendary Mont Saint-Michel to Nantes. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic towns, picturesque landscapes, and indulge in delicious regional cuisine. Covering 275 km, this route offers a fresh perspective on Brittany and the Pays de la Loire, designed for nature lovers, heritage enthusiasts, and cycling aficionados alike.
Starting at Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll marvel at the “Wonder of the West.” A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this breathtaking landmark is simply unmissable. Be sure to visit the abbey perched at the top, an architectural masterpiece, and take in the mesmerizing sight of the tides from the medieval ramparts.
Throughout your journey, you’ll ride across the Marches of Brittany, a historic frontier that once separated the Duchy of Brittany from the Kingdom of France. This region, marked by centuries of battles and political struggles, was at the heart of conflicts between independent Brittany and its neighbors. The medieval fortress of Fougères, one of the largest in Europe, stands as a testament to this turbulent past, built to defend the region. Further along, Vitré, officially recognized as one of France’s most charming detours, captivates visitors with its half-timbered houses and well-preserved medieval heritage, reflecting the area’s strategic importance at the crossroads of France and Brittany.
Passing through Châteaubriant, you encounter remnants of the Middle Ages, including its fortified castle, a key piece of Brittany’s history. Finally, the charming town of Nort-sur-Erdre, nestled between canals and lush greenery, provides a peaceful retreat before reaching Nantes, a city rich in maritime, industrial, and cultural heritage. There, you can explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Fine Arts Museum, and the famous Machines de l’Île.
This journey is an immersive experience into the diverse landscapes of Eastern Brittany. From the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, you cycle through rolling countryside, dense oak and pine forests, and lush green valleys. The ride through the Erdre Valley offers spectacular views of what François I once called “the most beautiful river in France.” The route, primarily following quiet country roads and greenways, is a joy to ride—peaceful, lightly traveled, and lined with fields, meadows, and charming villages. Canals and ponds along the way, particularly near Châteaubriant and Nort-sur-Erdre, create a tranquil atmosphere where nature envelops you in serenity.
For food lovers, La Régalante is a true delight. Every section of the journey has its own culinary identity. From Mont Saint-Michel’s famous Mère Poulard omelette to the Ille-et-Vilaine specialty of galette saucisse with cider, or the pommé apple spread from the Fougères region, and the seafood and Muscadet wines of Loire-Atlantique, a feast of flavors awaits you. Don’t miss the local markets, where you can savor fresh regional products. Traditional restaurants and inns offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy these specialties, prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
La Régalante is accessible to all, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist. The route is mostly flat or gently rolling, designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, far from busy roads. You can take your time, soak in the scenery, and pedal at your own pace with complete peace of mind. This cycling journey is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the history, culture, and beauty of the regions it crosses. Whether you’re passionate about heritage, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, La Régalante is an adventure to be savored fully, at your own rhythm. So hop on your bike and let yourself be swept away by the magic of this incredible journey from Mont Saint-Michel to Nantes!
Leisure From MONT-SAINT-MICHEL to FOUGERES 55km 170m 
Leaving Mont Saint-Michel, you cycle through the Breton countryside, past lush green fields and hedged farmland, and along rivers on picturesque back roads. The route follows the Couesnon valley, overlooked by wooded hillsides and meadows. The closer you get to Fougères, the more history blends with nature. Take a break in the charming village of Maen Roch, before reaching the majestic medieval town of Fougères and its fortified castle, one of the most imposing in France.
From FOUGERES to VITRE 35km 144m
Follow La Régalante’s greenway through the countryside to Vitré. Along the way, you pass the Etang de Châtillon, a peaceful spot ideal for a break or a picnic by the water. Continue on to Châtillon-en-Vendelais, where you can see the old railway station, a vestige of the region’s railway past. The road then takes you to Lac de la Cantache, another pleasant place to admire the scenery and take a break. Your journey ends in Vitré, where you discover its medieval castle and historic centre, symbols of this trading town with its rich heritage.
