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 Guerande 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.
Location
La Baule
La Baule-Escoublac, France
Day 1+2+3
Billiers
Billiers, France
Day 4+5
Locmariaquer
Locmariaquer, France
Day 6
Hennebont
Hennebont, France
Day 7+8+9
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
9 nights lodging
All breakfasts and 3 dinners
Luggage transfers
Use of a high quality performance hybrid and accessories
We require that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and map
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
2019 & 2020
Start any date between May 1 and October 31 Cannot Start on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays
Start any date between May 1 and October 31 Cannot Start on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
10 days / 9 nights, with 8 days cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
La Baule / Hennebont
ACTIVITY LEVEL
48 km (30 miles) daily average
TERRAIN
Moderate
COST
Classic Accommodation: US$2490
Single Supplement: US$740
Luxe Accommodation: US$4100
Single Supplement: US$1010
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. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Getting There
You start in La Baule. La Baule can be reached by train from Paris Montparnasse, the journey takes about 3 hours. Your trip finishes in Hennebont where you can take a train back to Paris, the journey takes between 4 to 5 hours.
1
Day 1-2-3
La Baule
Your trip starts in Le Baule, where white sand beaches are a short stroll from your hotel. On Day 2, ride along the Cote Sauvage to the fishing village of Le Croisic, a good introduction to this coastal region. Next day, cycle to an area known as the Briere and Kerhinet, with its pedestrian streets and chaumieres 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 your hotel.
Ride Distance Day 2: 30 km, elevation gain 53 m.
Ride Distance Day 3: 36 km, elevation gain 112 m.*
2
Day 4-5
Billiers
Riding north from Le Baule, you pass through salt marshes to the fortified medieval village of Guerande 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.
Ride Distance D4: 56 km, elevation gain 171 m.
Ride Distance D5: 50 km, elevation gain 196 m or 45 km, elevation gain 164 m.*
3
Day 6
Locmariaquer
Your ride begins with a glide past the Chateau 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.
Ride Distance: 82 km, elevation gain 167 m.*
4
Day 7-8 and 9
Hennebont
Next day your journey will continue towards Hennebont passing through the legendary village of Carnac, one of the most famous megalithic monuments and ancient ruins in France. Day 8+9 offer riding options to Nostang, Riantec and to the sea-side village of Port Louis with its impressive 17th century citadel.
Ride Distance Day 7: 52 km, elevation gain 120 m.
Ride Distance Day 8: 34 km, elevation gain 72 m.
Ride Distance Day 9: 30 km, elevation gain 116 m.*
5
Day 10
Depart after breakfast at your leisure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Hotel Saint Christophe, La Baule
Ideally located in the center of La Baule, just 100 meters from the sea, this 19th century villa-style 3-star hotel de charme has beautifully decorated rooms, each with antique furniture. The restaurant has superb cuisine featuring fresh sea food.
L’Auberge Bretonne, La Roche-Bernard
This 3-star hotel is a beautiful manor house situated in the Old Quarter. The restaurant has the reputation as the best in town!
Hotel des Trois Fontaines, Locmariaquer
The hotel on the Morbihan Gulf is decorated in perfect harmony with its surroundings set in a beautiful garden. Odile and Marc promise a warm welcome.
Chateau Locguenole, Hennebont *Luxe Inn
This Relais & Chateau property features a beautiful 19th century castle and stunning location overlooking the Blavet River. The Sabliere family has owned the property since the 15th century and has filled the rooms with antiques and art acquired over the generations. The facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, Turish baths and tennis courts. The Michelin starred restaurant here pays tribute to Breton produce and local seafood.
Luxe
Castel Marie Louise, La Baule
This beautiful 5-star Relais & Chateau property radiates Old World charm with warm hospitality; set amidst a park, the setting is charming. Inside you’ll find tastefully decorated rooms featuring fine antique furniture and an excellent restaurant.
Le Domaine de Rochevilaine, Billiers
This 4-star Relais & Chateaux hotel boasts a collection of beautifully restored buildings, dramatically situated on a precipice of the coast. As Karen Brown advocates in her hotel guide, “its setting typifies the most spectacular quality of Brittany.” Hardwood floors are covered in oriental carpets; the gardens bloom with wild flowers. The service is impeccable.
Chateau Locguenole, Hennebont
This Relais & Chateau property features a beautiful 19th century castle and stunning location overlooking the Blavet River. The Sabliere family has owned the property since the 15th century and has filled the rooms with antiques and art acquired over the generations. The facilities include an outdoor pool, sauna, Turish baths and tennis courts. The Michelin starred restaurant here pays tribute to Breton produce and local seafood.
Tour Reviews
“This was our third tour with you…by far the best yet. We also found Jerome and in particular his assistant, Cedric, to be very accommodating. They were by far the best area managers we have had in any of our trips with you. All of the hotels chosen were outstanding. We love everything in French countryside. Service by your office – excellent.”
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