Skip to main content

The 5 best bike rides in Brittany

Looking for beautiful landscapes, the sea, and the great outdoors? Let go and get pedalling in Brittany! Our selection of cycling itineraries will take you around typical roads, coastlines, and villages. The ideal way to recharge your batteries.

Book a train ticket

Contents

In the Gulf of Morbihan

Morbihan by bike

Cycle around Morbihan? It can be done! Head for the Rhuys peninsula to admire the protected landscapes of Arzon-Port du Crouesty and Port Navalo, with views of the islands of Houat and Hoëdic and the Quiberon peninsula.

Bicycle rental

Need to get a bike before saddling up? Contact rental companies with the Accueil Vélo label: Cycles de l'Océan (50 Rue Centrale, Arzon) and Vélo & Cycle Abbis (11 Place d'Artimon, Arzon).

Getting to Arzon by train + bus

From Vannes, take the bus to Arzon (about 45 mins)

>> Book your train tickets to Vannes

Coucher de soleil en Bretagne
Coucher de soleil en Bretagne - © Vincent Croce

From Pointe du Raz to Penmarc’h

Cycling and cultural walks

If you're looking for a breathtaking landscape that feels like the edge of the world, head for Cornouaille, in Finistère. From the Pointe du Raz, cycle along the cliffs overlooking the ocean, going from headland to headland. The route to Penmarc’h is dotted with spectacular sites and biological and ornithological reserves that bear witness to the region's natural wealth. Along the way, stop off at the 60-metre-tall Eckmühl lighthouse, which offers a breathtaking view.

Bicycle rental

Need to get a bike before saddling up? Drop in to Cap 2 Roo (Rue de Kérivoas, Audierne) to hire your mount!

Getting to Audierne by train + bus

Take the 53 bus from Quimper to Audierne. The journey takes around 1 hour.

>> Book your train tickets to Quimper

On the banks of the Ille et Rance canal

From Rennes to Saint-Malo

There's no better way to explore some of Brittany's most emblematic cities than along the banks of the Ille et Rance canal. From Rennes to Saint-Malo, with Dinan and Dinard in between, the route winds its way through the Breton countryside, passing flower-bedecked locks and picturesque villages.

Sleeping in a house boat

The itinerary offers the chance to make several stops to enjoy the route and its tranquillity, for example by spending a night on the water, in a house boat. Cycling along the banks of the Ille et Rance canal is a unique experience and ideal for reconnecting with nature!

Need to get a bike before saddling up? In Rennes, visit Abicyclette Voyages (bike delivery).

>> Book your train tickets to Rennes

Lake Guerlédan and the Nantes-Brest canal

From Rostrenen to Gouarec

This tour takes you through natural landscapes of unsuspected beauty. From Rostrenen, follow the Vélodyssée route to Gouarec. Take a break to discover the double lock at Coat Natous, and admire the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié. Built of freestone in the early 16th century, the chapel has remained unchanged ever since.

From Nantes to Brest

At Gouarec, continue along the towpath of the Nantes-Brest canal and around Lake Guerlédan, a small inland sea of over 300 hectares where you can go for a swim. This magnificent body of water, formed by the construction of a hydroelectric dam, is nestled in the vast Quénécan forest. A paradise for lovers of green tourism!

On your way, stop off at the Abbaye de Bon‑Repos and let yourself be charmed by the magic of the place. Situated on the banks of the canal at the edge of the Quénécan forest, the Abbaye de Bon‑Repos now hosts a number of contemporary art exhibitions.

Another loop from Rostrenen takes you along an old railway line to Lake Guerlédan. Then you'll join the Vélodyssée itinerary to cycle along the peaceful banks of the Nantes-Brest canal.

To rent your bike: Base Départementale de Plein Air de Guerlédan

Getting to Guerlédan by train + bus

From Carhaix, take the 20 bus to Guerlédan (about 1 hour). You are 2.3 km from the Base Départementale (about a 30-minute walk).

>> Book your train tickets for Carhaix

Une femme à vélo sur la Vélomaritime
La Vélomaritime, littoral de Plougasnou - © E. Berthier / EV4

In the Bay of Morlaix

Vélomaritime

EuroVelo 4, also known as Vélomaritime, is a cycle route that stretches over 1,400 km, from Roscoff to Dunkirk. Leaving from Morlaix, a section of the Vélomaritime allows you to explore the Bay of Morlaix and its "confetti": dozens of islands and islets that are revealed at the mercy of the tides. A delicate, poetic setting, ideal for exploring by bike.

Breton architectural and cultural heritage

Along the way, you'll come across a number of emblematic examples of Brittany's architectural and cultural heritage: the “Pondalez” timbered houses of Morlaix, the lighthouse on Île Noire, the Cairn of Barnenez and the Château du Taureau, standing alone on its islet in the middle of the sea...

Need to get a bike before saddling up? You'll find what you're looking for at MLC Mor'les Cycles, which has received the Accueil Vélo label. (5 Rue de Paris, Morlaix).

>> Book your train tickets to Morlaix

Did you enjoy this article? Share it!

SNCF Connect

04/03/2024