In the northwest of France lies one of the great undiscovered regions of the country; dramatic coastline, lush forests and enchanting villages are the initial draw. Look deeper and see a rich land revealed – from the beaches of La Baule to medieval villages such as Guérande and Sarzeau to the pre-historic megaliths of Carnac the Breton Coast is our newest discovery offering gentle cycling, gastronomy of sea-food and crepes and a proud people eager to welcome.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
  • A ride you will never forget: from Locmariaquer to Hennebont passing standing menhirs saluting you as you glide past
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
  • Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

La Baule

La Baule-Escoublac, France

Starting Location

Billiers

Billiers, France

Day 3-4

Locmariaque

Locmariaquer, France

Day 5

Hennebont

Hennebont, France

End Location

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
GPS data
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Jun 4-11
Jun 18-25
Jul 2-9
Jul 9-16
Aug 27-Sep 3

2024

Jun 2-9
Jun 16-23
Jun 30-Jul 7
Jul 7-14
Aug 25-Sep 1

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

La Baule / Hennebont

ACTIVITY LEVEL

48 km (30 miles daily average) with optional longer routes

TERRAIN

Moderate terrain

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,450 pp
Includes 7B/2L/6D

Single Supplement:
US $860

Bike Rental:
US $325

E-Bike Rental:
US $560

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.  

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

La Baule: La Baule can be reached by train from Paris Montparnasse; the journey takes approx. 3 hours.


1

Day 1

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. *

2

Day 2

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.*

3

Day 3

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.*

4

Day 4

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.*

5

Day 5

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. * 

6

Day 6

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. *

7

Day 7

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.*

8

Day 7

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. 

Hotel Saint-Christophe, La Baule

Surrounded by large gardens full of flowers and trees in the heart of La Baule, this 19th Century villa-style hotel exudes a trimmed English style with chic French flair. The hotel is situated on one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.


L’Auberge Bretonne, La Roche-Bernard

This 3-star hotel is a beautiful manor house and is ideally located in the Old Quarter. The restaurant has the reputation as one of the bests in town!


La Villa Bel Ange, Saint Philibert

This intimate seaside hotel de charme has bright, comfortable guest rooms, a lounge area with library, sauna and terrace bar.
Alt: Hotel Le Lodge Kerisper


Château de Locguénolé, Hennebont

This magnificent Relais & Châteaux property set between the ocean and forest overlooks the serene Blavet River. It has been in the same family since the 15th Century with the rooms filled with antiques and art acquired over the generations. The Michelin starred restaurant here pays tribute to varied Breton produce and local seafood.



			

Trip Reviews

April 5, 2021

“You exceeded expectations yet again!”

April 5, 2021

“We have cycled in most every region of France- Brittany was one of our favourites- certainly the best sea-food we have tasted.”

April 5, 2021

“The trip was great- we loved the itinerary which provided a nice mix of interesting riding, villages, and sites. The guides were knowledgeable and really went out of their way to ensure we enjoyed ourselves. Loved Chateau Locguenole- thank you!”

January 14, 2019

“A beautiful part of France, more than met our expectations. Our guides were extraordinary, food was a culinary delight (trip should be promoted as a culinary tour), scenery and towns gorgeous.”

December 5, 2018

“The cycling, French food, scenery, architecture, flowers and shrubs, the company, our guides: all delightful! Sebastien went “over and above” to help us with our airline/ hotel difficulties.”

December 5, 2018

“Food extraordinary; guides outstanding; my racing bike was superb!”

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