Brittany Biking 8 Days

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. 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. La Baule often has film, music and art festivals in season. We recommend dinner at the hotel restaurant on this night. Ride Distance: 32 km, elevation gain 150 m. *

Loop to Briere and Kerhinet

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.  Visit Kerhinet, with its pedestrian streets and chaumières or thatched cottages, and enjoy 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 your hotel. On the way, 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 Billiers

Riding north from La Baule, you pass through the salt marshes to the fortified medieval village of Guérande, with narrow streets filled with arts and crafts galleries and specialty food shops. The town is entirely surrounded by ramparts; visit the Musée et les Remparts de Guérande where you can find out about the town’s salty history and walk along part of the remparts. Enjoy lunch at one of the crêperies and then continue 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. Ride Distance: 56 km, elevation gain 460 m.* Note – the Classic trip stays in La Roche-Bernard 

Loop to La Roche-Bernard

Ride quiet roads to picturesque La Roche Bernard, a 1000 year old town which claims to be the home of the inventor of the guillotine. 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 with lots of tempting lunch options.  In the afternoon, ride through historic and charming Muzillac, founded in the 17th century. Ride Distance: 49 km, elevation gain 450 m*. Note – the Classic trip loops to Billiers. 

Billiers to Locmariaque

This is the longest ride of the tour (which can be shortened with a shuttle to Surzur, or an additional night in Sarzeau** to break this day into two), but it is a mostly flat ride with gentle grades. You will want to visit the Château de Suscinio- a picturesque medieval castle once home to the dukes of Brittany. You will follow the route des Huitres- the most famous oyster-producing area in Brittany. In Port Novalo ferry 15 min across to the fishing village of Locmariaque where monuments and tombs from the megalithic civilization still stand. Ride Distance : 67 km; 530m or 85km; 675m ** Note- if you feel the distance is too long on this day, there is an option to add an additional night at a lovely hotel in Sarzeau and split this day into two. 

Locmariaque to Port-Louis/Hennebont 

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. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant on the River Etel and then afterwards, continue to the village of Plouhinec, rich in natural and architectural heritage. On the Classic trip, stay at Hôtel Spa de la Citadellein Port-Louis; on the Luxe trip, stay at the luxurious Château Locguenole, a Relais & Châteaux property with a Michelin starred restaurant. 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 l’ile 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 and take a mid-day swim. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Breton restaurant overlooking the harbor and then make your way back along quiet roads to your your hotel.  At Château Locguenole, enjoy a tennis game, swim in the large outdoor pool, or treat yourself to a spa treatment before dinner in the fabulous dining room and toast your week of Breton discovery.  Ride Distance: 52 km, elevation gain 120 m.*

Depart at your leisure from Hennebont train station.

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