Brittany Biking

La Baule

Your trip starts in stylish and sophisticated La Baule, where white sand beaches (among the longest in Europe) are a short stroll from our hotel. We meet at 2 pm at the hotel for introductions and a warm-up ride along the Côte Sauvage to the fishing village of Le Croisic, a good introduction to this coastal region. We will meet at 7pm for a welcome wine reception and then enjoy dinner at the fine dining restaurant at the hotel.  Ride Distance: 32 km, elevation gain 150 m. *

Loop to Briere and Kerhinet

We cycle to an area known as the Briere, a living history museum, known internationally for the diversity of its flora and fauna. Until the 1950’s the area was known for its peat, which was used by locals as an inexpensive form of heating.  We visit Kerhinet, with its pedestrian streets and chaumières or thatched cottages, enjoying lunch in a local auberge. You’ll have the chance to explore the marshes by punt to see how peat was extracted before an easy cycle back to our hotel. On the way, we’ll visit a castle that was made a monument historique in 1925. Back in La Baule, visit the Bobino art gallery or the Musée Bernard Boesch or relax at one of the beachside cafes.   Ride Distance: 36 km, elevation gain 220 m.*

La Baule to La Roche-Bernard

Riding north from La Baule, you pass through the salt marshes where you’ll stop and see the harvesting of salt where locals use the same technique as their ancestors. Arrive to the fortified medieval village of Guérande to explore and have lunch. In the afternoon, ride through farmlands to La Roche-Bernard, a 1000 year old town which claims to be the home of the inventor of the guillotine.  It’s also famous for the Michelin-starred restaurant at our hotel! The narrow streets of the old quarter are pleasant to stroll; discover the Vilaine maritime museum and the Promenade du Riucard, which offers a beautiful view of the old port. Ride Distance: 52 km, elevation gain 440 m.*

Loop to Muzillac & Billiers

Today ride to historic Muzillac, founded in the 17th century and today with vibrant cafes and shops to visit. In Billiers, discover secluded beaches, ideal for a picnic lunch where a short beachside trail leads to the Cairn des Grays – a Neolithic burial site. The afternoon ride follows quiet roads through small villages. Back in La Roche-Bernard, we will lead a walking tour which will include stops to watch a potter at work in his studio, learn from a glass blower and learn about bee keeping (and taste the local honey) at the Maison de l’Abeille. Ride Distance: 50 km, elevation gain 500 m.*

La Roche-Bernard to Locmariaque

This is the longest ride of the tour (which can be shortened with a shuttle), but it is a mostly flat ride with gentle grades. The short ride will start from Surzur. We will visit the Château de Suscinio- a picturesque medieval castle once home to the dukes of Brittany. We’ll cycle along the route des Huitres- the most famous oyster-producing area in Brittany. In Port Novalo we ferry 15 min across to the fishing village of Locmariaquer where monuments and tombs from the megalithic civilization still stand. Ride Distance : 50km; 300m or 85km; 675m. * 

Locmariaque to Hennebont (Chateau de Locguenole)

We continue towards Hennebont passing through the legendary village of Carnac, one of the most famous megalithic monuments and ancient ruins in France. Further along, discover enchanting Île de Saint-Cado, named after the hermit who lived here in the 6th century. We will enjoy lunch at a restaurant on the River Etel. Afterwards, continue to the village of Plouhinec, rich in natural and architectural heritage. We stay at exquisite Château Locguenole, a Relais & Châteaux property with 40 hectare park. This is a night on your own for dinner – you can dine at the hotel’s  Michelin-starred restaurant or at a nearby bistro, or shuttle into Hennebont for more options.  Ride Distance: 47 km, elevation gain 300 m. *

Loop to Port Louis

Your last cycling day includes a loop with a possible stop at La Maison de Île Kerner, where you can learn about migrating birds and the oyster beds. Cycle to the sea-side village of Port Louis with its impressive 17th century citadel. Stop at Le Grand Plage (beach) and take a mid-day swim. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Breton restaurant overlooking the harbour and then make your way back along quiet roads to our hotel.  Enjoy a tennis game, swim in the large outdoor pool, or treat yourself to a spa treatment before our final night wine reception followed by dinner in the fabulous dining room where we toast our week of Breton discovery.  Ride Distance: 52 km, elevation gain 120 m.*

We will provide a transfer to the Hennebont train station by 10 am.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure. Guides have longer routes for those who want the challenge.