From Saint-Brieuc to Morlaix, ride across the countryside to discover the inland face of Brittany. A green and wooded Brittany, with large lakes and beautiful forests. From villages to castles via the canals, enjoy the simple pleasures of a natural escapade in Argoat.
Day 1 – Saint-Brieuc > Lac de Bosméléac (45 km + 20 km if including Moncontour)
Put your binoculars in your backpack and set off early following the nature reserve of Saint-Brieuc bay. The site is a hotspot for bird watching in Brittany. Then, continue to the village of Quessoy or Hénon to buy provisions for lunch. A marked detour (20 km round trip) will take you to Moncontour. Encircled with striking 13th-century ramparts, criss-crossed with cobbled streets, the medieval city perched on the top of a rock is one of the most charming villages in Brittany.
Back on the main route, you’ll get to Bosméléac Lake after a lovely stage in the hilly countryside. The 4 km stretch of water is a very popular fishing and water sports spot. Enjoy the calm of the site to recover your strength at the camp site.
Day 2 – Lac de Bosméléac > Lac de Guerlédan (47 km)
Get back on the saddle and follow the Hilvern gully, which will take you through woods and pastures to the villages of Quillio and Saint-Thélo. Under the reign of the Sun king, the region was the trading centre for linen canvas factories known all over the world for their quality and finesse. Take time to wander through the pretty little streets to admire the architecture of the wealthy residences before continuing along the gully. Converted into a green route, the hydraulic structure used to feed the Nantes-Brest canal with water in the 19th century. Lined with large beech trees and chestnut trees, the peaceful route meanders on the hillside above the Oust.
After your lunch break, continue to the banks of Guerlédan Lake. This magnificent lake, formed by the construction of a hydro-electric dam, is nestled in the vast Quénécan forest.
Day 3 – Lac de Guerlédan > Carhaix (57 km)
Before reaching the Nantes-Brest canal, make a stop at Bon-Repos abbey. On the banks of the Blavet, the Cistercian abbey stands proudly in an idyllic forest setting. Two kilometres on, the village of Forges des Salles, developed thanks to the steel industry rekindles the industrial heritage and daily life of this 19th-century period. Take a lunch break in Gouarec, a pretty village with shale houses.
Still on the towpath, allow yourself a break at the double lock of Coat Natous to admire Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié chapel. Then discover the “large trench” of Glomel, dug by convicts, and then the 15 locks that punctuate a surprising 4 km-route between Saint-Péran and La Pie. Carhaix is not far.
Day 4 – Carhaix > Huelgoat (23 km)
Take a walk through Carhaix before continuing on the route. Known for its Vieilles Charrues festival, the town also has a Gallo-Roman aqueduct and an archaeological interpretation centre of the ancient town, Vorgium. After this virtual reality experience, continue to Huelgoat. Situated on the edge of a large lake, the town is surrounded by a legendary forest. Lose yourself for a few hours in this magical place, populated by korrigans and giants who give life to a surprising rocky chaos with mysterious names: “Gouffre du diable” (devil’s chasm), “Mare aux fées” (fairy pond), “Roche tremblante” (shaking rock), etc.
Day 5 – Huelgoat > Morlaix (48 km)
Before leaving Huelgoat, prepare your picnic for your journey to Morlaix as there are no refreshment points along the way. Ride at your own pace in the middle of nature to Saint-Thégonnec cloister, 3 km from the green route. Go into the Musée du Loup, the only museum of its kind in France, dedicated to the wolf. Then head towards the sea. Morlaix will be your terminus. This town of Art and History is home to a museum and pretty corbelled houses, including Pondalez House. Criss-crossed with little alleyways, Morlaix is also known for its railway viaduct with nine arches that connects Brest to Paris. And also Saint-Brieuc by TER train to return to your starting point!
All the information from the site and more in a pdf file.
