Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Breakfasts plus
1 meals
Flights
available
Navigation App
Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Breakfasts plus
1 meals
Flights
available
Navigation App
It's almost impossible to resist the appeal of Brittany's spectacular Emerald Coast, with its pink granite cliffs and turquoise seas, wonderful white beaches and deserted little coves. Writers and artists, attracted by the stunning landscapes, dramatic views and vibrant Mediterranean-style colours, have been coming here for centuries, yet the region remains largely unspoilt with much of its original charm still intact.
So you'll see locals with shrimping buckets wading the beaches and fishermen cleaning out shells by hand. Be sure to sample the region's signature dish: the seafood platter, piled high with shiny pink lobster, king prawn, silver oysters, scallops and clams, all washed down with refreshingly cold Breton cider.
This itinerary, crowned by the 'Wonder of the West', Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Cite Corsaire of Saint Malo, will lead you through the different faces of Brittany with coast, land and sea panoramic views.
Please note: Cycling helmets are a legal requirement in France for children under 12. Riders of all bicycles and e-bikes must wear a high-visibility vest when cycling outside built-up areas at night or in conditions of poor visibility.
TERRAIN:
The route takes you on quiet country lanes, through forest to sleepy villages. Well marked cycling paths are used throughout.
Explore this historic port town made rich by its infamous naval privateers. St. Malo has always been the scene of great adventures throughout its long history and has managed to preserve its authentic atmosphere, characterised by ramparts, cobbled streets and old stone buildings.
You stay at Hotel La Villefromoy.
Hotel La Villefromoy, St Malo
A private mansion created in the 19th century, after a spa villa and then a guest house, the Hotel La Villefromoy in Saint-Malo has preserved its authenticity. This chic house, which looks like a “malouinière” – a vast demure from Saint-Malo – is ideally located in the heart of a residential area next to the sea. 80 m/263 ft from the beach, in a peace and calm environment, 26 high-quality and comfortable rooms await you. The elegant decoration peacefully merges modern elements with charms of the past. The hotel personnel, at your service 24h a day, offers you a warm and friendly welcome. A pleasant terrace, a lovely patio, a lounge bar and a showcase of gourmet and wellness products are available to embellish your stay.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Follow the coastline to Pointe du Grouin for spectacular sea views. Marking the westernmost tip of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, this brilliantly located headland not only allows you to benefit from sublime views eastwards, but also splendid ones to the west. The island just offshore is off-limits though as it's the preserve of birds.
Continue to Cancale, a quaint harbour known for its delicious oysters. Mention Cancale to a Frenchman or a foodie and the instant response will be 'oysters'; the magnificent molluscs have been cultivated in this attractive fishing village for hundreds of years.
Make your way to St. Meloir des Ondes village.
You stay at Domaine du Limonay.
Domaine du Limonay, St Meloir
Wonderfully located in the heart of the Emerald Coast, between the ramparts of Saint-Malo and the picturesque port of Cancale, the Hotel Restaurant & Spa is a place that combines rest, relaxation, comfort and charm. The restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious getaway: between sea and land. All using local, ultra-fresh, seasonal produce.
Cycle past marshlands and fishermen along the Bay which is a wonderful birding place. Also, at low tide, you can spot an amazing forest of kinds out there. It consists of many hundreds of wooden posts (known as bouchots) planted after the war to encourage the cultivation of mussels. The quality of the bay's moules de bouchots is renowned by the gourmets.
Then, a short ride will lead you to Mont-Saint-Michel. For 13 centuries, this rocky island, nestling in the heart of a huge, beautiful bay has been home to a magnificent abbey. Perched at the top of the islet, as if levitating, the building is like a mirage, always a mesmerising sight. From the top of the medieval ramparts, enjoy the wonderful view over the bay where the light reveals a different landscape every second.
You stay at Hotel Mercure.
Hotel Mercure , Mont St Michel
Relax in comfort near one of France’s most iconic landmarks at the Mercure Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as a flat-screen TV offering satellite and cable channels. The hotel’s renowned restaurant, Le Pré Salé, is well known in the region for its delicious seafood and local specialities. Meanwhile, the bar, Le Normandy, provides a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a drink at the end of your day.
Follow the quiet and easy riding former railway line converted today in a green way. This cycling path is going through quaint villages along the Couesnon river. Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the numerous lovely spots along your way.
Then, discover the heart of the inner land villages of Brittany. Combourg remains closely linked to Francois Rene de Chateaubriand, the most famous of all French Romantic authors, who found his inspiration here, at the end of the 18th century, in this historic, leafy green setting. Follow in the poet's footsteps, and enjoy the country atmosphere of Tranquille Lake, and the imposing castle.
You stay at Hotel du Chateau.
Hotel du chateau, Combourg
Located at the foot of the prestigious Chateaubriand residence and facing the quiet Lake, this property offers comfortable rooms opening onto the lake, the castle and the garden. The restaurant offers dishes from a tasty marriage between specialties of the sea and the soil.
Follow the peaceful cycling path at the rhythm of the Rance canal, locks and houseboat cruises, before arriving to Dinan. This beautifully preserved ancient walled town, with riverfront port and picturesque half-timbered buildings, is an absolute gem. Wander round the marvellously restored ancient squares and ramparts, visit the imposing 13th century castle (with dungeon), admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and stroll the lovely cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops.
You stay at Hotel Mercure Jerzual.
Hotel Le Jerzual, Dinan
Ideally located close to Dinan’s port and medieval town centre, this 4-star hotel boasts a bar overlooking the harbour, a seasonal heated outdoor pool, an eight-person whirlpool. Situated near Saint-Malo, Cancale, and Mont-Saint-Michel, the hotel enjoys a prime position on the banks of the River Rance. Start your day with our generous continental breakfast, featuring local produce, fresh fruit, and gluten-free options.
Make your way through the tranquil Rance Valley following the cycling path along the riverbank with wonderful panoramic views before arriving to St. Malo.
You stay at Hotel La Villefromoy.
Hotel La Villefromoy, St Malo
A private mansion created in the 19th century, after a spa villa and then a guest house, the Hotel La Villefromoy in Saint-Malo has preserved its authenticity. This chic house, which looks like a “malouinière” – a vast demure from Saint-Malo – is ideally located in the heart of a residential area next to the sea. 80 m/263 ft from the beach, in a peace and calm environment, 26 high-quality and comfortable rooms await you. The elegant decoration peacefully merges modern elements with charms of the past. The hotel personnel, at your service 24h a day, offers you a warm and friendly welcome. A pleasant terrace, a lovely patio, a lounge bar and a showcase of gourmet and wellness products are available to embellish your stay.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel La Villefromoy, St Malo.
Hotel La Villefromoy, St Malo
A private mansion created in the 19th century, after a spa villa and then a guest house, the Hotel La Villefromoy in Saint-Malo has preserved its authenticity. This chic house, which looks like a “malouinière” – a vast demure from Saint-Malo – is ideally located in the heart of a residential area next to the sea. 80 m/263 ft from the beach, in a peace and calm environment, 26 high-quality and comfortable rooms await you. The elegant decoration peacefully merges modern elements with charms of the past. The hotel personnel, at your service 24h a day, offers you a warm and friendly welcome. A pleasant terrace, a lovely patio, a lounge bar and a showcase of gourmet and wellness products are available to embellish your stay.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
POSITIVE IMPACTWe measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise - including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO2e per person, per night. Our label doesn't include your travel to/from the start of the trip, because guests reach the trip from different regions and by different modes. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this carbon figure and to positively impacting local communities, local environment and our staff. Click here to learn more.
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