From one bay to the next, Morlaix and Saint-Brieuc are the two warm home ports of this seaside route, which zig-zags along the water’s edge. Sometimes urban, sometimes rural, but always at the heart of a Brittany full of character, loyal to its ancient history, lulled by adventure on the high seas and soothed by the unique natural landscapes. On your way, you’ll come across megaliths, Roman vestiges, pink cascading rocks and cheerful seaside resorts.
Day 1 – Morlaix > Locquirec (42 km)
Enjoy this time to stroll around the Grand’Rue in Morlaix. The town of Art and History is home to a museum, pretty corbelled houses and beautiful 15th-century residences decorated with statues of saints. Don’t miss Pondalez House, a moving testimonial of Breton dwellings of the time. Criss-crossed with little alleyways, Morlaix is also known for its railway viaduct which connects Brest to Paris. Look up… Under the 300-metre-long structure with nine arches you’re bound to find something you like in one of the many restaurants.
Back on the saddle, pedal alongside the splendid Morlaix bay and absorb the wonderful natural view. When you get to Plouezoc’h, visit the Barnenez cairn, the largest megalithic mausoleum in Europe. Head to Locquirec following the coast. Take time to admire the rocky tips that plunge into the bay, Taureau castle, Louët Island and the many little isles of the bird reserve.
In Morlaix (departure)
In Locquirec (finish)
Day 2 – Locquirec > Lannion (28 km)
With a picnic in your panniers, now leave the delightful port of Locquirec towards the vestiges of the Hogolo Gallo-Roman baths, excavated from the sand in 1892. In the large Plestin-les-Grèves bay, the Breton coast has many viewpoints for enjoying lunch facing the sea.
As you join Lannion, the route moves away from the coast. It leads to a historical town, overlooked by the famous Brélévenez church, accessible by a granite staircase with 140 steps. The view of Lannion and the surrounding area is well worth it. The historical district with its private mansions, its houses with turrets, its frescoes and its retables will delight fans of history and architecture.
In Lannion
Pleumeur Bodou Cite Des Telecoms Le Radome
Day 3 – Lannion > Ploumanac’h (30 km)
Do you like cycling and science? On the way to the coast, make a stop near Pleumeur-Bodou. The strange white bubble in the middle of the fields indicates Radôme Park, in the distance, which contains three universes on one site – the City of telecommunications, the Brittany planetarium and the Gallic Village.
After this fun pause, set off to the coast, scattered with wild bays. Get off the beaten track to explore the Pink Granite Coast where the rocks have strange and spectacular shapes. You’ll arrive in Ploumanac’h. Voted the favourite village of the French in 2015, this former fishermen’s hamlet is striking due to its pink beauty that disappears into the ocean. The feeling of escape is guaranteed on the Sentier des douaniers.
In Ploumanac’h/Perros-Guirec
Day 4 – Perros-Guirec > Paimpol (46 km)
Have you got a bit of time? Give yourself an extra day to move away from the main route and explore the coast in more depth. The Port-Blanc archipelago, the Buguélès tide mill and the famous Plougrescant House, stuck between two rocks, are some of the must-see curiosities in the area.
Back on the main route, you’ll arrive in Tréguier. This bishop’s city, capital of Trégor, has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Brittany. Then you’ll cross the Trieux valley and Lézardrieux to get to Paimpol, capital of cod fishing in the time of the Terre-Neuvas.
In Paimpol
Day 5 – Paimpol > Saint-Quay-Portrieux (32 km)
Paimpol, its museum of the sea and its living port deserve a morning’s visit. By bike, the coastal route will take you to the splendid Beauport abbey. Take a walk through the estate to discover the moor, the conservatory orchards, the enclosed garden and the cloister. Continue alongside Plouha cliffs, the highest in Brittany at 104 m above the sea.
At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Saint-Quay-Portrieux, a charming seaside resort where Joséphine Baker liked to stay. The village is also an important scallop fishing port. Enjoy!
In Saint-Quay
Day 6 – Saint-Quay-Portrieux > Saint-Brieuc (24 km)
Leave Saint-Quay-Portrieux for Saint-Brieuc. On your way, you will pass through Etables-sur-Mer, where the Belle Epoque villas recall the beginnings of seaside tourism. Lovely cliffs studded with little bays give the landscape a wild character.
After Etables-sur-Mer, cross the port of Binic, another former port of the Terre-Neuvas. You’ll pass through Pordic and the Parfond du Gouët viaduct before starting downhill towards Légué port. Just a little more effort… Saint-Brieuc station is just a little higher. The TER will take you back to your starting point.
In Saint-Brieuc
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