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A classic Breton cycling route, taking in some of the most charming towns and villages in Brittany. Starting in the romantic pirates’ town of St. Malo, you’ll pedal along the coast to Mont-Saint-Michel before turning inland to follow quite lanes and cycle paths to the medieval towns of Combourg and Dinan
Cycling is the best way to get to know this corner of north west France, where the pace of life is relaxed and the regional identity remains strong. As well as historic cities and towns and great local cuisine, you’ll also be fascinated by the remnants of this region’s ancient Celtic past in the many standing stones still dotted around.
Dinan
Highlights include the charming walled old town of St Malo, medieval picture perfect Dinan deep in the Breton countryside and the unmistakeable Mont St Michel sitting alone in a huge bay 1km from the mainland.
This is a fairly undemanding cycle tour where the emphasis is on relaxing rides and you are able to enjoy the countryside with plenty of time to stop and explore. The longest day is just 30 miles and much of the terrain is pretty flat so this is a tour that is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
On arrival make your way to your first hotel in St Malo. After check-in you are free to relax or explore this historic walled city with its wonderful narrow streets.
Your first ride leads you eastwards along the coast to Pointe-du-Grouin, a scenic viewpoint looking out to sea. You then head for the port of Cancale, a popular place to stop for lunch, thanks to it's famed oyster farms. The views across the bay towards Mont Saint Michel from the picturesque harbour are an added bonus. The route then leads you around the sweeping bay towards Mont Saint Michel. You stop or the night in the seaside village of Le Vivier sur Mer or in some cases the charming town of St-Méloir-des-Ondes.
Today is all about Mont St Michel. The rocky islet is in view for most of your ride today. Initially you cycle beside the bay, enjoying marvellous sea views, before heading inland along a network of quiet lanes and tracks. Before long you reach the causeway leading out to Mont St Michel itself. Spend the afternoon exploring this unique place on foot. Wander the medieval streets lined with timber-framed houses and take in the imposing abbey before recrossing the causeway and heading to your overnight accommodation in the pleasant town of Pontorson.
Today's lovely route leads you through the Breton hinterlands, past lakes, forests and peaceful villages. Eventually the network of quiet lanes delivers you to the delightful town of Combourg, famous for its medieval fortress overlooking the Lac Tranquille. You will spend the night in this charming little town.
A beautiful ride today along wonderfully quiet lanes and cycle paths through the Breton countryside. idyllic little villages tempt you to stop for a beak here and there. For much of the route you will be following a delightfully peaceful path beside the Canal d'Ille et Rance. The canal leads you to the beautiful, 12th century town of Dinan where you will spend the night. The narrow, winding, cobbled streets, lined with colourful half-timbered houses create an almost fairytale-like atmosphere and are an absolute joy to explore on foot.
Your final ride closes the circle, delivering you back to St. Malo. Today's memorable route follows the ever widening La Rance river as it heads for the coast. Locks and small marinas punctuate the route and you should definitely factor in a lunch stop at Saint-Suliac, a small fishing port often considered to be one of France's most beautiful villages. The route continues to flirt with the Rance estuary before finally delivering you to the lovely old fortified town of St. Malo, the perfect place to celebrate completing your Brittany cycling adventure.
After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure.
On this trip you can opt for regular hybrid bikes, trekking bikes or electric bikes.
The regular bikes provided on this route are modern alloy framed models with 27 speeds. They offer a very comfortable, upright riding position, perfect for sightseeing a long the way.
The trekking bikes offer a more dynamic riding position and front suspension - they also feature 27 speeds. These bikes will best suit experienced cyclists who appreciate a more sporty riding position.
The electric bikes come with 9 or 10 speed transmission and feature step-thru frames for ease of use.
All bikes come with a 20 litre pannier, a handlebar bag, front/rear lights and bike lock. Additionally, one repair kit is provided per booking.
Helmets are not provided, so you will need to bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Comfort: Comfortable hotels and guesthouses.
Saint Malo: Hotel Kyriad
Le Vivier Sur Mer: Hotel du Beau Rivage
Pontorson: Hotel Ariane
Combourg: Hotel du Chateau
Dinan: Hotel Arvor
Superior: Good quality hotels and guesthouses.
Saint Malo: Hotel La Villefromoy
Saint Méloir des Ondes: Maison Tirel Guerin
Mont Saint Michel: Hotel Mercure
Dinan: Hotel d’Avaugour
Local taxes: Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. The fee varies and is frequently changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Take a ferry to St Malo from Portsmouth, Weymouth or Poole. You can also fly to St Malo with Ryanair from Stansted and East Midlands. You can consider travelling to Paris and then taking the train from Paris Montparnasse train station to St Malo - journey time 3 hours.
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