Rennes to Mont Saint-Michel Inland Brittany Bike Tour

Begin your adventure in Rennes, the lively capital of Brittany, where tradition meets modern flair at every turn. Take time to wander the vibrant city streets, soak up the café culture, and marvel at a unique blend of medieval timber framed houses and bold contemporary architecture. The city’s bustling markets and lively squares invite you to discover the region’s exceptional cuisine and artisanal treats.

Rennes boasts a rich tapestry of art and history, from its imposing Parliament building to the thought provoking installations adorning public spaces. Museums and galleries offer a glimpse into Brittany’s soul, while parks and river walks provide peaceful green retreats.

After check-in, relax at the stylish Hôtel Le Saint-Antoine et Spa. Let the anticipation build for the scenic pedaling days ahead, with the promise of riverside routes and coastal vistas inspiring a restful night.

Your journey begins with a gentle descent to the first lock on the Ille-et-Rance Canal, where tranquil waters, leafy shade, and songbirds guide your way. As you ride along the flat, well surfaced towpath, panoramic scenes of rolling farmland and peaceful countryside unfold on either side.

Pause at Bazouges’ water basin, an ingenious engineering marvel that feeds the canal. Here, the iconic “11 locks” appear as a dramatic water staircase, framed with flowers and worked by local lock keepers, a living link to the canal’s storied past.

Enjoy the serenity of rural Brittany, where every village reveals a slice of authentic life. By evening, arrive at Les Fleurs de Lin, a charming chambres d’hôtes, where delicious home-cooked cuisine and heartfelt hospitality greet you after a satisfying day in the saddle.

Elevation: +221m

Today’s ride unfolds along tranquil canal paths and wooded trails, with gentle climbs and smooth descents making for a breezy morning. Discover the lock house museum at Tinténiac, offering fascinating tales of ancient trades and river lore.

Ride onward to the enchanting Bourbansais castle, where history and nature blend with a family friendly zoo, perfect for a scenic pause. Next, pedal into the embrace of the Ille and Rance rivers at Evran, where the waterways merge in a union of winding currents and historic bridges.

Approaching Dinan, cross the cobbled lanes of Léhon, renowned as one of Brittany’s “small towns of character.” Cross the viaduct and enter medieval Dinan by its bustling port, then challenge yourself with a final climb to the old town, rewarded with sweeping views and a feast of architectural treasures.

Elevation: +175m

Begin your day cycling from Dinan’s historic port, gently tracing the canal before connecting with a picturesque greenway on an old railway track. The path weaves through the Breton countryside towards the chic seaside resort of Dinard, where grand 19th century villas recall a golden age of French seaside living.

Savor an ice cream break on the promenade overlooking sandy beaches and glimmering waves. Absorb the refreshing sea breeze and lively coastal ambiance before setting out for the day’s next adventure.

Board a short cruise to cross the mouth of the River Rance, following the path of legendary navigators into Saint-Malo. Enter the storied corsair city via its ancient ramparts, where cobbled streets and seafarers’ tales await, and settle in at the inviting Hôtel La Maison des Armateurs.

Elevation: +116m

Cycle out of Saint-Malo, following gentle coastal and rural roads that offer vistas of lush countryside and iconic seascapes. Admire the stately “malouinières”, 17th and 18th-century mansions built by shipowners who brought fortune and flair to the region.

Pedal through fertile farmland toward the fishing village of Cancale, world renowned for its oysters cultivated in the sheltered bay. Along the way, roadside cafés and harbors provide tempting reasons to pause and soak up the sights and flavors.

Arrive in Cancale, park your bike by the waterfront, and indulge in fresh oysters served straight from the sea by local farmers at the bustling market. Enjoy a relaxed evening at Hôtel Restaurant La Mère Champlain, with stunning views of moored boats and the lapping tide.

Elevation: +185m

Set off through scenic coastal landscapes and flat marshlands, where the sea glimmers at your side and seabirds flit above. Halfway, Mont-Dol rises above the plain, a mossy granite outcrop ideal for a casual lunch with 360-degree vistas across the marshes and distant coast.

Push on through salt meadows and ancient stone villages as anticipation grows for your iconic destination. The final kilometers are a sensory delight, with the scent of wildflowers and salt tang guiding you ever closer to a world wonder.

Suddenly, the silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel appears, rising ethereally from the tidal bay. Park your bike and ascend on foot through narrow, winding streets to the legendary abbey at the summit. Celebrate your achievement and rest at the comfortable Hôtel Mercure Mont Saint-Michel.

Elevation: +83m

Savor an unhurried morning, perhaps beginning with sunrise views over the legendary bay. Today’s loop explores small Norman lanes, leading you to Roche Torin, where land and sea melt into a dreamy landscape and the grandeur of the Mont looms ever present.

Descend to the water’s edge, where tranquility reigns and each angle brings a new perspective on the monastery crowned islet. The day offers ample chances for quiet reflection, photographs, and lingering in this mystical, storied corner of northern France.

Return for a final evening of French hospitality, having completed a ride through history and legend-one coastline, countless memories.

Elevation: +136m