6 gravel-bike routes to track down in Brittany

Feel like cycling with the wind in your face? Then hop on your gravel bike: we’ve found 6 itineraries for you, taking you along Breton roads great and small, inland and along the coast. On the clock, kilometres of happiness, “wahoo!” landscapes… and a good dose of adventure to share with your friends!

In the blink of eye

1. Tranquillity on the Pink Granite Coast and in Trégor’s countryside

29.1 km – Intermediate level

The route? Just follow the “green and white “vélos” (bikes) stickers, leaving from Plougrescant. You’ll be pedalling along small roads most of the time, first of all right alongside the Pink Granite Coast and then through Trégor’s countryside. Obligatory stop-off to discover the Gouffre de Plougrescant and its house wedged between enormous rocks… impressive! Back in the saddle, hit the road again in peace, cycle past the marshes, cross Buguélès, a little village at the end of the world, catch glimpses of the countless islets scattered across the sea, discover chapels, megaliths… You won’t notice the kilometres flying by!

Where to sleep :

Ti Brao guesthouse in Penvénan

2. Uphill, downhill… and panoramic views on the Crozon peninsula

35.7 km – Expert level

Helmet firmly on head, off you go around one of the tip of Brittany’s most beautiful spots: the Crozon peninsula. A 100% gravel-bike loop that will well and truly amaze you… and warm up your legs a bit too. Leaving from Crozon, it’s uphill and downhill along coast roads and (panoramic) little lanes until you get to Cap de la Chèvre. It’s a promise, the views along the coast, combining sand-dune beaches, turquoise sea and green and pink moorland, are worth all the pedal strokes in the world. On the way back, treat yourself to a splash on Morgat’s superb beach…really refreshing!

Où dormir :

Hôtel de la Plage in Crozon

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

3. Rolling “Littorale”… and langoustines in Pays Bigouden

37.1 km – Intermediate level

Start your clock at Pointe de Penmarc’h, not far from La Torche and Audierne Bay… and pedal your way through Pays Bigouden’s fishing ports. You cycle along Véloroute 45, known as the “Littorale”, mainly on asphalt and rolling track. Good news for your legs: it’s (almost) all flat! First of all, the itinerary takes you through Le Guilvinec, where you can watch the trawlers making their way back to port in the late afternoon. Then you cross the ports of Lesconil and Loctudy… A mandatory break to sample the “Demoiselles” – langoustines to those in the know. And that’s it, there you are in Pont-l’Abbé, Pays Bigouden’s lively capital. Back along the way you came (or by bus in the summer, as it’s possible to take your bike on board with you).

Where to sleep :

Bigouden Makers in Pont l’Abbé

4. South Finistère’s rias and ocean

32.6 km – Intermediate level

Norway has its fjords. South Finistère has its rias. Typical inlets, to discover as you pedal a loop that includes quite a variety of roads. Great for gravel biking! Leaving from Moëlan-sur-Mer, a stone’s throw from Doëlan, hands well apart on the handlebars, you alternate between narrow little lanes, coast roads and wooded trails… First of all, pedal your way to Pointe de Kerfany and, to your right, admire the ocean as it sneaks into the famous Ria du Bélon. Take a break on the port of Brigneau’s quays – it was once a centre of the sardine industry – and then return by way of Merrien ria and its crystal-clear waters. A still secret Breton beauty spot!

Where to sleep :

The Auberge de la Mer in Moëlan-sur-Mer

5. Get yourself in gear on the Lanvaux moors near Vannes

20.8 km + 32.8 km – intermediate + expert levels

Everything okay? Then find the right gear and explore the joys of the Lanvaux moors in Vannes’ hinterland. Leaving from Grand-Champ, two signposted “gravel bike” itineraries, 21 km and 33 km respectively (combine them if you’re a seasoned cyclist), take you along little country roads and rural trails. You ride through forests, grasslands and ultra-typical villages, their all-granite houses bordered by hydrangeas. The bucolic surroundings have their fair share of fine surprises in store for you: megaliths concealed in a field, a hyper-romantic ruined chapel hidden away in the forest… and a few steep little climbs as a bonus. Don’t forget to take a break or two so as to appreciate the panorama!

Where to sleep :

Appart’City Confort Vannes

Bbt Copyright Tourisme Bretagne Nicolas Dequin 053

6. Technique in the Brocéliande Forest

37 km – Expert level

Feel like an outing in magical surroundings? Brocéliande Forest, the perfect playground. Leaving from Paimpont, this rather technical route takes you anticlockwise around the northern part of the forest. Breathe in the forest air as you pedal its trails, and acquaint yourself with the centuries-old Guillotin Oak. Cross the village of La Folle Pensée rubbing shoulders with the Druids, admire the church in Tréhorenteuc, known as the Church of the Holy Grail… You can fill your water bottle there. After passing the entrance to the Valley of No Return, the itinerary takes you along peaceful, pretty little country roads before burrowing into the forest again…back to Paimpont.

Where to sleep:

Les Gîtes de Brocéliande in Néant-sur-Yvel

To find all of these routes,

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