Beaches. If Brittany has to be known for only one thing it would be its beaches; great swathes of golden sand and tumbling dunes line two thirds of this enriched region. With such a dominant coastal feature it’s no surprise that Bretons have relied on the sea as its lifeline for time immemorial. Eking out a tough life for themselves on the rocky, unforgiving shores of this rugged land full of Celtic blood, mythology and Neolithic mysticism. The rich heritage here is Celtic with Welsh and Irish settlers; only in the 16th Century did it become a province of France. It has a proud and much-celebrated megalithic history with many impressive stone displays like the mysterious Carnac, the largest on the peninsula.
Starting in La Baule you will visit towns such as Locmariaquer, places that stir the soul, captivate the imagination and ignite the senses. Luckily for you it’s one of the great and undiscovered regions of the country, unhinged from the thralls of tourists, providing you great liberty to soak up its drama, enchantment and history. In a land as rich as this we thought it appropriate to provide you as much time for discovery as possible; layover days will provide the facility of time for ample exploration, relaxation and cultivation. So come on, be Breizh!
La Baule-Escoublac, France
Day 1+2
Billiers, France
Day 3+4
Locmariaquer, France
Day 5
Hennebont, France
Day 6+7+8
| Start any date between May 1 and Oct 31. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
48 km (30 mi) daily average
TerrainModerate
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,825
Single Supplement: US $700
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,550
Single Supplement: US $880
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: 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 hrs.
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.
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.
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.
Distance: 56 km; elevation gain: 460 m
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.
Distance: 49 km; elevation gain: 450 m
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.
Distance: 67 km; elevation gain: 530 m or 85 km; elevation gain: 675 m
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.
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. The Classic trip will stay in Port-Louis, where you can stroll to dinner options.
Distance: 52 km; elevation gain: 120 m
Depart
Depart at your leisure from Hennebont train station.
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.
This stunning Relais & Château property radiates Old World charm with warm hospitality. The Belle Epoque manor set amid idyllic grounds, facing the Atlantic Ocean makes for a dramatic and serene location to start your tour.
This unique Relais & Château hotel boasts a collection of beautifully restored buildings, dramatically situated on a rocky precipice on the coast. With impeccable service, incomparable natural beauty and sumptuous spa offerings, this hotel sets itself apart from the rest and will be a highlight of your trip.
This former 19th-century farmhouse transformed into a boutique hotel proposes 20 rooms and suites entirely decorated in the “Family House” spirit.
*Classic Accommodation
This magnificent Relais & Châteaux property (having undergone extensive renovations in 2023) is set between the ocean and forest overlooks the serene Blavet River.
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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