Cycling Holiday in North Brittany

The French poet Chateaubriand once described his native town of Saint-Malo, located at the mouth of the Rance, as a granite citadel. The historic old town of the seafaring city is surrounded by imposing fortress walls that are lapped by the Atlantic on three sides. Get in the mood for your cycling holiday in North Brittany on a tour of the ramparts. Enjoy the view over the lively harbour, the white sandy beaches and the emerald green sea. The cosy old town with its narrow cobbled streets is home to numerous restaurants serving Breton specialties. You are sure to find a nice spot here for the first dinner of your cycle tour!

You cycle along the Rance estuary on beautiful little roads with picturesque views. You can see your destination Dinan with its castle and high city walls from afar. Dinan is one of the oldest towns in Brittany. Get off your bike and explore the old town with its numerous colorful half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages on foot. The steep cobbled Rue du Jerzual is full of traditional workshops and stores run by weavers, glassblowers and wood gilders.

First, the route follows a towpath directly along the banks of the Rance. Shortly after Dinan, you pass the small village of Léhon with the picturesque Saint-Magloire Abbey. Continue cycling through the beautiful green countryside in the interior of North Brittany to Combourg. Idyllically situated on Lac Tranquille, this tranquil town is closely associated with Chateaubriand. The most famous French Romantic writer spent his childhood in the castle of Combourg. You should not miss out on a visit to this picture-book building. You can enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding area from the battlements.

Today's stage of your cycling holiday in North Brittany takes you past beautiful pastures and river landscapes to Fougères. The landmark of the town on the Nançon is the imposing medieval castle. It was once used to defend the Breton duchy and is considered a masterpiece of military architecture. Visit the castle and stroll through the pretty alleyways and streets of Fougères. The medieval quarter with its half-timbered houses and the remains of fulling and tan mills on the banks of the Nançon is well worth a visit.

From Fougères, you cycle slowly back towards the coast and discover the border area between Brittany and Normandy. Enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the idyllic little Breton villages along the way. At first, the forest and gorge-rich route includes a few climbs. The last section of the stage takes you along the Couesnon, the border river between the two regions. Your stage destination Pontorson is in Normandy. The town is considered the gateway to the world-famous Mont-Saint-Michel monastery castle, which is around ten kilometers away.

After a short time on the saddle, you will reach Mont-Saint-Michel, the cultural highlight of your cycling holiday in North Brittany. This masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture impresses even from afar. Pilgrims, monks and knights once lived on the mighty granite rock in the Wadden Sea. Take your time and explore the interlocking buildings and narrow alleyways. Then cycle through polder landscapes and along the coast to Cancale. The picturesque harbor town is famous for its oyster farming. Whether in a restaurant or at one of the numerous stalls in the harbour: This delicacy is definitely a must-try!

Along the Côte d'Émeraude – the Emerald Coast – you will experience the rugged beauty of the Breton coastal landscape up close. After a few kilometers of cycling, you will reach the Pointe du Grouin. The headland offers great panoramic views and is home to a rich bird and plant life. You cycle past beautiful beaches and cliffs. When the weather is fine, a swim stop is a must. The fine sandy beach of Anse du Guesclin is a particularly beautiful spot for this. Refreshed, you tackle the last section of your cycling holiday in North Brittany. You can already see the unique silhouette of your stage destination Saint-Malo in the distance.

After breakfast, your cycling holiday in North Brittany comes to an end. If you don't want to say goodbye to the beautiful Breton coast today, we will be happy to extend your stay in Saint-Malo.