Brittany Walled Towns
8 Days Starting in Saint Malo, France and ending in St Malo, France
Visiting: St Malo, Saint Malo, Pointe de Grouin, Cancale, Dol de Bretagne, Dol-de-Bretagne, Mont Saint-Michel, Pontorson, Mont d'Huisme, Saint James, Fougères, Combourg, Evran, Léhon, Dinan, Plouër-sur-Rance, Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets, Dinard
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BWT
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating cycling adventure through the enchanting walled towns of Brittany, France. This self-guided tour invites you to explore the region's stunning 1100km coastline, with highlights including the breathtaking Mont St Michel and the ancient fairyland of Dinan. Pedal through picturesque countryside, discover medieval towns, and enjoy the warm hospitality and hearty regional cuisine. Spot dolphins where the Côte d'Émeraude meets the Bay of Mont St Michel, and visit the impressive fortifications at Fougères. Your journey begins and ends in the historic port town of Saint Malo, with comfortable accommodations in 2-3 star hotels. Equipped with a 21-speed bike, panniers, and a navigational app, you'll traverse quiet back roads and scenic routes, with luggage transfers provided. An optional excursion to the Channel Island of Jersey is available for those seeking an extended adventure. Enjoy continental breakfasts and one dinner, and savor the charm of Brittany's medieval towns and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive St Malo
Location: St Malo
Accommodation Name: hotel
St Malo is a remarkable site, built at the mouth of the river Rance. It has been the subject of many disputes in the past due to its access to the sea and its position at the frontier between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France. In the 16th century the port grew incredibly fast with the development of its fishing fleet and the discovery of Canada. Your hotel is situated a short walk from the fortifications.
Day 2 : Cycle the coast to Cancale, continue to Dol de Bretagne (52km/32mi)
Location: Saint Malo, Pointe de Grouin, Cancale, Dol de Bretagne
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you were not able to explore the fortifications and the old town of St Malo yesterday then you should take the opportunity this morning. When you commence cycling you will follow the coast road between Saint Malo and the Pointe de Grouin, with fine views of the Isles of Chaussey and of the open sea. You may spot dolphins in this area where the Cote d'Emeraude and the Bay of Mont St Michel meet. The port of Cancale is at the entrance of the Bay and is the oyster capital of France. A great spot to stop for lunch or afternoon snack! You will leave the Bay and head inland on quiet, country roads. Overnight The standard hotel is in the centre of the pretty town of Dol de Bretagne while the upgrade hotel is about 3km to the south. This is a genuine manor house which dates from the beginning of the 18th Century and was once the base of the famous Saint Malo corsair, Robert Surcouff. Ascent/descent: +392m/-383m
Day 3 : Cycle to the magical island monastery of Mont St Michel, continue to Pontorson (28 or 48km/17.5 or 30mi)
Location: Dol-de-Bretagne, Mont Saint-Michel, Pontorson
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You should spend a little time wandering round the old town of Dol and visit its cathedral before setting off this morning. Travelling to the north and towards the Bay of Mont Saint Michel you will pass Mont Dol. Once an island, today this rocky outcrop is a fascinating archaeological site. From Cherrueix you will follow the Bay towards the east. At low tide you will see the shell-fish producers out on the sand with their tractors tending to their oyster parks and mussel beds. Once you have crossed the Polders you will arrive at Mont Saint Michel. It will take you about 3 hours to walk around the ramparts and visit the Abbey at the top, before you wander back down through the village. From here you join the cycling path along the Couesnon towards the authentic town of Pontorson. Ascent/descent: +71/-86m or +241m/-258m
Day 4 : Pedal south to Saint James enroute to Fougeres (58km/36mi)
Location: Mont d'Huisme, Saint James, Fougères
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a visit to the German War Cemetery at Mont d'Huisme, you will cycle towards the eastern side of the Bay and the estuary of the Salune, one of three tidal rivers which flow into the bay. You then head inland alongside the 'herbus' (pastures occasionally covered by exceptionally high tides) right to the end of the funnel-shaped estuary. Before leaving the Bay you might be lucky enough to see the tidal bore known here as the 'Mascaret', which is caused by the strong tidal currents. Pedalling south, you'll pass the Montmorel Abbey at Polley and arrive at Saint James, famous for the Normandy striped sports shirts. After leaving Saint James you will see the American cemetery, a reminder of the Battle of Normandy, which included action round the Bay of Mont Saint Michel. Your route then takes you on to Fougères. Look out for dolmens (stone tombs) along the way. Your hotel is perfectly placed in the heart of this walled town, allowing you to visit the biggest fortifications in the region on foot. Ascent/descent: +534m/-398m
Day 5 : Through woods and classic Brittany countryside to Combourg (52km/32mi)
Location: Combourg
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey today and tomorrow will take you deeper into the Brittany countryside. Far from the tourist routes and travelling west on small country lanes, you will pass isolated farms and granite manor houses and cycle through beautiful, leafy woods. The terrain is varied and the villages authentic. Combourg will be your overnight stop. The 18th century Romantic writer François René de Châteaubriand found his inspiration here, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of Lac Tranquille and the imposing castle. Ascent/descent: +424m/-505m
Day 6 : Through the Rance River Valley to Dinan (34km/21mi)
