Brittany challenging
Known as a land of myths and legends, Brittany is also the birthplace of cycling legends like Bernard Hinault and Louison Bobet. The awesome landscapes and history of Brittany make it an unforgettable travel destination.Cliffs that fall directly into the ocean, medieval villages with a rich cultural heritage and a beautiful countryside; Brittany won’t stop amazing you with its breathtaking scenery. Your voyage will take you from the famous Bay Mont Saint Michel on the Normandy frontier, along the beautiful coastline of northern Brittany, and travel to the symbolic towns of Brittany: Rennes, Saint Malo, and Dinard. Finish with the spectacular landscapes of the extreme point of Arcouest and admire the mysterious island of Bréhat. Not to mention the unique local gastronomy: crepes, cider, oysters and seafood. There is something for everyone.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Brittany
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Biking
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in Rennes
Arrive in Rennes. This city is easily accessible from Paris. Our guide will meet you at your hotel to present your trip, set your bike up, and give you all the information necessary for an excellent stay in Brittany, all with enough time to take a stroll around Rennes, the capital of Brittany.
Accommodation : Hôtel Anne de Bretagne - "Rennes"
Accommodation : Hôtel Baltazar - "Rennes"
Day 2 : Rennes to Mont Saint Michel
Distance 1 : 68 Miles - 110 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 850 Meters
You will leave the capital of Brittany for a night in Normandy. You will ride along the quaint little country roads towards the sea. The steeple of the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel will be your beacon towards this world renowned island.
Accommodation : Hôtel Gabriel - "Le Mont-Saint-Michel"
Accommodation : Relais Saint Michel - "Le Mont Saint Michel"
Day 3 : Mont Saint Michel to Saint Malo
Distance 1 : 68 Miles - 109 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 630 Meters
Follow the bay of Mont Saint-Michel then ride along the Emerald Coast after a detour through the countryside and town of Combourg. Today you will discover a mixture of countryside and sea landscapes with many charming stone villages along the way: Dol de Bretagne, Combourg, Le Mont Dol and the picturesque fishing village of Cancale where you can sample fresh oysters.
Accommodation : Hotel de l'Univers - "Saint Malo"
Accommodation : Maison des Armateurs - "St Malo"
Day 4 : Saint Malo to Lamballe
Distance 1 : 85 Miles - 137 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 1550 Meters
Ride along the coastline from port to port and cape to cape. Admire the beautiful architecture of Dinard, then the colorful boats in the ports of Saint Cast and Erquy. Between the two, discover Cap Fréhal and its impressive cliffs rising over 70 meters above the sea. Finish the day in the calm parks of your hotel manor.
Accommodation : Hôtel le Manoir des portes - "Lamballe"
Accommodation : Hôtel le Manoir des portes - "Lamballe"
Day 5 : Lamballe to Quay Portrieux
Distance 1 : 78 Miles - 126 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 1440 Meters
Today you will follow in the footsteps of the most famous cyclist from Brittany. Multiple winner of the Tour de France, Bernard Hinault was raised in the villages of the Saint Brieuc Bay. Your route will follow the back country roads and hills that remind us that Brittany is not flat! But the amazing scenery is well worth the effort: high rising cliffs that fall into the sea and beautiful white sand beaches for the pleasure of all.
Accommodation : Hôtel Ker Mor - "Saint-Quay-Portrieux"
Accommodation : Hôtel Ker Mor - "Saint-Quay-Portrieux"
Day 6 : Quay Portrieux to Paimpol
Distance 1 : 66 Miles - 107 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 804 Meters
Today is another excursion into the countryside and the region known as l’Armor (land of the sea) and l’Argoat (land of soil) that brings you to Guingamp, a town with a rich architectural heritage. Then ride the hillsides Armorican and discover the windfarms. You will join the river Trieux and visit the charming town of Pontrieux. From here you will rapidly join the coast and today’s destination port of Paimpol.
Accommodation : Hôtel le K’Loys - "Paimpol"
Accommodation : Hôtel Les Terrasses de Bréhat - "Ploubazlanec"
Day 7 : Loop to admire islands of Bréhat
Distance 1 : 43 Miles - 69 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 750 Meters
Today you will mount your bike for a final loop in the neighboring towns of Ploubazlanec and Plouézec with their typical Breton architecture and rich cultural heritage. It’s another opportunity to appreciate the sea from Point de L’Arcouest and admire the islands of Bréhat and their amazing granite pink colored rocks.
Accommodation : Hôtel le K’Loys - "Paimpol"
Accommodation : Hôtel Les Terrasses de Bréhat - "Ploubazlanec"
Day 8 : Departure Day from Ploubazlanec
Enjoy a nice breakfast and leave when you are ready.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
The Balthazar Hotel & Spa is a luxury 5-star hotel nestled in the heart of Rennes, a city filled with art and history. Its location allows to rapidly join museums, spectacles, bars, restaurants, and stores…This design hotel, established in an elegant townhouse, offers you a unique contemporary environment.
Day : 2
Overlooking the Mont Saint Michel Bay, with an unforgettable view of the world's most spectacular tidal phenomenon, in the heart of a landscaped park and flower-filled gardens, awaits the Relais Saint Michel hotel. The hotel is tastefully decorated and equipped with the most modern facilities for your comfort. There is also a lounge bar and terrace to relax over a cocktail and take in the amazing panoramic views.
