Voies vertes

Eight specially-designed voies vertes or greenways

Outdoor lovers can now enjoy an impressive network of 8 specially-designed voies vertes or greenways. Similar to a bridleway, they take walkers, horse riders and cyclists into the heart of rural Brittany known as Argoat. More than 800km of these paths follow old railway lines, towpaths and wooded lanes; they are for non-motorised traffic only.

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Safe and comfortable, the greenways offer many different possibilities open to all. You can follow the Breton coastline with friends or family or perhaps the Nantes to Brest Canal; alternatively, why not start at the Pink Granite Coast in the north and head south for the Gulf of Morbihan? You won't meet any cars along the way and you can visit pretty towns and sites of interest at will.

Brittany has approximately 800kms of such purpose-built paths and eventually, this trail network will cover 2000kms, including 1000kms of voies vertes. Eight long itineraries will let you discover Brittany from east to west and north to south

A place to lay your hat

Much of the accommodation on or near the voies vertes provides bicycle storage, basic repairs, equipment, laundry rooms and specialises in food for healthy appetites! You can also get information about the greenways. A map of the B&Bs, campsites and hotels is available on www.randobreizh.com. Similarly, there are several bicycle-hire companies along the voies vertes so you can hire your bike when and where you like.

Combine bicycle and train

High-speed train and local train networks are a good option to combine with a voie verte holiday for roaming souls. It is worth noting however that bikes can only go free on the high-speed trains if they are dismantled and in a travel case – otherwise there is a charge; it might be an idea to rent a bike on site.