North Finistère by bike, in the land of the Abers

A getaway along the rugged coast of North Finistère by bike

In the heart of a magnificent landscape steeped in legend, set off on a tour of the north of Finistère by bike, in the Abers region. Ride along the steep, rocky coastline of the Route des Phares with its breathtaking views. On this route, nature offers a constant spectacle that you won’t get tired of.

To follow the coast, take the Littorale® V45, which runs parallel to the famous GR34, the Customs route. The route winds its way along the abers, the inlets where seawater enters the land to meet the rivers, where life is closely linked to the rhythm of the tides.

Finistère by bike, facing the elements

Cycling on the north coast of Finistère means facing the elements. With its unstable climate and ever-present wind, be prepared for some tricky moments. Equipped with a good raincoat and windproof jacket, you may have to play cat-and-mouse with the showers. However, if you head west along the coast, you may be relatively sheltered from the wind!

Whatever the weather, you’ll be treated to an impressive spectacle. The coastline is a theatre of changing scenery, subject to the tides and prevailing winds, from fog to a picture bathed in a light that only Brittany knows. Your gaze is constantly lost in the wilderness.

La Littorale, an itinerary for experienced cyclists or on an e-bike.

It’s true that the highest point in Brittany is less than 400 metres above sea level. But beware! La Littorale, which follows the coast of Finistère by bike, uses small shared paths over sometimes very steep terrain.

Some geological faults will take you from 0 to 100 metres in a flash, with gradients of more than 10% or even 15%. On some stretches, these climbs follow one another relentlessly, so that by the end of the day the cumulative difference in altitude is considerable.

That’s why we strongly advise you to rent an electric bike if you want to cycle in Nord-Finistère and you’re not trained.

What can you see by bike on the north coast of Finistère?

There’s plenty to see and do along the beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque harbours and charming villages. Cycle along the North Finistère coast and discover the rich heritage of the Abers region.

From La Littorale you can easily see the lighthouses, the most important monuments of the coast. These impressive historic buildings were built in extreme conditions to withstand the onslaught of the sea. Some are now open to the public.

Roscoff and Batz Island

Roscoff is the departure point for three cycle routes: La Vélodyssée®, La Vélomaritime® and La Littorale®. But before you set off on your bike, take a stroll through the narrow streets of this granite town. A short boat ride will take you to the island of Batz, where the 44m lighthouse offers a magnificent panorama.

The village of Meneham

The village of Meneham, with its old thatched houses and customs house set between large granite boulders overlooking the beach, has a charm all its own and is well worth a visit!

Ile Vierge Lighthouse

There are actually two lighthouses on Ile Vierge. However, the Île Vierge lighthouse is the most recent. At 82.5 metres, it is the tallest lighthouse in Europe! It can be seen for miles around and its range of light is impressive at night. Bicycles can be left at the lighthouse during the season.

Aber Wrac’h Harbour

A picturesque little harbour, Aber Wrac’h is a great place to get away from it all with its seaside restaurants and crêperies. Not far from the harbour, the Baie des Anges (where La Littorale takes you) offers spectacular views of the Channel and the Île Vierge lighthouse.

Oysters and mussels at Aber-Benoît

Stop off at Aber Benoît to sample the delicious oysters and mussels produced on this tidal aber. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the ballet of the seaweed harvesters returning to port. If you follow La Littorale, you’ll also discover the magnificent white sandy beach of Benniguet, which invites you to swim!

The Landunvez Tourist Route

A mythical stopover on the Finistère cycle route, the Landunvez tourist trail is a permanent wilderness spectacle. The waves break relentlessly on the rocks of this rugged coastline. If you can time your crossing to coincide with high tide, the panorama will be even more dazzling, with some very impressive waves.

The tip of Cross-Corsen

Welcome to Earth’s End! France’s most westerly point is located on this rocky cliff that plunges into the sea. With sandy beaches below and breathtaking views, it’s a great walk. Keep an eye out for dolphins in these waters!

Pointe-Saint-Mathieu Lighthouse

With the remains of an ancient abbey and its iconic lighthouse, Pointe Saint-Mathieu is famous for its picturesque scenery. A visit to the lighthouse offers a beautiful panorama of Finistère. You can see Crozon and, on a clear day, Pointe du Raz.

Petit Minou lighthouse

A stone’s throw from the beach of Petit Minou, a famous surfing spot, the Petit Minou lighthouse is the gateway to the Brest roadstead. A prestigious building with a walkway over the sea, it is located in a stunning natural setting, next to the fort of the same name!
Interested in cycling in Finistère? Discover our Finistère port-to-port bike trip and all our cycling holidays in Brittany.