The Islands of Southern Brittany by bike
Ile de Groix and Belle île en mer: discover a mosaic of landscapes in the heart of the ocean
© Lucie Blanchais - Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
8 days and 7 nights
Niveau
Easy
ou Leisure
Departure date
From March 15th to November 15th
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Une traversée itinéranteLes points forts
- Poulziorec beach, also known as "Tahiti Beach"
- White Sands Beach
- The geological nature reserve on the island of Groix
- The Vauban citadel on Belle Ile en Mer
- The needles of Port Coton
- Pointe des Poulains
- Sauzon fishing port
Take to the open seas and discover the jewels of Southern Brittany by bike
Groix and Belle-île invite you to take a plunge and enjoy a timeless interlude.
It’s an exotic journey we’re proposing here. With its translucent seas, sandy beaches and lush greenery, Southern Brittany offers an unexpected change of scenery and a warm, comforting, gourmet vacation.
Your cycling tour of Southern Brittany offers a succession of maritime crossings. To reach the islands of Groix and Belle-Ile en Mer, of course, but also to cross the Odet, the natural border between Lorient and the Gulf of Morbihan. So you can enjoy as many views from the sea as from the land and the saddle of your bike.
Groix and Belle-Ile, each 45 minutes from their main port of departure, share their proximity and insularity to the mainland. They’re no less Breton in spirit, values and heart! Both islands offer breathtaking coastal scenery, with steep cliffs, fine sandy beaches, secluded coves and soothing horizons to the west over the Atlantic Ocean. The harbors are bustling with the activity of fishermen and sailors, which you can enjoy from the quayside and at the table.
On the island of Groix, the François Le Bail nature reserve preserves minerals, blue shales bearing witness to the geological formation of the Armorican Massif, and nesting seabirds. Guided tours are organized to discover this natural heritage.
With the exception of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, where the terrain is more rugged, your rides are flat and accessible, so that everyone can enjoy this cycling trip. You’ll pedal between the Menhirs of the famous Carnac alignments. Ride along the Ria d’Etel to the islet of Saint-Cado, one of Brittany’s most famous postcards. Enjoy the renowned microclimate of the Gulf of Morbihan by bike. There are plenty of cycle paths and lanes here, offering a pleasant parallel network. You can guide your bike along the sunken paths between granite chapels, neolithic dolmens and the manor houses of romantic Brittany…
Belle-Ile-en-Mer is nicknamed the Pearl of the Atlantic. It’s essential to get out, put your wheels down and warm up your calves to discover this paradise. The island is a veritable mosaic of panoramas: moorland, heather, broom, steep cliffs, sandy beaches, secret coves, bustling ports and lighthouses. It only takes a few kilometers by bicycle to understand why so many painters have found inspiration here. Sarah Bernhardt’s house, now a museum, has welcomed many an artist at the invitation of the actor, who came here in search of calm and contact with the elements. Your cycle tour to the Poulains lighthouse takes you there. After the effort, the Morgat microbrewery offers you a tasting of their creations, in moderation. Like cider, their beers are the perfect accompaniment to galettes (or buckwheat crêpes), the regional specialty par excellence.
The last few pedal strokes bring you to Vannes, a city of Art and History. Its well-preserved historic center, with its ramparts, beautiful half-timbered houses, craftsmen and restaurants, makes it one of the region’s most charming towns. Leaning against its harbor, you’ll stay in touch with the sea and the song of the seagulls, like a new call from the open sea.
And if you still have a day ahead of you, we recommend a final crossing before hitting the road again. Take your bike to the Ile d’Arz and enjoy a ride in the middle of the waters of the Gulf in an exceptional natural setting.
Itinéraire
Easy or Leisure LORIENT, DAY ON GROIX ISLAND 4km 4m 
Take your bikes and head off by boat to discover the island of Groix.
You disembark at Port Tudy, the largest of the island’s 17 villages. The island’s 2,360 year-round inhabitants make for a lively and friendly atmosphere. The island is renowned for its beautiful shipowners’ houses, its shops and its Cinéma des Familles with its beautifully decorated facades. You’ll cycle through this 1,500-hectare piece of land, through a wide variety of landscapes and along a wild ocean coast.
Return to the mainland at the end of the day via the port of Lorient.
From LORIENT to CARNAC 54km 223m
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 920€/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 980€/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 1740€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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 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 return trip - LORIENT - GROIX
- Day 4 : Sea crossing - QUIBERON - LE PALAIS (Embarcadère)
- Day 6 : Sea crossing - LE PALAIS (Embarcadère) - 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
- Day 3: Boat transfer from Lorient to Locmiquélic or Port-Louis (ticket 1,5€/person)
- Day 3: Boat transfer from Port-Louis to Gâvres (ticket 1,5€/person)
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 : LORIENT
Coming by car
- at 5h from PARIS
- at 5h from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking Gare Sud – LORIENT
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.
How to get back to the starting point
- Return by car in 0h45 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 920€
Book your trip
Expert , 
Aventure
LORIENT
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.