Marque Bretagne

From Rennes to Saint Malo by bike, the Ille & Rance Canal

From the Breton capital to the corsair city of Saint-Malo on an extended weekend by bike

Highlights

Flat and secure paths
The site of the eleven locks at Hédé
The medieval town of Dinan
The ferry crossing from Dinard to Saint-Malo
Family friendly tour

Ride the romantic and medieval Brittany on the Ille & Rance Canal

From Rennes, make the most of a pleasant towpath to reach the beautiful corsair town of Saint-Malo.

From Rennes to Saint-Malo, the Ille & Rance Canal  offers you a beautiful and relaxing ride from the Breton capital to the sea. At an Easy level, it is an itinerary that is perfect for beginners and families with young children. On the towpath, flat, marked and secure, you move in a peaceful and green setting where nature is predominant. In the middle of this lush greenery, the chirping of birds and the soft sound of the river underline your getaway as a couple with family or friends.

On the towpath, you will discover the multiple charms of the interior of Brittany: rural, wooded, forest and romantic. Along the canal, Brittany reveals its many natural and tourist attractions.

The passing through the city of Dinan is a high point on the trip. This medieval city which is among the most beautiful cities in Brittany dominates the Rance valley from a rocky promontory. Its maze of cobbled streets adorned with half-timbered buildings invites you for a stroll. Along the way, don’t miss Léhon, a charming town full of character.

Throughout the route, crossing the locks enlivens your adventure. Often decorated with flowers, the 48 locks that line the canal are essential for its proper functioning. By crossing the Ille & Rance Canal you meet other travellers (cyclists, hikers) and locals (lock keepers, amateur sailors, residents, fishermen). They will always be happy to tell you about their love story with the channel.

As you approach Dinard, the sea is not far away. The decor changes. The atmosphere too. The seaside and the maritime landscapes take over the bucolic and the untamed ones. The Rance estuary and the Emerald coast welcome you. What a joy to reach the sea! It was it that guided the departure from Rennes.

To reward your efforts since the Breton capital, why not take a dip in the sea or simply enjoy a sunbath on the beach? It is also an opportunity to treat yourself to a good Breton buckwheat crêpe!

After a cruise between Dinard and Saint-Malo, the corsair city accompanies your cycling adventure on the Ille & Rance Canal. The inner city of Saint-Malo is magnificent. Stroll through its cobbled streets and contemplate the immensity of the sea from the promenade des ramparts, a walk on the high walls.

Carte itinéraire Le Canal d'Ille et Rance à vélo
Niveau LeisureLeisure
Day 1

From RENNES to HEDE-BAZOUGES 44km 159m Niveau Loisir

You descend on the first lock of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance as your journey on the towpath begins. Under the trees and on a pleasantly surfaced lane, you enjoy a flat route in the middle of a hilly landscape. After passing some villages, you arrive on the basin of Bazouges. It’s made up of a water reserve that feeds the canal. The site of the eleven locks resembles a water staircase. It allows for 27 meters of difference in level. It’s a especially superb site thanks to the close succession of the flower covered locks in a beautiful alignment. If a boat comes through, you can see the lock keepers at work!

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

From HEDE-BAZOUGES to DINAN 41km 134m Niveau Loisir

From the top of the village of Hédé, you will descend on the “11 locks”. You will continue your journey on the towpath. In Tinténiac, in an old lock house, a museum will tell you the story of ancient crafts.
Your path will continue in the middle of the wooded nature. At Pleugueneuc, you can reach the castle of Bourbansais. The zoo will delight young and old in this historic space.
You will then reach Evran where the Ille and Rance rivers come together to join the sea.
Before the last effort to arrive in Dinan, located on an imposing rocky outcrop, you will cross Léhon, one of the most beautiful small towns of character in Brittany. All the houses are beautiful. You will experience an old atmosphere that is at the same time lively and warm. You will enter Dinan by the port. Enjoy the site before climbing up the historic center of one of the most beautiful medieval towns of Brittany. It holds incredible architectural treasures.

Day 3

From DINAN to SAINT-MALO 27km 116m Niveau Loisir

Aim for the sea!
You cycle down to the port of Dinan to take the towpath. This does not take you directly to Saint-Malo. After a few kilometres, you have to leave the canal to join a beautiful greenway built on an old railway line. This will take you through the Breton countryside to Dinard. On arrival at this 19th century seaside resort, a stopover is essential to discover the beautiful villas and why not taste an ice cream facing the beach.
You will then embark on a short cruise to cross the mouth of the Rance, the river which forms the canal linking Rennes to Saint-Malo. It is thus by boat that you reach Saint-Malo, like Surcouf or Cartier, famous navigators and privateers of the city.

Day 4

FROM SAINT-MALO, CANCALE LOOP 42km 173m Niveau Loisir

The corsair city and its ramparts open its doors. You discover the Emerald Coast and this varied city, from the beautiful Sillon beach to the mythical “intra-muros” city. A loop to Cancale will allow gourmets to taste its famous oysters!

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example
Vieux Moulin Chambre d'hôtes Le Logis du Jerzual Hotel France et Chateaubriand

Starting from 495€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Vieux Moulin Challonge Hotel France et Chateaubriand

Starting from 555€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.


Quote on request | Contact us

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 3 nights in a Double room
  • 3 breakfasts
  • 1 dinner
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • Boat transfer from Dinard to Saint-Malo
  • The trip itineraries available on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Topo maps
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
    • Day 3 : Sea crossing - DINARD - SAINT-MALO
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Trekking bike

    A layed out and dynamic position

    Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo Abicyclette Voyages

    Touring bike

    An upright and easy going position

    Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo Rando Abicyclette Voyages

    Ebike

    With an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy!

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    EBIKE VELO DE VILLE

    Children Bike

    Recommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :

    • 16 inches from 105cm to 120cm (or 6 to 7 years old)
    • 20 inches from 120cm to 135cm (or 7 to 10 years old)
    • 24 inches from 135cm to 145cm (or 10 to 12 years old)
    • SPORT XS bike (adult frame) from 145cm to 155cm (from age 10)

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 inner tube
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo enfant 24 pouces pour vacances à vélo

    Bike trailer

    Thule Chariot Cross 2
    Children’s trailers can only be rented for installation on one of our bikes.
    We do not provide this service on any other bike. There is too much risk of incompatibility and breakage.
    Por one or 2 children.
    Max child trailer load: 45kg.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet (or 2 if 2 kids)
    • 1 inner tube
    • 1 bike water bottle (or 2)
    • Accessories on request: baby hammock. A padded hammock that supports baby’s sides and offers maximum stability (1 to 10 months). Use only the newborn hammock for walking.

    Getting here

    Departure city : RENNES

    Coming by car

    • at 3h30 from PARIS
    • at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Rennes train station - 1h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Rennes Airport

    Arrival city : SAINT-MALO

    Coming by car

    • at 4h15 from PARIS
    • at 5h15 from BORDEAUX
    • at 7h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Saint-Malo train station - 2h30 from Paris
    • Rennes train station - 1h45 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Rennes Airport
    • Saint-Malo Dinard airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    How to get back to the starting point

    • By train from Saint-Malo to Rennes in 55 min (hotline)
    • Return by car in 1h00 to your starting point
    • Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

    You migh also be interested in