"Overall, we really enjoyed the trip, and wish it was longer! "

- 2009 Brittany Traveler

This is a self guided cycling tour, but you are not alone! Learn more!
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Tours > Cycling Tours > Brittany Tours > Celtic Brittany

Celtic Brittany Cycling & Belle Ile Tour

One of France's most rugged regions, Brittany is a fascinating mix of spectacular coastline, ancient towns, magical islands and inland woods. A Celtic duchy for more than one thousand years before its annexation to France in 1532, it is a land rich in culture, tradition and history. This trip goes out to the Atlantic coast where the Bretons are intensely connected. Starting in Lorient, a larger town that was mostly rebuilt after WWII, the tour goes down the Quiberon penisula with a stop at famous Carnac, then over to the oasis of Belle Ile. Then return back to Lorient via inland routes including Auray on an inlet to the Gulf of Morbihan.

In Brittany, there is a saying that it is sunny many times per day! Yes, it can rain, but often not sustained. Bring a rain jacket, but don't miss unique and beautiful Brittany!


Tour Details


Maps & Profiles

NOTE: Please click on the profile image to see the complete profile in true relief; the thumbnail version below is automatically made small and this distorts the actual relief of the terrain.

Day-2 Day-3 Day-4 Day-5

BRETAGNE_Celtic_Lorient-Carnac

BRETAGNE_Celtic_Carnac-Quiberon

BRETAGNE_Celtic_Loop Belle Ile

BRETAGNE_Celtic_Quiberon-Auray
Day-6      

BRETAGNE_Celtic_Auray-Lorient

      

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2

Day 2: Lorient to Carnac 49 km: To start your tour, we have included one of the most intriguing site in Brittany: Carnac, famous as the site of more than 3,000 prehistoric standing stones. The stones were hewn from local rock and erected by the pre-Celtic people of Brittany. Local tradition claims that the reason they stand in such perfectly straight lines is that they are a Roman legion turned to stone by Merlin (the magician!). You spend the night in a charming 3* hotel in Carnac. Dinner on your own. (B)

Hotel Tumulus

3

Carnac

Top quality 3 star hotel, this charming and characterful little hotel has been upholding a tradition...

DAY 3

Day 3:Carnac to Quiberon, 25km. Today, you head south to Quiberon. You will discover the beautiful shore of Quiberon bay, one of Europes most beautiful bay. Take some time to visit Port Haliguen, home to more than 1,000 yachts. Many years ago, the German artist Karsten Klingbeil gave the town two statues, facing each others : the "fisherman" and the "Ondine". You spend the night in a 3* hotel in Quiberon. Dinner included. (B,D)

Hotel Bellevue

3

Quiberon

Recently renovated, all rooms have been tastefully decorated and furnished to offer a warm and lumin...

DAY 4

Day 4: Quiberon-Belle Isle-Quiberon; 47 km option: Leave the mainland and head to the beautiful island of Belle Ile. You cycle to the harbor from where you catch a ferry that will take you to Le Palais, on Belle Ile. Belle Ile is a short 45 minutes away by ferry from Quiberon and is only 10 miles long and 6 miles wide! It is the setting for a portion of The Man in the Iron Mask, an adventure novel by 19th century French writer Alexandre Dumas. The coasts are a mixture between dangerously sharp cliff edges on the southwest side, the Cote Sauvage (Wild coast), and calm placid beaches (the largest being les Grands Sables (The great sands)). Take the ferry back to Quiberon and return to same hotel. Dinner included.(B,D)

Hotel Bellevue

3

Quiberon

Recently renovated, all rooms have been tastefully decorated and furnished to offer a warm and lumin...

DAY 5

Day 5: Quiberon to Auray, 42 km. Cycle to Auray, a town with a rich history and heritage. This is where Benjamin Franklin disembarked in 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War on his way to Paris. This ancient town with its picturesque medieval harbour of Saint-Goustan features an old stone bridge (Called Pont Neuf - New Bridge). You stay in a charming hotel near the harbour. Dinner on your own. (B)

Hotel Le Marin

2

Auray

The Hotel Le Marin is a friendly refuge with 12 rooms, nestled in the heart of the historical centre...

DAY 6

Day 6: Auray to Lorient, 40 km.You will enjoy a quiet ride back to Lorient today. Along the way, you discover the beautiful town of Hennebont. It is situated about ten miles from the mouth of the Blavet, which divides it into two parts: the Ville Close, the medieval military town, and the Ville Neuve on the left bank and the Vieille Ville on the right. The Ville Neuve developed during the 17th century and later than the Ville Close, while the Vieille Ville is older than either. Overnight in Lorient, dinner on your own. (B)

Hotel Cleria

2

Lorient

Refining Lorient tradition with contemporary decor, the Hotel Cleria is a hospitable hideaway for di...

DAY 7

Day 7: Departure day. Return by train to Paris, or extend your discovery of Brittany with a car rental and we can arrange a visit through the region up to Normandy and back to Paris! (B)


General Tour Information

Celtic Brittany Cycling Tour
6 Nights / 7 Days
Dates
This tour departs any day subject to hotel availability, April through September 2011.

Level
Terrain is rolling to flat. Level is intermediate (2), rolling countryside and possible coastal weather add to rating level. Average riding of 44 km/day.

Details

Arrival city is Lorient, which is accessible from Paris by TGV train.

Brittany Region festivals and events

Tour Map


Total Distance:
234 km

Total Uphill:
1736 m

Total Downhill:
1736 m

Level: 2

Misc Info
Triples and larger rooms are occasionally available, please book in advance.

Optional Services:

Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.

Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.

What's Included

The trip includes 3 star superior hotels of charm with private shower and bathroom, 2 dinners, and breakfast daily, baggage transfer from hotel to hotel, detailed guide maps and cue sheets, GPS, orientation with bike delivery at first hotel, tourist information, and local emergency support. We also provide travel planning services to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers.

Hotels include in order: Hotel Cleria, Hotel Tumulus, Hotel Bellevue, Hotel Le Marin, Hotel Cleria. Superior rooms may occassionally be available.

Additional Nights: please inquire, it is rarely a problem to add nights.

Tour Rates

Price

Standard - 2&3 star hotels

Double Occupancy:

1240 €/person

Triple Occupancy:

1015 €/person

Solo Supplement:

740 €

Single supplements with 2 or more travelers:

295 €

 

***Bike Rentals are available for a supplement of 105 euros, please see the Bike Rental tab for all details about the bikes we offer.

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Photos & Videos

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Bike Info

Bike Rentals:


105 euros (click to view) Scott Sportster P3/P4/P40 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included.

Scott Sportster P3/P4/P40 hybrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region!


You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, and much more!

Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!


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