From VITRE to CHELUN 42km 196m
Follow La Régalante to Argentré-du-Plessis, where the church and local architecture are well worth a look. Continue along the greenway to La Guerche-de-Bretagne. Here you can find a pleasant setting with colourful half-timbered houses, local shops and a medieval vegetable garden. On Tuesdays, La Guerche’s market, which has been held for over 900 years, offers the perfect opportunity to sample local produce and recharge your batteries before heading to the village of Chelun.
From CHELUN to CHATEAUBRIANT 46km 296m
The cycle route from Chelun to Châteaubriant passes the Etang de la Forge, then Martigné-Ferchaud, where you can admire the church and traditional houses. From Martigné-Ferchaud to Les Mines de la Brutz, you ride along quiet country roads, offering a peaceful setting. Continue on to Thourie and visit the Musée des Mines de la Brutz to find out more about the local history of mining. From Rougé to Châteaubriant, the route continues along a beautiful 13km greenway, ending in Châteaubriant, where you can explore the château and historic centre.
From CHATEAUBRIANT to MOISDON-LA-RIVIERE 25km 54m
Ride on to Louisfert, where you can discover the home of Hélène and René Guy Cadou, a famous local poet. Continuing on, you pass through the rural landscapes of Saint-Vincent-des-Landes before reaching Issé, with its fields and woods. The route ends at Moisdon-la-Rivière, where you can explore the old forges, remnants of the local industrial heritage.
From MOISDON-LA-RIVIERE to NORT-SUR-ERDRE 42km 233m
La Régalante takes you first to La Meilleraye-de-Bretagne, a small village with a Cistercian abbey. Then continue through the Forest of Vioreau to Lac de Vioreau, perfect for a picnic stop or a refreshing swim. Passing through Joué-sur-Erdre, admire the agricultural landscape and quiet country roads. The route ends in Nort-sur-Erdre, where you can enjoy the banks of the Erdre, often considered one of the most beautiful rivers in France.
From NORT-SUR-ERDRE to NANTES 35km 96m
Lock 2 at Quiheix marks the end of the towpath on the Nantes-Brest Canal. This stage alternates between rural roads, sections of greenway and the charming port of Sucé-sur-Erdre, a cosy stop-off that is ideal for restoring your strength before reaching Nantes.
NANTES
End of stay after breakfast. Before leaving, we invite you to wander and visit the city known as The City of the Dukes of Brittany. Nantes surprises with its blend of history and modernity. For a taste of history, take the time to visit the famous Château des Ducs de Bretagne. And don’t miss Nantes’ Machines de l’ile attraction, which delights young and old alike! The former capital of Brittany is not to be outdone in terms of its cultural, artistic and gastronomic heritage. Enjoy its inventive market cuisine, a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a coffee at the Lieu Unique or a spot of shopping in the charming Passage Pommeraye.
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 1220€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
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
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: 8 nights in a Double room
- 8 breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- 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 trekking GPS
- A practical roadbook including all our recommended addresses and route maps
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
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
|  |
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
|  |
EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
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
|  |
Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
Coming by car
- at 3h from PARIS
- at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Parking*
- Parc de stationnement – MONT SAINT-MICHEL
Coming by train
- Pontorson train station - 3h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes Airport
Arrival city : NANTES
Coming by car
- at 3h45 from PARIS
- at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Nantes train station - 2h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- 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.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Nantes to Pontorson in 2h40
- Return by car in 2h15 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
|
| 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 |
Duration 9 days and 8 nights
Level Leisure
Departure date From April 1st to October 31st
Destination Brittany
La Régalante
Normandy
Themes Greenways & Canals
New bike trips in 2025
Heritage
Electric bike trips
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Fit
Aventure
MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
Arrival to Mont Saint-Michel by your own means.
Before you start your cycling trip, visit this not-to-be-missed site and its famous abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
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.