From Saint-Malo to Vannes by bike: heritage and legends of Brittany
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationIlle-et-Vilaine / Saint-Malo
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AgeFrom 3 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions68.65 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
From the English Channel to the Gulf of Morbihan, embark on a 5-day cycling trip in the heart of Brittany, where medieval cities, legendary forests and waterside paths each tell a new story.
From Saint-Malo, cross the Rance River towards Dinard and its elegant Belle Époque villas, before reaching Dinan and its medieval streets. Route 3 Bretagne then takes you along the Ille-et-Rance Canal, on greenways and quiet country roads through the charming Breton countryside.
As you approach Brocéliande, legends abound: mysterious forests, the Yvel River, and charming villages dot the road towards Ploërmel and Questembert. Then, head towards the Gulf of Morbihan and Vannes, where medieval ramparts and a marina provide the perfect setting to conclude this adventure blending Breton heritage, nature, and cycling.
With our one-way service, your journey always moves in the same direction: pick up your bike at the start, leave it at the finish and fully enjoy the ride, without having to backtrack.
The highlights
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From Saint-Malo to Dinan, explore the historic cities of Brittany
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Cycle between the Ille-et-Rance canal, Brocéliande and the Breton countryside
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Join us in Vannes and the Gulf of Morbihan after 5 days in the heart of Brittany
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
Everyone can participate in this trip. The supervision and/or the program will be adapted to each person's level.
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for travelers in normal physical condition who are used to regular physical activity. You don't need to be an experienced cyclist: the stages are designed to allow everyone to ride at their own pace and fully enjoy the route.
The difficulty level can vary depending on the distance, elevation gain, and weather conditions of each stage. Some cycling practice before departure is recommended to fully enjoy the trip.
For added comfort, it is also possible to opt for an electric bike, which is particularly recommended for travelers wishing to reduce effort on climbs or on longer stages.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Average distance/day: 36 km
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Your guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
Program
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Saint Malo - Evran (36km)
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 36 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
🚲 From privateers to canals. Start your journey in an original way: take the sea bus from Saint-Malo to Dinard! Once on the other side, cycle among the Belle Époque villas before joining the greenway. It's the ideal and accessible starting point for your adventure on Brittany's Route 3, guided by the cool water.
🏰 The highlight of the day is undoubtedly Dinan. This proud medieval city overlooks the Rance River and offers an unforgettable heritage break. You then reach the absolute tranquility of the towpath along the Ille-et-Rance Canal.
🛶 Arrival in Évran. This peaceful village on the canal is an ideal place to relax. Take the opportunity to stroll around the Bétineuc pond or watch the boats passing through the Mottay lock.
Day 1 -
Evran - Saint Méen le Grand (38km)
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h15
- Distance 38 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
🚲 Inland immersion. This 38km stage leaves the towpath for a change of scenery. You'll alternate between small country roads and bucolic greenways. This is an intermediate-level section that takes you to the heart of Brittany's Route 3.
🚂 Make a fun stop in Tréfumel to discover the Maison des Faluns (and learn about local geology) or cycle along the tracks at Médréac station using the railbike. The renovated old stations along the route add a touch of nostalgia.
🚴 Arrive in Saint-Méen-le-Grand, a cycling paradise! It's the birthplace of Louison Bobet, three-time winner of the Tour de France. Visit the museum dedicated to him to end your day on a sporting and cultural note.
Day 2 -
Saint Méen le Grand - Ploërmel (41km)
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 41 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
🚲 Legends of Brocéliande. Cycle 41 km along a beautifully landscaped greenway. You'll follow the Yvel River and skirt the edge of the mythical Brocéliande Forest. A magical stop on Brittany's Route 3, where the shade of ancient trees accompanies you.
🌳 Keep your eyes peeled as you approach the finish line: you'll be overlooking the magnificent Lac au Duc. It's one of the largest lakes in Brittany, offering a soothing natural panorama before you reach the town.
👑 Arrive in Ploërmel, the former city of the Dukes of Brittany. Admire the astronomical clock and the Church of Saint-Armel. For nature lovers, a stroll along the Hydrangea Trail by the lake is the perfect ending.
Day 3 -
Ploërmel - Questembert (36km)
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 36 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
🚲 Verdant panoramas. A pure gliding experience! From the heights of Ploërmel, this smooth greenway offers magnificent views over the valleys. You'll play hide-and-seek with the Nantes-Brest Canal on this very smooth section of Brittany's Route 3.
🌿 Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding nature without the effort of climbing. This is the ultimate "relaxation" stop, accessible to all levels.
🛖 Arrived in Questembert. Don't miss the historic 16th-century market halls, a listed historical monument. With their superb wooden framework, they often host local markets, perfect for sampling regional products.
Day 4 -
Questembert - Vannes (28km)
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 1h35
- Distance 28 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
🚲 The call of the sea. The final stretch! This short 28km stage takes you from land to sea for a beautiful conclusion to your adventure on Brittany's Route 3. You'll cycle along a converted former railway line, an easy, downhill route that will gently lead you towards the Gulf of Morbihan.
🌲 Enjoy the changing vegetation: the oaks give way to maritime pines. The air becomes charged with iodine and the atmosphere takes on a seaside feel as you approach the ocean.
⚓ Arriving in Vannes is a triumphant experience. Cross the ramparts of the medieval city and celebrate your journey at the marina. A crêpe and a bowl of cider overlooking the boats are a must to celebrate your crossing of Brittany!
Day 5
Accommodation
Throughout your stay, you will be accommodated in 3-star hotels carefully selected for their comfort, hospitality and location suitable for your cycling route.
After each day of cycling, you'll enjoy a comfortable room to rest and recharge before the next stage. We prioritize ideally located accommodations, allowing easy access to city centers, restaurants, and main points of interest.
Access
Go to the starting point
Route to the starting point:
- On foot: The address is located in the immediate vicinity of the train station. Allow only 2 to 4 minutes on foot (approximately 250 meters).
- By taxi or private hire vehicle: As the journey is very short on foot, the use of a taxi is not necessary except in the case of bulky luggage (expect a minimum fare of around €10).
- From Paris (approximately 4 hours 15 minutes by road): Take the A11 motorway then the A81 to Rennes, then continue on the N137 (free expressway) towards Saint-Malo.
- From Rennes (approximately 50 minutes drive): Take the N137 directly to Saint-Malo.
Price details
The price includes
- Hotel accommodation in single rooms
- Breakfasts
- Trip organization
- GPX track
The price does not include
- Luggage transport
- Transport to the meeting point on Day 1
- Lunches and dinners
- Insurance
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF103.65 / unit
- E-bike rental : CHF235.10 / unit
- Gravel Rental : CHF250.91 / unit
- Bicycle repatriation : CHF134.14 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
The equipment mentioned is included as part of our bicycle rental service.
- Bicycle helmet
- Poncho
- Anti-theft
- Tire repair spray
- Phone holder
- Multi-tool
- 2 x 20L panniers
- Repair kit
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cap or buff
- Cycling gloves
- External battery
- Charging cables
Clothing to bring
- Cycling jersey or breathable technical t-shirt
- Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
- Thermal underlayer (if cold)
- Cycling shorts or bib shorts
- Long tights or waterproof over-trousers (if it's cold or raining)
- Lightweight gloves (summer) or thermal gloves (winter)
- Technical socks
- Buff / neck warmer
- Beanie under helmet (if cold)
- Comfortable T-shirt
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight trousers or shorts
- Tights or leggings (if cold)
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops
- Appropriate shoes
- Waterproof overshoes
- Rain pants
- Breathable waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
