Five bicycle rides for the whole family

So you’ve decided to discover Brittany by bike with your merry band! To ride easy, use the green routes, which are reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, roller skaters and sometimes horses. Here is a selection of five circuits suitable for every person in the family.

In the blink of an eye

1. Follow the rhythm of the Nantes-Brest canal

The Nantes-Brest canal connects these two towns and passes through the valleys of several rivers, such as the Blavet and the Oust. Starting from Pontivy, set off for an easy 25 km ride. You’ll be amazed by the sight of 54 locks, one after another, over this short distance. This staircase of locks offers an idyllic setting for grey herons, moorhens and great crested grebes, for a guaranteed rural atmosphere! It’s also the opportunity to discover the remarkable trees on the Nantes-Brest canal. If you follow the interpretive trail, you can have fun identifying oak trees, maple trees and lindens.

Practical information

Where to sleep?

If you are backpacking, take an overnight break on the farm at La Cavalerie (FR) in Saint Gonnery. This accommodation has the « Accueil Vélo » (Bike-friendly) and family-friendly labels.

Where to hire bikes ?

The Tourist office of Pontivy Communauté hires adult hybrid bikes and electric bikes, a children’s cart and a luggage cart. Helmets, child seats, panniers, pumps, etc., are also provided.

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Ideas

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2. Follow a former railway track through Brittany

Starting at Guiscriff station, this green route number 7 Roscoff-Concarneau is ideal for families. Before jumping on the saddle, take time to visit the Train Museum dedicated to the history of the Breton network. You’ll be transported into the rail worker’s world, at the time of the steam train. The rails have now gone and made way for a safe route. You can take the green route to Gourin (12.5 km) to get to the capital of the traditional Breton crêpe, celebrated in July, or you can head towards Rosporden (17.5 km). In the middle of Coatloc’h forest, the route offers magnificent views of the bocage and there are wonderful sections through tree tunnels. Between Scaër and Rosporden, interpretive signs make the route more interesting. Have fun finding the still visible railway heritage! When you get back, stop at Café de la Gare de Guiscriff, where numerous events take place all year round. Solve the riddles and become a spy during an escape game and prolong your escapade by spending the night in a real Mongolian yurt.

Practical information

Where to sleep?

At Guiscriff station (FR), you can sleep in the bike-friendly camp site which has toilet facilities and a drying room, a picnic room, a bike washing facility, secure storage etc,. and a large area for camper vans with electric hook-ups. A Mongolian yurt is also available to rent all year round.

Where to hire a bike?

Directly at Guiscriff station or before your ride, you can reserve your bikes from the rental company Les Pieds dans l’Herbe in Rosporden – +33 (0)6 64 25 43 22

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Read alsoBicycle hire in Brittany

3. A breath of fresh air on the green route of Mont Saint Michel bay

The reputation of the beauty of this bay goes before it. Mont-Saint-Michel, its expanses of sand, its marshes, the Couësnon river, etc., are just some of the sights to see in this region. In addition, the green route that runs alongside the entire bay has just been finished. So there are no excuses for not cycling here! With its low elevation gain, this circuit is easily accessible for families with young children. Starting from Maison des Polders in Roz-sur-Couësnon, and depending on the wind direction, head towards Mont Saint Michel or Cancale.

Practical information

Where to sleep?

In the heart of the bay and the polders in Roz-sur-Couësnon, check in at Hôtel des Quatres Salines, which has the « Accueil Vélo » label, for a quiet night and to enjoy good local products.

Where to hire a bike?

Directly at Maison des Polders, or contact the rental companies in the bay: Vélo Emeraude (FR) or Cycles Romé (FR) in Dol de Bretagne.

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4. Escapade in Quiberon Bay

One of Brittany’s gems is on coastal route 5: Quiberon Bay Along your circuit, you will see turquoise water, fine sandy beaches and other striking landscapes. Starting from Plouharnelou in Quiberon, set off on a 20-km bike ride to discover the dunes and the unspoilt coast. For a restful return, enjoy a charming little trip in the « Tire-Bouchon ». The “Tire-bouchon” is a train that serves around ten stations between Auray and Quiberon. It circulates every day from the end of June to the end of August, as well as every weekend in June and the first two weekends of September. If you are tempted by the experience, choose your return journey carefully because bikes are only admitted at certain times.

Practical information

Where to sleep?

Take a break at Relais Saint-Joseph de l’Océan, a large, family hotel facing the sea in Saint-Pierre-de-Quiberon on the peninsula.

Where to hire a bike?

To rent a bike, go to Vélos de la Baie in Plouharnel (FR), or bike rental firms with the Accueil Vélo label in Quiberon: Cycles Loisir (FR) or Vélocéan (FR) propose reduced rates for travellers.

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5. “Défis de l’Oust” on Île-aux-Pies

Take your time, complete a family challenge, leave the car behind and hop on a bike, a canoe or simply breathe in the scent of pine as you walk: this is the spirit of « Défis de l’Oust« , and to be able to say at the end of the day: « I did it! » Starting from Redon on one of the stages of the Vélodyssée cycling route, head towards Ile-aux-Pies, 9 km away! On the programme: cycling, hiking, swimming, canoeing or tree-climbing for a day out in nature. There is something for every age: La Tranquille, La Boussole, La Belle échappée, Tête en l’air and La Super Complète.

Practical information

Where to sleep?

Make a stop at Gîte Le Ménéhy (FR), which has the « Accueil Vélo » label, in Saint-Vincent-sur-Oust. This farm close to the Nantes-Brest canal has a camp site, rooms and « kabadiennes » (a cross between cabins and tents), which will delight children! It also proposes pony and horse rides.

Where to hire a bike?

In Redon, the Tourist Office of Pays de Redon proposes the hire of bikes, carts to transport young children, tow bars and child seats (reservation only).

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