In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationIlle-et-Vilaine / Rennes
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions40.23 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
The Ille-et-Rance Canal offers a beautiful and relaxing journey from the Breton capital to the sea . Easy and very accessible, it's a route perfectly suited to beginners and families. Along the flat, signposted, and safe towpath, you'll cycle through a peaceful, verdant setting where nature reigns supreme, discovering the many charms of inland Brittany: rural, hedged, forested, and romantic. As you travel along the water, the region reveals its numerous natural attractions and tourist sites. Passing through the town of Dinan is a highlight of the trip. This medieval city is among the most beautiful in Brittany . Along the way, don't miss Léhon, a charming town full of character. Throughout the journey, passing through the locks adds a special touch to your adventure. Often adorned with flowers, the 48 locks that dot the canal are essential for its smooth operation. As you approach Dinard, the sea is not far away. The scenery changes. The atmosphere, too. The Rance estuary and the Emerald Coast await you . What a joy to reach the sea! After a cruise between Dinard and Saint-Malo, the corsair city concludes your cycling holiday along the Ille-et-Rance Canal. The walled city of Saint-Malo is magnificent. Stroll through its cobbled streets and contemplate the vastness of the sea from the ramparts promenade.
The highlights
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A flat and safe route
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The medieval town of Dinan
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Family-friendly tour
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
The expert's opinion
You cycle regularly or occasionally. You have experience with day trips by bike. You enjoy exploring a region in a relaxed and easy way.
You can ride 35 to 45 km without significant elevation gain, which is 3 to 5 hours of cycling.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 39 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 255 m
Management
Program
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From Rennes to Hédé-Bazouges
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 44 km
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Our representative will meet you at your hotel between 8:00 and 10:00 AM to give you your travel documents and any final advice before departure. You'll then descend to the first lock on the Ille-et-Rance Canal. Your journey along the towpath begins. Under the trees and on a pleasantly surfaced path, you'll enjoy a flat route through a rolling landscape. After passing through a few villages, you'll arrive at the Bazouge reservoir. This reservoir supplies water to the canal. The site of the eleven locks forms a series of water staircases, creating a 27-meter drop. For you, it's primarily a stunning site, with its close succession of flower-adorned locks in a beautiful alignment. If a boat enters, you'll be able to watch the lock keepers at work!
Day 1 -
From Hédé-Bazouges to Dinan
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 41 km
- Positive elevation gain 360 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From the top of the village of Hédé, you descend to the "11 Locks." You continue your journey along the towpath. In Tinténiac, in a former lock keeper's house, a museum tells the story of traditional trades. Your path continues through the bocage countryside. Near Pleugueneuc, you can visit the Château de la Bourbansais. A zoo will delight young and old alike in this historic setting. Here is Evran, where the Ille and Rance rivers meet before flowing to the sea. Before the final push to Dinan, perched on an imposing rocky spur, you pass through Léhon, one of the most beautiful small towns of character in Brittany. Every house is charming. It has an ancient yet vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. You enter Dinan through the port. Enjoy the view before climbing to the historic center of one of Brittany's most beautiful medieval towns. It holds incredible architectural treasures.
Day 2 -
From Dinan to Saint-Malo
- Transportation Boat - 00h15 - 3km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 165 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Destination: the sea! You cycle down to the port of Dinan and take the towpath. This path doesn't lead directly to Saint-Malo. After a few kilometers, you'll leave the canal to join a beautiful greenway built on a former railway line. This greenway, winding through the Breton countryside, will take you to Dinard. Upon arriving at this 19th-century seaside resort, a stop is a must to admire the beautiful villas and perhaps enjoy an ice cream overlooking the beach. Then, you'll embark on a short cruise across the mouth of the Rance, the river that forms part of the canal linking Rennes to Saint-Malo. So, it's by boat that you reach Saint-Malo, just like Surcouf or Cartier, the city's famous navigators and privateers.
Day 3 -
Saint-Malo, Cancale loop
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 42 km
- Positive elevation gain 175 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The walled city of Saint-Malo welcomes you. Explore the Emerald Coast and this multifaceted city, from the beautiful Sillon beach to the legendary walled city. A detour to Cancale offers food lovers the chance to sample the famous oysters!
Day 4
Accommodation
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Access
Your stay begins at our partner hotel in Rennes.
End of your stay at your last accommodation in Saint-Malo.
Go to the starting point
By car: 3.5 hours from Paris
4.5 hours from Bordeaux
6 hours from Lyon.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation
- 3 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- 24/7 telephone support
- Application fees
- Tourist taxes
- A personalized welcome from our team upon your arrival in the departure city to provide you with all your travel documents
- Loan of a hiking GPS
- A practical and descriptive travel guide including all our recommended addresses and route maps.
- Day 3: Ferry crossing Dinard - Saint-Malo
The price does not include
- Bicycle rental (see option)
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners (except for 1)
- Drinks, visits and other personal expenses
- The visits
- Any parking fees
- Breakdowns, parts and corresponding mileage allowances
Options
- Extra night before your stay in Rennes - Standard double room : CHF160.09 / unit
- Extra night before your stay in Rennes - Standard single room : CHF137.22 / unit
- Additional night after your stay in Saint-Malo - Standard double room : CHF146.37 / unit
- Additional night after your stay in Saint-Malo - Single room : CHF128.07 / unit
- Bike rental - 4 days - Hybrid bike (VTC) - Adult : CHF127.16 / person
- Bike rental - 4 days - Electric bike (e-bike) - Adult : CHF207.66 / person
- Bike rental - 4 days - Hybrid bike (VTC) - Child : CHF73.18 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- Pair of sunglasses
- Sunscreen cream (face and lips)
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- A water bottle with a minimum capacity of 1.5 litres, lightweight and insulated.
- Pocket knife, preferably a multi-purpose one
- Toilet paper and a lighter
If you are bringing your own bike (if you are renting a bike, this equipment is provided):
- Helmet
- 1 backpack or panniers
- 1 or 2 containers of water
- 1 anti-theft device
Bicycle: all-terrain, versatile, or 21-speed hybrid bike, 26-inch or 700c wheels. Details recommended by the team for optimal comfort:
- 28 to 35 tire
- triple chainring 48/36/26 teeth, cassette 11/34
- For children, avoid single-speed bicycles.
Mechanics:
- Emergency bicycle repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tool
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads or brake pads
Clothing to bring
- Pair of cycling shoes
- Clothing suitable for cycling
- Padded cycling shorts (chamois leather)
- High-visibility vest
- Thermal/fleece clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Pair of gloves
- Hat
- Swimsuit and bath towel
They traveled with us
