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 and 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
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2019

June 8-15
Aug 31-Sep 7

2020

June 7-14
Aug 30-Sep 6

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

TRIP SIZE

8-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

La Baule/Hennebont

ACTIVITY LEVEL

48 km (30 miles daily average)

TERRAIN

Moderate terrain

COST

Land Cost (current year):
US $2950
Includes 7B/2L/6D

Single Supplement:
US $740

Bike Rental:
US $220

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 1-2

La Baule

Your trip starts in La Baule, where white sand beaches are a short stroll from our hotel. If time allows, take a warm-up ride along the Côte Sauvage to the fishing village of Le Croisic, a good introduction to this coastal region. Next day, we’ll cycle to an area known as the Briere and Kerhinet, with its pedestrian streets and chaumières or thatched cottages. 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.
Distance D1: 34 km, elevation gain 110 m.
Distance D2: 36 km, elevation gain 220 m.*

2

Day 3-4

Billiers

Riding north from La Baule, you pass through the salt marshes to the fortified medieval village of Guérande and then through farmlands to Billiers. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and see the harvesting of salt where locals use the same technique as their ancestors. Next day, your ride options will include La Roche Bernard, a 1000 year old town which claims to be the home of the inventor of the guillotine.
Distance D3: 32 km, elevation gain 112 m.
Distance D4: 59 km, elevation gain 171 m.*

3

Day 5

Locmariaque

Your ride begins with a glide past the Château de Suscinio- a medieval castle once home to the dukes of Brittany. You’ll also visit Sarzeau and Surzur and the route des Huitres- the most famous oyster-producing area in Brittany. In Port Novalo you’ll ferry across to fishing village of Locmariaquer where monuments and tombs from the megalithic civilization still stand.
Distance: 67 km, elevation gain 167 m.*

4

Day 6-7

Hennebont

Next day our journey will continue towards Hennebont passing through the legendary village of Carnac, one of the most famous megalithic monuments and ancient ruins in France. We stay at Château Locguenole, a Relais & Châteaux property with a Michelin starred restaurant. Your last cycling day includes a loop to the sea-side village of Port Louis with its impressive 17th century citadel.
Distance D6: 72 km, elevation gain 167 m.
Distance D7: 52 km, elevation gain 120 m.*

5

Day 8

Depart at your leisure from Hennebont train station.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Hôtel Saint Christophe, La Baule

Ideally located in the center of La Baule, just 100 meters from the sea, this 19th century villa-style hotel has beautifully decorated rooms, each with antique furniture and family heirlooms. The restaurant has superb cuisine featuring fresh sea food and farm produce served in the unique dining room or on the terrace.


L’Auberge des Deux Magots, La Roche-Bernard

This hotel is a beautiful landmark manor house situated in the Old Quarter. Built by a retired naval officer, the building now includes 15 guest rooms in a charming, stylish setting. The restaurant has the reputation as the best in town!


Hôtel des Trois Fontaines, Locmariaquer

The hotel on the Morbihan Gulf is decorated “marine style”, in perfect harmony with its surroundings, and set in a beautiful garden. The comfortable, simply furnished rooms offer an ideal respite at the end of your day’s adventures.


Château de Locguenole, Hennebont

Relais & Châteaux member. This property is described as a graceful château, built of native granite with white shutters, set on a vast esate that slopes down to a bay on the Blavet River. It has been in the same family for 5 centuries and boasts a michelin starred restaurant. 



			

		

				

					

			
			

		

		
			


	


 

                        
                    

                        

	
	
	



	

		
Trip Reviews

	

		

			


	
		
	
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
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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