Day : 3
Located in the heart of St Malo, La Maison des Armateurs is the only 4 star hotel in St Malo Intra Muros. Choose a Sailor's Cabin, Major's or Lieutenant 's Room, Captain's or Admiral's Suite. Centrally located, all of Saint Malo is within a 5 minute walk, the Saint-Malo ramparts, the Beaches, the Casino, Restaurants and shop.
Day : 4
Located at Lamballe, in the heart of Penthièvre en Bretagne, this small manor built in the 16th century offers serenity and the charm of an authentic residence. A true haven of peace in the Lamballe countryside, the rooms of the hotel are comfortable with a pleasant view of the manor’s gardens.
Day : 5
The hotel Ker Moor is situated near the center of Saint Quay Portrieux (5 minutes by foot). Saint-Quay-Portrieux is a charming place which has its own fishing port, marina and casino. The hotel Ker-Moor stands proudly on top of the cliffs, and gives you a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea, inlets and islands across Brittany’s coasts
Day : 6, 7
Les Terrasses de Bréhat, built in an amazing setting between pink rocks, will reveal the beauty of a place inspired by the sea revealing all the authenticity of Brittany. Its panorama offers a magnificent view of the wild coastline of Bréhat. Les Terrasses de Bréhat is a luxurious hotel right in front of the island of Bréhat, just a few footsteps from the pier. You can easily join on foot or bike the surrounding village and ports of Ploubazlanec.
Day : 1
Located in the heart of Rennes, the hotel Anne de Bretagne is situated nearby the old city center and its medieval streets as well as many bars and restaurants. Major cultural animations: house of Anne de Bretagne, the National Theater of Brittany, and the Opera are only a few minutes by foot. This modern hotel has all the necessary comforts. You will be enchanted by its calm and pleasant surroundings.
Day : 2
Enjoy the original atmosphere of this entirely renovated 3 star hotel. The rooms are spacious and decorated in an ambiance « pop » to add a bit of color to your stay at the foot of Mont Saint Michel. Only ten minutes by bike from the famous Mont Saint Michel, the Hotel Gabriel is ideally situated to discover the Abbey and town.
Day : 3
L'Univers is situated in the town centre, at the Chateaubriand place and in front of the castle, close by the seaside. The hotel has a special atmosphere with a coziness aspect, and is also an historic place. Located in intra muros in front of the castle, the Hôtel de l'Univers with its 64 rooms welcomes you all year round within the refuge of the ramparts of Saint Malo.Ideally situated within reach of beaches and the piers for Dinard, Dinan via the river Rance, Cézembre and the Channel Islands Guernsey and Chausey.Its terrace invites you to make the most of the summer entertainment on the square and in the Mecca of the local navy, the Univers bar is an incontrovertible place to meet with friends and to get the nostalgic adventure boat stories...
Day : 4
Located at Lamballe, in the heart of Penthièvre en Bretagne, this small manor built in the 16th century offers serenity and the charm of an authentic residence. A true haven of peace in the Lamballe countryside, the rooms of the hotel are comfortable with a pleasant view of the manor’s gardens.
Day : 5
The hotel Ker Moor is situated near the center of Saint Quay Portrieux (5 minutes by foot). Saint-Quay-Portrieux is a charming place which has its own fishing port, marina and casino. The hotel Ker-Moor stands proudly on top of the cliffs, and gives you a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea, inlets and islands across Brittany’s coasts
Day : 6, 7
The hotel Le K’Loys is situated in the historical center of Paimpol, directly on the port. This hotel offers the charm of a former ship-owners home with a typical architecture of Breton. The decoration is cozy and its ideal situation allows easy access to commodities.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT Addict RC 20 Disc comes with all the great features of the Addict, but is equipped with disc brakes. A lightweight HMF Carbon frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra, Syncros components and Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes combine to create a lightning fast climber that performs at its best in ALL weather conditions. Saddle Bag Containing: • Toolkit • Tire levers • Patch kit • 2 spare tubes • 1 hand pump. • Helmet • 2 souvenir water bottles • Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Road bike - Performance
SCOTT ADDICT RC 20 DISC - ( or equivalent) with supplement (90€) 
Having racked up stage wins in the Tour de France, wins at Milan San Remo and Liege Bastogne Liege just to name a few, it is safe to say that the FOIL has made a name for itself in recent years. Available in S, M, L.
Road bike - Premium
SCOTT FOIL 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (150€) 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Standard
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement (45€) |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
- All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLX
Saddle Bag Containing:
- Toolkit,
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 2 spare tubes
- 1 hand pump.
- Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- 2 souvenir water bottles
- Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Accessories
INCLUDED
GPS are included on most of our tours since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 68 Miles - 110 Km Elevation gain 1 : 850 Meters
Option 1: 68 Miles - 109 Km Elevation gain 1 : 630 Meters
Option 1: 85 Miles - 137 Km Elevation gain 1 : 1550 Meters
Option 1: 78 Miles - 126 Km Elevation gain 1 : 1440 Meters
Option 1: 66 Miles - 107 Km Elevation gain 1 : 804 Meters
Option 1: 43 Miles - 69 Km Elevation gain 1 : 750 Meters
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- Road bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information (No directions step by step (No Cue-sheet).
- 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Rennes is very easy to travel to. There are many trains including the TGV (2h30 from Paris). There is also an international airport linking Rennes with many French and European cities.
For the return, the simplest way to leave Paimpol is to take a train all the way to Paris with only one transfer. It takes less than 5 hours.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1690 € | 360 € | 2700 € |
| Upgraded | 1890 € | 520 € | 3010 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| GPS | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Performance | 90 € |
| Premium | 150 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 45 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions