The Régalante by bike: from Saint-Malo to Nantes, in the heart of Brittany
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 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-Emissions82.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a 6-day cycling adventure through the heart of Brittany's history and landscapes, from the corsair city of Saint-Malo to Nantes. Over 337 km, La Régalante unfolds a route rich in heritage, passing through medieval fortresses, ancient towns of the Marches of Brittany, hedged farmland, and peaceful greenways.
From the ramparts of Saint-Malo, head towards one of France's most iconic sites: Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay. The adventure continues towards Fougères, dominated by its impressive medieval fortress, then Vitré and La Guerche-de-Bretagne, witnesses to the history of the ancient Marches of Brittany.
As you progress through the stages, leave the major cities behind and traverse a more secluded Brittany, made up of charming villages, hedged farmland, quiet roads, and verdant landscapes. After Châteaubriant, the route gradually reaches the banks of the Erdre River, signaling your arrival in Nantes.
Your journey ends in Nantes, the former historical capital of Brittany, where the heritage of the castle of the Dukes of Brittany now engages in dialogue with a contemporary cultural and creative scene.
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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Travel to the heart of the Marches of Brittany and their medieval cities
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From Mont-Saint-Michel to the verdant landscapes of the Erdre
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Saint-Malo, Fougères, Vitré and Nantes: 6 days of heritage by bike
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.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 57 km
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Your guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
Program
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From Saint-Malo to Mont-Saint-Michel – 70 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 70 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your adventure begins in the corsair city of Saint-Malo, with an initial stage along the Vélomaritime cycle route before reaching the official start of the Régalante. Cycle along the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel on a flat route offering magnificent maritime scenery.
Between polders and salt marshes, the silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel gradually appears on the horizon. Arriving at the foot of the "Wonder" is a highlight of this first day. Enjoy the late afternoon exploring the abbey and wandering through the narrow streets of the Mont before returning to your accommodation.
Day 1 -
From Mont-Saint-Michel to Fougères – 51 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 51 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This is the real start of the Régalante! Leave Mont-Saint-Michel behind and gradually transition from coastal landscapes to the Breton countryside. The route takes you towards Maen Roch through peaceful countryside, along quiet roads and through verdant landscapes.
The second part of the stage immerses you in the history of the Marches of Brittany. After approximately 19 more kilometers, you'll reach Fougères and its impressive medieval fortress, considered one of the largest in Europe. A spectacular finish to this second day.
Day 2 -
From Fougères to La Guerche-de-Bretagne – 57 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 57 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Continue your journey through the Breton countryside towards Vitré. The route notably follows old railway lines and crosses peaceful rural landscapes before revealing Vitré and its majestic medieval castle.
After this essential stop, continue your journey through a countryside dotted with beautiful heritage sites, such as the Château des Tesnières. The day ends in La Guerche-de-Bretagne, a Petite Cité de Caractère® (Small Town of Character) renowned for its heritage and gastronomy.
Day 3 -
From La Guerche-de-Bretagne to Châteaubriant – 61 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 61 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Continue south on the Régalante towards Martigné-Ferchaud. This stage takes you into the heart of a verdant countryside, between natural landscapes and small rural villages.
As you approach Loire-Atlantique, enjoy the shaded roads and the tranquility of the countryside before reaching Châteaubriant, located at the crossroads of Brittany and the Pays de la Loire. Discover its remarkable castle, a blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, the cultural highlight of the day.
Day 4 -
From Châteaubriant to Nort-sur-Erdre – 64 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 64 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
For this penultimate stage, leave Châteaubriant heading towards La Meilleraye-de-Bretagne. The route gradually changes atmosphere and invites you to slow down as you follow the water, between lakes, rivers and green landscapes.
The road to Nort-sur-Erdre then winds through wetlands and lush vegetation. This particularly peaceful stretch marks your gradual approach to the Nantes metropolitan area. End the day in Nort-sur-Erdre, a charming town nestled on the banks of the Erdre River and renowned for its marina.
Day 5 -
From Nort-sur-Erdre to Nantes – 34 km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 34 km
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last stage of your adventure on the Régalante! Follow the Erdre towards Nantes on a pleasant route dotted with castles and elegant residences that line the river.
The approach to Nantes is gradual, following the city's cycle paths. Reach the heart of the city and discover two of its iconic landmarks: the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Machines de l'Île. After 337 km from Saint-Malo, your journey through the Régalante region concludes in the vibrant atmosphere of Nantes.
Day 6
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
To reach the starting point from the train station:
- On foot: approximately 15 to 20 minutes walk (1.2 km to 1.5 km to the Intra-Muros access).
- By bus: MAT network (lines 1 or 2), allow approximately 5 to 10 minutes journey time (approximately €1.50 per ticket).
- By taxi: approximately 5 minutes drive (between €8 and €15 depending on the exact location and time of day).
- From Paris (approximately 4 hours 15 minutes by road): take the A11 motorway to Le Mans, the A81 towards Rennes, then continue on the N137 expressway to Saint-Malo.
- From Rennes (approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour drive): take the N137 directly towards 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
- Bike rentals
Options
- Mountain bike rental : CHF117.20 / unit
- E-bike rental : CHF275.00 / unit
- Gravel Rental : CHF293.93 / unit
- Bicycle repatriation : CHF131.50 / 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