Emerald Coast of Brittany cycling

Travel to Brittany and arrive in Mont-Dol, a flowery village stuck to a granite rise on the otherwise flat Breton Coast. Stretch your legs on a walk to the top of Mont-Dol, where clear skies provide inspiring vistas of the polders and inland hills.

Set off inland through rolling terrain to reach colourful story-book Dol-de-Bretagne and a striking location called Pontorson. Cycle a clear relaxed route to the mound-island of Le Mont-Saint-Michel, an age-old pilgrimage site with an impressive abbey surging up out of the sea. Gliding via ‘Duchess Anne’s Dike’, you pedal the polders out to Chapelle St. Anne by the bay then circle back inland on your return to the starting point.

Challenge: 69 km / 43 mi, 130 m ascent, 130 m descent

Cycle the Bay of Saint-Michel against a backdrop of immense sea views. Stop off in the lively fishing village of Cancale to feast on the local oysters or visit the oyster banks, if the tide is out. The open Breton Coast isn’t really suitable for a day at the beach. However, if you cycle a tough climb over to the other side of the peninsula, you’ll be rewarded with a sunny spot on a golden beach. Roll along a quiet path into the humming port of Saint-Malo.

Challenge: 44 km / 27,5 mi, 150 m ascent, 150 m descent

Spend the day in historic Saint-Malo with its imposing walled fortress, little ports, vibrant shopping lanes and irresistible beaches. Or jump on an early morning ferry to the British island of Jersey and tour of tons of bike tracks, with the occasional steep ascent! 

If you just cannot make up your mind, book an extra night in Saint-Malo to get the best of both worlds.

Challenge: 32 km / 20 mi

Hop on a boat to fashionable Dinard and cycle a dead-straight track going south. Following a former railway, you ride countryside stretches to tiny villages, breathing in the tranquil scenery. Next, the ‘Voie Verte’ leads you inland through green flowering to Taden Castle and the River Rance flows up to the picturesque Port of Dinan.

Not in the mood for cycling today? In season you (and your bike) can get the boat from Dinard to Port Dinan.

Challenge: 27 km / 17 mi, 120 m ascent, 115 m descent

The town of Dinan is well worth exploring, so spend the day wandering round its galleries, shops, restaurants and terraces. And leave a bit of time for a ride into the green hills south of town. This pastoral landscape here recalls the South of England and Cornwall, with black granite farmhouses nestling among splendidly blue hydrangea. Most of the route follows the Canal d’Ille et Rance tow path, a lovely peaceful track with a few locks and villages along the way. Option of shortening the ride, if you wish.

Challenge: 49 km / 30,5 mi, 200 m ascent, 215 m descent

Relax on a tranquil track along the River Rance. Marvel at enormous contrasts between tides from the dam and bike through rolling farmland to the once prosperous city of Dol-de-Bretagne. Admire an impressive megalithic giant, the Menhir du Champ-Dolent. See the soaring ceiling at the Cathedral of St Samson, one of the seven Breton founder-saints. Walk the Grand Rue des Stuarts past magnificent 12th- and 13th-century houses, then your trip comes full circle back to Mont-Dol.

Challenge: 44 km / 27,5 mi, 205 m ascent, 215 m descent

Your self-guided cycling holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Departure from Brittany.