St-Malo, Mont-St-Michel & the treasures of
Upper Brittany

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME

Day 1: Arrival in Saint-Malo

By train or by car, you arrive in the legendary city of Saint-Malo, a historic town that was, during the Middle Ages, an important trading port and a haven for pirates. It is still known today as the ‘corsair city’!

Be sure not to miss a walk along the city ramparts, which offer panoramic views over the sea and the Intra-Muros old town. Built in the 17th century, they were designed to protect the city from attack. Saint-Malo itself also boasts a rich architectural heritage, with numerous half-timbered houses and cobbled streets dating back to medieval times. Although the city was largely destroyed during the bombings of 1944, it was painstakingly rebuilt exactly as it was.

Upon arrival, one of our guides will welcome you and provide practical advice on places to visit, the best local addresses, and will be happy to answer all your questions.

Day 2: Saint-Malo – Combourg

66 km | + 450 m

You begin your day with a ferry crossing operated by Compagnie Corsaire, offering lovely views of the mouth of the Rance. This river, of major strategic importance, has been used since Gallo-Roman times to transport goods. In Dinard, you cycle past elegant 19th-century villas from the period when the town became a fashionable seaside resort for high society.

You then continue along the greenway, laid out on a former railway line, which follows the Ille-et-Rance Canal. Dug in the 19th century, this canal linked Rennes to Saint-Malo and facilitated the transport of salt. On arrival in Dinan, you can admire the ramparts and the Saint-Malo Gate, remnants of the city’s medieval fortified past.

After a lunch break in the old town, you head into Romantic Brittany, cycling through charming villages before reaching Combourg, a small town famous for its castle where the writer François-René de Chateaubriand spent his childhood. Set beside a lake, the castle is steeped in legend. At the time, the Forest of Brocéliande is said to have extended right to the edge of the town!

Day 3: Combourg – Maen Roch

50 km | + 445 m

Today you cycle through peaceful countryside, passing through the Villecartier Forest, a vast woodland of oak and beech trees that once formed part of the royal forest. You then reach Bazouges-la-Pérouse, a picturesque village where you can admire the twin church of Saint-Pierre–Saint-Paul, a rare example of two churches merged into a single structure in the 19th century. You then follow the greenway to the typical small town of Maen Roch.

Day 4: Loop ride to Fougères from Maen Roch

40 km | + 195 m

Today you set off on a loop ride through the Breton countryside. You first follow the greenway leading to Fougères, a fortified town that rivals Sedan (in the Ardennes) for hosting the largest medieval fortress in Europe. Built from the 11th century onwards, the castle played a key role in conflicts between Brittany and France during the Middle Ages, before later defending the town from English invasions in the 14th century. Today it is a site not to be missed for lovers of medieval history. Take the time to wander through the old town’s cobbled streets and admire its half-timbered houses. Fougères was also long an important centre for textile production, particularly in the wool industry.

Day 5: Maen Roch – Mont-Saint-Michel

55 km | + 375 m

This stage takes you weaving along the border between Brittany and Normandy, passing through Saint-James, a village known for its woollen sailor jumpers, traditionally made for local seafarers. You then continue to Ducey, home to Saint-Étienne Abbey, founded in the 11th century. Finally, you arrive in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of France’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically amid the tides, the island has been a religious site since the 8th century. The medieval abbey crowning the island played a major role in the history of Christianity, attracting pilgrims from across the world.

Day 6: Mont-Saint-Michel – Cancale

48 km | + 95 m

Today you follow quiet roads and cycle paths along the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, where the strongest tides in Europe can completely transform the landscape within a few hours. Midway, you pass beneath Mont-Dol, a rocky hill that long served as a place of worship. The more adventurous may climb to the summit to enjoy panoramic views over the region.
You then continue through oyster farms to reach Cancale, a charming port town. Since the Middle Ages, Cancale has been renowned for the quality of its oysters, which were shipped to major cities such as Paris. Cancale’s oyster market is a must for seafood lovers.

Day 7: Cancale – Saint-Malo

27 km | + 140 m

On this final day, you leave Cancale to return to Saint-Malo, following the coastline. You cycle through a blend of countryside and coastal scenery, passing elegant malouinières — shipowners’ residences from the 17th and 18th centuries that bear witness to Saint-Malo’s historic maritime wealth.

End of the tour upon arrival in Saint-Malo.

• Explore Saint-Malo in greater depth for much of the afternoon (in this case, opt for an additional night in Saint-Malo).
• Alternatively, begin your journey home. You may collect your luggage no later than 3.00 pm at the hotel where you stayed on Day 1 (where you can also return your rental bikes if applicable).

ACCOMMODATION

Whatever comfort level you choose, we favour authentic, human-scale accommodation that offers comfort, a warm welcome and a real sense of well-being. We also make sure that our accommodation is well located: easily accessible by bike and, whenever possible, close to local amenities and places of interest.

AVAILABLE COMFORT CATEGORIES

Standard category

2–3★ hotels

Simple yet welcoming accommodation, selected for its friendly service and convenient location.

Comfort category

3–4★ hotels

A selection of addresses combining modern comfort with local character.

Photos are provided for illustrative purposes only and show the type of accommodation in each category.

Always included:

• Breakfast
• En-suite bathroom
• Secure bike storage
• Restaurant within walking distance
• Convenient location

BIKE OPTIONS

Whether you choose to hire a bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike that is well suited both to the itinerary and to your personal needs.

