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France : Brittany

St Malo to Mont St Michel Cycling

Trip code: C07BR 4.6 (5 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Explore one of the marvels of the world: UNESCO Mont St Michel
  • Discover the historic walled town of St Malo and medieval Dinan
  • Wild coastlines, quiet riverbank paths, ancient chateaux, traditional fishing villages

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast and 1 evening meal
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

Terrain

The route takes you on quiet country lanes, through forest to sleepy villages. Well marked cycling paths are used throughout.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: St Malo

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 Kyriad.

hotel details

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Hotel Kyriad, St Malo

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Hairdryer
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TV


Built right on the promenade with direct access to the beach, this hotel has preserved all the character and comfort of a traditional seaside residence. It has an ideal location just a 1km walk from Saint-Malo’s historic walled-town, 500 metres from the thalassotherapy centre Les Thermes Marins, 800 metres from the train station and 2km from the ferry port. With direct access to the seafront,

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: St Malo - Dinan (35km/21.7mi)

Make your way through the tranquil Rance Valley following the cycling path along the riverbank with wonderful panoramic views 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 Arvor.

hotel details

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Hotel Arvor, Dinan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


Arvor is situated in the heart of Dinan, opposite the town’s theatre. It is built from authentic 18th century stonework and offers elegantly decorated guest rooms. Free Wi-Fi access, a TV and a private bathroom feature in all of the rooms at Arvor. Breakfast can be enjoyed every morning in the breakfast area or in the comfort of guest rooms. The Arvor has a lounge with leather chairs and antique furnishings.

Day 3: Dinan - Combourg (34km/21.1mi)

Follow the peaceful cycling path at the rhythm of the Rance canal, locks and houseboat cruises, before arriving to Combourg with its impressive feudal castle. As soon as you arrive, you are bound to admire the 4 massive ‘pepperpot’ towers at the corners of the castle building. The powerful granite fortress, built in the 11th century and remodelled since, was responsible for defending Brittany’s borders.

Combourg remains closely linked to François René de Châteaubriand, 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 details

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Hotel du chateau, Combourg

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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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.

Day 4: Combourg - Fougeres (53km/32.9mi)

Discover the heart of the inner land villages of Brittany. Then explore the mediaeval city of Fougeres overlooked by its imposing and magnificent castle, one of the finest fortresses in Europe. Tour the wall walk and enjoy beautiful views over the ramparts and the gardens And discover this little town with a lovely medieval district.

You stay at Hotel des Voyageurs.

hotel details

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Hotel des Voyageurs, Fougeres

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Hairdryer
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TV
Safe
Tea/coffee


Discover the hotel in the heart of the historic center of Fougères ! The period facade of this 19th century building, the delightfully old-fashioned atmosphere and the cozy rooms make up the charming scenery of your stay.

Day 5: Fougeres - Pontorson (48km/29.8mi)

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.

You stay at Hotel Ariane.

hotel details

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Hotel Ariane, Pontorson

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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This charming hotel sits at the border of Brittany and Normandy. Set in a garden, it has an outdoor terrace and spacious rooms. Each bedroom has a contemporary design.

Day 6: Pontorson - Viviers sur Mer (33km/20.5mi)

A short ride will lead you to Mont St 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.

Then, 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.

You stay at Hotel Beau Rivage.

hotel details

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Hotel Le Beau Rivage, Le Vivier sur mer

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Hotel Beau Rivage is in Le Vivier-sur-Mer, 550 yards from the English Channel. Its terrace sits in a small garden where breakfast is served in the warmer months. Homemade traditional and local cuisine is prepared and served in the hotel’s restaurant. The bar is open for afternoon and evening drinks.

Day 7: Vivier sur Mer - St Malo (40km/24.9mi)

Follow the coastline 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.

Continue 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.

Make your way to St Malo and enjoy coastal views.

You stay at Hotel Kyriad.

hotel details



Hotel Kyriad, St Malo

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Built right on the promenade with direct access to the beach, this hotel has preserved all the character and comfort of a traditional seaside residence. It has an ideal location just a 1km walk from Saint-Malo’s historic walled-town, 500 metres from the thalassotherapy centre Les Thermes Marins, 800 metres from the train station and 2km from the ferry port. With direct access to the seafront,

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 8: Leave St Malo

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Kyriad, St Malo.

hotel details



Hotel Kyriad, St Malo

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Built right on the promenade with direct access to the beach, this hotel has preserved all the character and comfort of a traditional seaside residence. It has an ideal location just a 1km walk from Saint-Malo’s historic walled-town, 500 metres from the thalassotherapy centre Les Thermes Marins, 800 metres from the train station and 2km from the ferry port. With direct access to the seafront,

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Electric Bikes available

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

This was a great introduction to a coastal and inland part of Brittany.We visited some amazing towns with medieval castles, half timbered houses and cobbled streets.We enjoyed cycling through an agricultural landscape and hearing birdsong, seeing the crops and the villages. At the end of each day there was another town to discover with gallettes sarasin and cider to enjoy.Not forgetting the seafood on the coast.We want to return.

Jeanette Fraser, 14 May 2024

 

Great, variable route through forests, agricultural areas and coastlines on good tracks and quiet roads.

Linda Powell, 30 Apr 2024

 

It was a very good way to have all the travel arrangements arranged by Headwater. Certain aspects could be improved in my opinion, but another time I would check the arrangements more thoroughly as I was disappointed not to nave the bikes available in the morning at the time of arrival. Perhaps a more personal welcome from Headwater on arrival.

Doris Edwards, 2 Sep 2023

 

it wasn't the most scenic trip on a daily basis, but we particularly enjoyed Dinan and Mont Saint Michel. I preferred the cycling holiday Bolzano to Venice for the scenery. Food was a bit hard to come by on a daily basis for lunches, we made a filled baguette at breakfast. There was a local grocery shop in St Malo and carafours in Forgeres and one other enroute, but they were the only ones we spotted. we found a place for coffee, 4/6 days but they don't always have food.

The scenery was ok, very agricultural, lots and lots of corn on the cob fields, which got a bit boring, mostly very quiet roads or cycle track, a few hills. I had an ebike but my daughter had a normal but which she found heavy especially up the hills and she is used to cycling. helmets were provided but we had taken our own. take a phone holder as the ones provided weren't great. the GPX maps worked really well. we found kayaking and sand surfing enroute which were fun. overall very enjoyable

Mrs Harkins, 26 Aug 2022

 

Our holiday was as good as described in the headwater brochure. All arrangements,bookings, preferences etc worked well. All queries, however trivial dealt with quickly and completely.

Mr Kerr, 14 May 2022

 


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Please call for prices.

Call: 01606 720199

 

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