Self-Guided Great Crossing of Southern Brittany Road Bike Tour

This weeklong ride through Southern Brittany blends ocean views, charming villages, and rolling countryside into one unforgettable adventure. You start in Quimper, where medieval streets and half timbered houses set the scene, then loop out toward the stunning bay of Douarnenez before heading south along rugged coastline and bright blue waters.

Each day brings something new like dramatic cliffs at Pointe du Raz, lively fishing ports like Guilvinnec, peaceful river valleys, and historic towns such as Concarneau and Pont Aven. Later in the journey you cruise across the Gulf of Morbihan by boat, pedal through quiet country lanes, and explore salt marshes, medieval ramparts, and long sandy beaches.

The route mixes flat stretches with steady climbs, keeping things engaging without feeling overwhelming. It is a trip filled with coastal breezes, scenic detours, and the timeless charm of Brittany.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Quimper

Finish

La Baule

Level

challenging

Avg. Daily Distance

94 km / 58 mi

Cycling Days

7

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Quimper–Cornouaille Airport (UIP)

Fly-Out

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)

Highlights

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Spectacular Ocean Riding

Much of the route stays close to the sea, offering nonstop views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and wide Atlantic horizons. Riding with the ocean breeze beside you is one of the defining experiences of this tour.

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Historic Towns and Breton Character

The itinerary passes through some of Southern Brittany’s most beautiful towns, including Quimper, Concarneau, Pont Aven, Guérande and Carnac.

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The Gulf of Morbihan Crossing

A memorable boat crossing takes you into the Gulf of Morbihan, a sheltered inland sea dotted with islands. This mix of cycling and sea travel adds variety and allows you to enjoy the landscape from a completely different perspective.

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Salt Marshes and Natural Landscapes

From river valleys to the salt evaporation ponds of Guérande and the marshes of Brière, the route showcases Brittany’s quieter, wilder side.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Image

Day 1: Quimper

Your cycling adventure begins in Quimper, a historic City of Art and History. Quimper is known for its Celtic heritage and beautiful architecture, such as its timber-framed houses.

After a welcome and receiving your travel documents, you set off on a hilly loop through the Odet valley. The route climbs toward the Prieuré mountain, offering panoramic views over Douarnenez Bay.

You reach Locronan, one of France's most beautiful medieval villages, built entirely from granite. After time to explore its cobbled streets, you cycle back to Quimper. The evening is free to enjoy the old town and its many crêperies.

Elevation: 760m

Meals:
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
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Day 2: Plobannalec-Lesconil

Leaving Quimper, you ride southwest toward the dramatic Pointe du Raz, considered the western end of France. The route follows coastal roads known as the Solar Wind Route, with constant ocean views.

You pass the lighthouse of Penmarc'h before reaching Guilvinnec, where fishing boats return to port in the afternoon. The final kilometers lead you to the small harbor town of Lesconil.

Elevation : 899m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 126 km / 78 mi
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Day 3: Pont Aven

Today's ride takes you through Pont l'Abbé, a charming town known for its Breton heritage. You continue to Bénodet, where the Odet River meets the sea, facing the Glénan Islands. The route leads on to Concarneau, whose walled town sits between fishing and leisure ports.

Following the coast and then the Aven estuary, you ride inland to reach Pont Aven. This artistic town welcomes you for the night.

Elevation : 680m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 110 km / 68 mi
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Day 4: Carnac

You leave Pont Aven on rolling countryside roads bordered by hedgerows and small valleys. Gradually, the route brings you back to the coast near Lorient, with views of the Port Louis Citadel. After a few short climbs, the scenery opens onto the Bay of Quiberon.

You finish the day in Carnac, famous for its prehistoric stone alignments and seaside atmosphere.

Elevation : 544m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 117 km / 73 mi
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Day 5: La Roche-Bernard

A short morning ride takes you to Locmariaquer, where you board a boat with your bike for a crossing of the Gulf of Morbihan. After arriving on the Rhuys Peninsula, you cycle quiet roads between land and sea, enjoying views across the inland gulf.

The route continues inland toward the Vilaine River. You arrive in La Roche-Bernard, a small character town overlooking the river valley.

Elevation: 404m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 95 km / 59 mi
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Day 6: La Baule

From the banks of the Vilaine, you ride toward the Loire estuary through waterways and marshlands. Small secondary roads guide you through the Brière Regional Natural Park. You pass the traditional villages of Kerhinet and Bréca, known for their thatched houses and wetland scenery.

Salt marshes appear as you approach the Guérande Peninsula. The day ends at the seafront in La Baule, home to Europe's longest sandy beach.

Elevation : 476m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 72 km / 45 mi
Itinerary Image

Day 7: La Baule

Your final ride forms a loop from La Baule through the vast salt marshes of Guérande. After exploring the medieval walled town, you continue along the coast through Mesquer and Piriac sur Mer.

The route passes La Turballe and follows the wild coastline toward Le Croisic. After enjoying the harbor and dramatic ocean views, you return to La Baule, where the tour concludes.

Elevation : 310m

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 73 km / 45 mi

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $860



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

Ridley Carbon Frame or similar

road

Included in your trip price

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour starts in Quimper. Although Quimper has an airport, it has no regular flights

The most convenient way to arrive at Quimper is to take a train from Paris. The direct TGVs from Paris-Montparnasse ake ~3h45–4h15 to reach Quimper.

if you prefer flying, the best way to arrive is to fly into the Brest Airport located some 80kms away.

Departure

Your tour ends in La Baule. The most convenient airport for departure is Nantes Airport, which has frequent domestic and international flights. From La Baule, you can reach Nantes Airport by taxi, or by train via La Baule station followed by a short shuttle or taxi transfer.

You can also take the direct train from La Baule to Paris which takes around 3 hours to reach Paris.

Weather

The best time to cycle this tour is from late spring to early autumn, when days are long and coastal conditions are most pleasant. From May to September, temperatures usually range between 15–24°C (59–75°F), ideal for long riding days without extreme heat.

Summer brings more sunshine and lively coastal towns, though light winds are common. April and October are cooler at around 10–18°C (50–64°F) and can feel fresh, especially near the ocean, but still rewarding for experienced riders. Winter months are wetter, windier, and less suitable for an exposed coastal route like this.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Mixed

May

Best

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Good

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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