France's Côte Sauvage
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 seafood and crepes and a proud people eager to welcome.
Only Great Explorations:
La Baule-Escoublac, France
Starting Location
Billiers, France
Day 3-4
Locmariaquer, France
Day 5
Hennebont, France
End Location
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| May 18-25 | May 23-30 |
| May 24-31 | Jun 6-13 |
| Jun 7-14 | Jun 20-27 |
| Jun 21-28 | Sep 5-12 |
| Sep 6-13 | Sep 19-26 |
| Sep 20-27 | Oct 3-10 |
| Oct 4-11 |
Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity Level48 km (30 miles daily average) with optional longer routes
TerrainModerate terrain
CostLand Cost
US $3,700
Includes 7B/2L/6D
Single Supplement
US $940
Bike Rentals
Hybrid: US$380
Racing (Wilier model): US$480
E-Bikes*: 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.
Getting There
La Baule can be reached by train from Paris Montparnasse; the journey takes approx. 3 hours. From Paris, you have a direct train to Nantes (beautiful city and architecture you would want to visit before or after your trip). From there, train or buses are easy access to get to La Baule.
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.
Distance: 32 km; 150 m gain
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.
Distance: 36 km; 220 m gain
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 Ruicard, which offers a beautiful view of the old port.
Distance: 52 km; 440 m gain
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.
Distance: 50 km; 500 m gain
La Roche-Bernard to Locmariaquer
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.
Distance: 50km; 300 m gain or 85 km; 675 m gain
Locmariaquer 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.
Distance: 47 km; 300 m gain
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.
Distance: 52 km; 120 m gain
Depart
We will provide a transfer to the Hennebont train station by 10 a.m.
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.
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!
This former 19th-century farmhouse transformed into a boutique hotel proposes 20 rooms and suites entirely decorated in the “Family House” spirit.
Protected by its charming and historic ramparts, the 3-star Hôtel de la Citadelle enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the city and only 250m from the beach. The hotel has a spa and good restaurant and Port-Louis is a charming beach-side village to stay in.
Tour Reviews
“Food extraordinary; guides outstanding; my racing bike was superb!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“We have cycled in most every region of France- Brittany was one of our favourites- certainly the best sea-food we have tasted.”
“You exceeded expectations yet again!”
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