BIKE RENTAL

We offer good-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, fully equipped with all the essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under the age of 12, as some stages exceed 50 km.

Trekking bikes

Aluminium mixed frame, suspension fork, flat handlebars. Disc brakes. Shimano drivetrain with 11 to 30 gears (single, double or triple chainrings depending on the model).

Electric bikes (e-bikes)

Bikes equipped with a battery of at least 500 Wh. You can expect a comfortable range of at least 70 kilometres.

Child trailers

The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we offer for hire. Thule trailers can carry up to two young children (maximum load: 45 kg).

Children’s bikes

For children who have not yet reached adult height, children’s bikes are available for hire in various sizes.

Photos are for information only. Bikes subject to availability.

Accessories included:

• Waterproof rear pannier (20 L – one per bike)
• Waterproof handlebar bag (4 L – one per bike)
• Lock
• Repair kit with patches, inner tube and tyre levers
• Pump
• Water bottle
• Cycle computer
• Breakage & theft insurance
• Helmet(s) on request

IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE

Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, cassette, derailleur, chain, etc.
In the event of a mechanical issue, you may be far from assistance.

Suitable bikes

• Trekking bike
• Mountain bike
• Gravel bike
• E-bike with good range

• Road bike
• City bike

LEVEL

Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over effort.
We endeavour to adjust the stage lengths according to the terrain, type of paths, and points of interest, so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and open to the unexpected.

STAGE LENGTH: STANDARD ℹ️ ➡️ Average overall: 40 to 60 km/day

➡️ Around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5.

➡️ A pace suitable for most: combines the pleasure of cycling with sightseeing along the way.

TERRAIN: MODERATE ℹ️ ➡️ Average daily elevation gain: +200 to +600 m/day

➡️ Mostly gentle and accessible terrain, but some sections are hillier and may include steeper climbs. Gradual climbs, often on cycle paths, can also be longer.

TYPE OF PATHS:

The route alternates between cycle paths and quiet country roads. Over 80% of the route is paved. The remainder consists of well-maintained compact gravel tracks. Thin road bike tyres should be avoided. No technical difficulties to report.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

⏱️ DURATION

7 days and 6 nights, including 6 days of cycling.

📅 DEPARTURE DAYS

Available daily from April to October.

🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE

Loop route. At the end, you return to your starting point.

📍 START AND FINISH POINT

Start of trip: Saint-Malo
End of trip: Saint-Malo

🌦️ WHEN TO GO?

Weather is generally favourable from April to October.

The climate in Brittany is oceanic, with mild conditions year-round, rarely harsh winters, and temperate summers. For a cycling trip, the best period is from April to October. Summer is usually ideal, though also the busiest season. However, only the main tourist sites see significant crowds; on quiet backroads, it’s peaceful all year!

☔ What to expect from the weather?

• Rain? Yes, occasional showers can occur, usually followed by clear skies. As the saying goes, you can experience all four seasons in a day!

• Wind? Present all year, especially along the coast, giving a refreshing breeze!

• Heat? Rarely extreme due to the oceanic influence. Perfect for avoiding high summer temperatures.

🍽️ MEALS

Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are not included.

During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (see suggestions in our roadbook) or have a picnic using supplies from local shops.

For dinner, there are always several restaurants within walking distance from your accommodation… unless your hotel has one on-site!

🧳 BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by our service provider. You only carry what you need for the day. A pannier is provided with the rental bike.

🚩 ARRIVAL

BY TRAIN

Saint-Malo is served by a TGV line from Paris (sometimes stopping at Le Mans) – around 2h30. Alternatively, take a TGV to Rennes and continue with a short TER train journey to Saint-Malo.

Direct TGV lines to Rennes from:

More info on train schedules.

BY CAR

There are various underground private car parks, but they can be expensive (e.g., St-Vincent car park: over €30/day). Fortunately, several free or low-cost car parks are available nearby:

• 📍 Rocabey Car Park (110 spaces): 10 Rue Jouanjan. 15–20 mins walk to the old town. Free, but finding a space can be tricky between 10:00 and 18:00.
• 📍 Paul Féval Park & Ride - P14 (782 spaces): €3.30/day. Free shuttle to the old town every 20 minutes with ticket.

📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

To help you enjoy your adventure, we provide practical, easy-to-use materials:

• A detailed roadbook in A5 booklet format, with descriptions and recommended addresses.

• Route maps

• A GPS (with the GPS tracks)

• An exclusive travel app to track your route, provide information on sites, restaurants, facilitate emergency support, and store all your travel documents and tips.

📞 INDEPENDENCE & ASSISTANCE

You travel independently (unguided) with phone assistance available 7 days a week in case of issues.

🛡️ INSURANCE

To cover cancellation or issues on-site, you can purchase cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). More info on insurance.

🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING

A helmet, lock, repair kit with pump, water bottle, phone holder, and waterproof rear bag are basic equipment. If renting a bike, these are included (helmet on request only).
For added comfort, we recommend the following specific accessories:

Rain overtrousers

Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, easy to put on; protects against rain, splashes, and mud. Some models include gaiters covering shoes.

Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover

Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on long rides. Alternatively, use a padded saddle cover.

Buff / neck gaiter / hat

Outside summer, mornings can be chilly, so you’ll be glad to have them!