Five bicycle rides for the whole family

So you’ve decided to discover Brittany by bike with your merry band! To ride easy, use the green routes, which are reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, roller skaters and sometimes horses. Here is a selection of five circuits suitable for every person in the family.

In the blink of an eye

1. Exploring the locks of the Nantes to Brest canal by bike

Pontivy – Saint-Gonnery (21 km)

Between Nantes and Brest, the canal flows through the valleys of several rivers, including the Oust. From Pontivy to Josselin, gear up for a nature ride for a dozen or so miles past the locks. A countryside scene awaits with grey herons and moorhens to keep you company! Read up on all the remarkable trees along your path thanks to the interpretation panels. In St-Gonnery, take a relaxing pit stop at the spacious Louarnig Park, with traditional Breton games. For a thrilling treetop adventure, pop into the Accrobrancherie opposite, where the zip line hovers above the canal!

Check out the Pontivy-Josselin route

Where to sleep?

La Ferme de La Cavalerie in Saint-Gonnery

Where to hire bikes?

At the Go Sport Bike + shop in Pontivy, you can hire mountain bikes, e-bikes for adults, child trailers as well as helmets, bike bags and child seats. Call ahead to book before coming.

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2. “Défis de l’Oust” on Île-aux-Pies

Redon – Ile aux Pies (9 km)

Take your time, complete a family challenge, leave the car behind and hop on a bike, a canoe or simply breathe in the scent of pine as you walk: this is the spirit of « Défis de l’Oust », and to be able to say at the end of the day: « I did it! » Starting from Redon on one of the stages of the Vélodyssée cycling route, head towards Ile-aux-Pies, 9 km away! On the programme: cycling, hiking, swimming, canoeing or tree-climbing for a day out in nature. There is something for every age: La Tranquille, La Boussole, La Belle échappée, Tête en l’air and La Super Complète.

Check out the Redon-Peillac route

Where to sleep?

La Ferme du Ménéhy in Saint-Vincent-sur-Oust has a campsite, guest rooms and “kabadiennes” (a cross between a log cabin and a Canadian tent!). It also organises pony and horse rides.

Where to hire bikes?

At the Pays de Redon Tourist Information Centre (booking required).

3. Follow a former railway track through Brittany

Guiscriff – Gourin (12,5 km) or Guiscriff – Rosporden (17,5 km)

Starting at Guiscriff station, this green route number 7 Roscoff-Concarneau is ideal for families. Before jumping on the saddle, take time to visit the Train Museum dedicated to the history of the Breton network. You’ll be transported into the rail worker’s world, at the time of the steam train. The rails have now gone and made way for a safe route. You can take the green route to Gourin (12.5 km) to get to the capital of the traditional Breton crêpe, celebrated in July, or you can head towards Rosporden (17.5 km). In the middle of Coatloc’h forest, the route offers magnificent views of the bocage and there are wonderful sections through tree tunnels. Between Scaër and Rosporden, interpretive signs make the route more interesting. Have fun finding the still visible railway heritage! When you get back, stop at Café de la Gare de Guiscriff, where numerous events take place all year round. Solve the riddles and become a spy during an escape game and prolong your escapade by spending the night in a real Mongolian yurt.

Check out the Rosporden-Guiscriff-Gourin route

Where to sleep?

Natural camping area of Guiscriff Station. A Mongolian yurt is also available to rent all year round, as well as a sleeper train.

Where to hire a bike?

At the Guiscriff station

Read alsoBicycle hire in Brittany

4. Escapade in Quiberon Bay

Plouharnel – Quiberon (19 km)

One of Brittany’s gems is on coastal route 5: Quiberon Bay Along your circuit, you will see turquoise water, fine sandy beaches and other striking landscapes. Starting from Plouharnelou in Quiberon, set off on a 20-km bike ride to discover the dunes and the unspoilt coast. For a restful return, enjoy a charming little trip in the « Tire-Bouchon ». The “Tire-bouchon” is a train that serves around ten stations between Auray and Quiberon. It circulates every day from the end of June to the end of August, as well as every weekend in June and the first two weekends of September. If you are tempted by the experience, choose your return journey carefully because bikes are only admitted at certain times.

Check out the Erdeven-Quiberon route

Where to sleep?

Le Relais Saint-Joseph de l’Océan in Saint-Pierre-de-Quiberon

Where to hire a bike?

Bike rental in Plouharnel
Cycles Loisir in Quiberon

5. A breath of fresh air on the green route of Mont Saint Michel bay

Dol-de-Bretagne – Le Mont-St-Michel (38 km) or Dol-de-Bretagne – Cancale (30 km)

The reputation of the beauty of this bay goes before it. Mont-Saint-Michel, its expanses of sand, its marshes, the Couësnon river, etc., are just some of the sights to see in this region. In addition, the green route that runs alongside the entire bay has just been finished. So there are no excuses for not cycling here! With its low elevation gain, this circuit is easily accessible for families with young children. Starting from Maison des Polders in Roz-sur-Couësnon, and depending on the wind direction, head towards Mont Saint Michel or Cancale.

Check out the Le Vivier – Mont Saint-Michel route

Where to sleep?

Edd Hostel in Dol-de-Bretagne

Where to hire a bike?

Vélo Emeraude
Cycles Romé in Dol-de-Bretagne