Location: Evran, Léhon, Dinan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You'll continue heading west today, joining the Rance valley at Evran. You will travel along the valley as far as the village of Léhon, where you cross to the other bank of the Rance and reach the walled town of Dinan. This remarkable medieval town is one of the finest examples of Brittany architecture and has a large number of granite buildings with upper storeys built in timber. Your hotel itself was a convent in the 16th century. We recommend eating out tonight at one of the many creperies in town. Ascent/descent: +345m/-315m
Day 7 : Return to St Malo (34km or 65km/21 or 40mi)
Location: Dinan, Plouër-sur-Rance, Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets, St Malo, Dinard
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you're choosing the shorter route today we recommend having a thorough visit of Dinan before leaving. You'll then head off by bike from the port, following the left bank of the Rance before crossing the river to the north of Plouër-sur-Rance. Whilst pedaling alongside the estuary as far as Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets you will be treated to some quite remarkable scenery. This is a true inland sea where boats sail right up to the artichoke fields and farmers' villages have become ports. Head back to St Malo and the beautiful beaches of the Sillon. Or the longer route will take in the Cote d'Emeraude and the town of Dinard. Ascent/descent: +353m/-419m or +604m/-674m
Day 8 : Trip concludes or optional extension to Jersey
Location: St Malo
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast, or you can add an optional trip to the Channel island of Jersey (subject to the ferry schedules, Ferry each way takes approx 1hr 10mins).
In July and August and at some other times the ferry leaves from St Malo between 8-9am, and you can spend a full day on the island with (or without) the bikes before returning sometime between 5 and 8pm. The full island circuit is 60km or there are shorter circuits. Return to St Malo for an extra night. Please contact us for more details - supplement applies.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels or upgrade to 3 star hotels -
21-speed bike rental
Travel includes a 21-speed bike equipped with panniers, helmet, anti-theft device, phone holder, and repair kit.
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Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer is provided, with a maximum of 20kg per piece.
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Travel to and from St Malo
Travel to and from St Malo is included.
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Information pack
An information pack including route notes, maps, and tourist information is provided per room.
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Navigational app
Navigational app and login details are provided.
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GPS tracks
GPS tracks are available on request.
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Emergency hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Tour guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so a tour guide is not included.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Bike upgrades
E-bike, road, or gravel bike hire is available with a supplement.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees are not included.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage beyond the included 20kg piece is not included.
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Transfers
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Optional excursion to Jersey
An optional excursion to Jersey, with or without bike rental, includes a return ferry. An extra night in St Malo is required and is not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel and are not included.
Grading
This trip involves 6 days cycling between 28 and 65km (17 and 40mi) per day over a mix of flat and undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic. When entering and leaving towns you will be on roads with more traffic where care needs to be taken. We recommend that you undertake some pre trip training to ensure you get the most out of your cycle trip and are comfortable cycling in areas of medium traffic. During the cycle you need only carry your camera and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn – these will be provided to you with your bike.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes a 21-speed bike equipped with panniers, helmet, anti-theft device, phone holder, and repair kit. Luggage transfer is provided, and travel to and from St Malo is included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis, with an optional upgrade to comfort hotels (3 star) available for a supplement.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour provides a 21-speed men's or ladies' bike equipped with two panniers, a helmet, a bike lock, a phone holder, and a repair kit. E-bike, road, or gravel bike hire is available with a supplement.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included in the tour. You are allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Breakfasts will be continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee, and juice. Meals not listed as included and drinks are not included.
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Is travel insurance required for the tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the tour but it is not included in the package.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you should carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is there an option for a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so a tour guide is not included.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. There is an optional upgrade to comfort hotels (3 star) available for a supplement.
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Is there an optional excursion available during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional excursion to the Channel island of Jersey, which includes a return ferry. An extra night in St Malo is required, and a supplement applies.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip involves 6 days of cycling between 28 and 65km (17 and 40mi) per day over a mix of flat and undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic, but care needs to be taken when entering and leaving towns where there is more traffic.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
