La Vélodyssée - From Roscoff to Nantes
The Atlantic cycling route - Chapter 1
© Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
10 days and 9 nights
Niveau
Leisure
Departure date
From March 31st to October 30th
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une traversée itinérante
Destination
Les points forts
- A quiet route, away from traffic and fully signposted
- Charming towns of Malestroit, Roscoff, Josselin
- Castles of Josselin, Pontivy and Abbey de Bon Repos
- Flowered locks along the itinerary
- Nantes, a city with an exceptional heritage
Cycling from North to South
A 10 day cycling journey through Brittany
From Roscoff you cycle on a long and beautiful journey of discoving Brittany, its land and its people. From the English Channel you reach the Morlaix river and the Nantes to Brest canal which will guide you to Nantes.
In this adventure, you will discover:
– dedicated cycling routes: flat, sometimes paved, taking you through beautiful natural landscapes
– the Abbey de Bon Repos, restored in 1986 and holds beautiful exhibition today
– the Guerlédan lake
– Pontivy and Josselin with beautiful castles, facades and town homes. Josselin is listed as « small town of character ».
– Redon, a pleasant town on the Oust and the Canal
– Nantes, which showcases its cultural and industrial heritage in the most beautiful way
The tour takes you through Brittany’s calm countryside. A charming trip for all lovers of cycling travels.
Get a sneak peak of the Vélodyssée :
Itinéraire
Leisure From ROSCOFF to MORLAIX 30km 335m 
From the Roscoff port you ride along the Morlaix Bay. You’ll enjoy passing through Saint-Pol-de-Léon with its beautiful church and charming historical center. Arriving at the Morlaix port you can feel, like the sailors arriving by boat, the depth and magnitude of the valley.
You take the official version of the vélomaritime by small roads in the middle of crop fields.
- For a few more km 38km 381m
The coast version take you to Carantec, a very pleasant small family seaside town. You cross the typical village by its small streets and arrive at the front of the submersible road to Callot Island. If the sea is low, venture on it, but be careful you have to return to the mainland before the sea rises back!
From MORLAIX to CARHAIX-PLOUGUER 50km 321m
From Morlaix you head on small roads which take you into in the Brittany countryside. You cycle on a pleasant greenway to Carhaix and avoid the hilly Mont d’Arrée.
From CARHAIX-PLOUGUER to GUERLEDAN 64km 365m
Your bike takes you 200m above sea level, reaching the canal’s culminating point. This is where the Glomel trench was dug, where many convicts lost their life digging it. For you it’s a delivery, as a descending false flat of dozens of kilometers awaits ! You will reach the “Lac de Guerlédan” at the end of the day.
From GUERLEDAN to PONTIVY 25km 36m
From Lake Guerlédan’s dam, the towpath reappears on the banks of the Blavet. This part of the Canal de Nantes à Brest follows the natural course of this Breton river, which flows into Lorient. Enjoy the natural meandering of the river through romantic woodland countryside, as you make your way to Pontivy. The town has also been known as Napoléonville many times in history. Discover on foot the medieval but Renaissance-style shopping streets, as well as the great squares and military buildings of the empire. Pontivy is a quiet, pleasant town in central Brittany.
From PONTIVY to JOSSELIN 50km 118m
From one castle to another, you connect two cities of history. As you approach Rohan, you can discover the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Timadeuc. A community of monks lives there under the rule of Saint-Benoit. The monks make cheeses, jams, fruit jellies which you can find in their shop. Enjoy a stroll on Josselin at the end of the day.
From JOSSELIN to REDON 64km 108m
The beginning of the route takes you to the Roc Saint André which offers an impressive religious architecture. The village is also known for its famous Lancelot Brewery. You can make a halt and enjoy the traditional beers and Cola from the Phare Ouest! A few kilometers further and you’re in Malestroit, a small typical town where you can enjoy a meal. Later on, as you face the cliffs of the Ile aux Pies, which lie on the other side of the canal, Brittany shows you just how surprising she can be.
From REDON to LE GAVRE 50km 134m
After its confluence with the Oust, the Vilaine widens significantly. The bucolic towpath offers you the chance to pedal through protected, canalized wetlands. It’s an opportunity to discover the fauna and magnificent bird species that particularly appreciate these tranquil spaces. Arriving in the Loire Atlantique department, you leave the Vilaine to pedal along the canalised section of the Isac. Its banks, with their picturesque views over meadows, fields, woods and rural landscapes, brighten up your cycling trip. The Isac takes you to Guenrouet, where you can relax by the Etang de la Roche. You continue along the winding Isac, where one lock follows another, before returning to a more linear course as far as Blain. Take the time to visit the Château de la Groulais, an ancient medieval fortress that has retained all its architectural features. It’s here that you leave the Isac canal to reach what’s known as the water-logged green lung: the Gâvre forest. This is where you find your accommodation.
From LE GAVRE to NANTES 68km 243m
You leave behind the forest of Le Gâvre, one of the largest state forests in the region. Small country roads take you back to the banks of the Nantes-Brest Canal and its first locks. Each lock has its own number, giving you a clue as to how far it is to Nantes. Enjoy the bucolic scenery and calm of the towpaths. As you approach the Erdre, the most beautiful river in France according to François I, the signposted La Vélodyssée itinerary takes you right into the center of the ancient capital of Brittany.
NANTES
End of stay after breakfast. Before leaving, we invite you to wander and visit the city known as The City of the Dukes of Brittany. Nantes surprises with its blend of history and modernity. For a taste of history, take the time to visit the famous Château des Ducs de Bretagne. And don’t miss Nantes’ Machines de l’ile attraction, which delights young and old alike! The former capital of Brittany is not to be outdone in terms of its cultural, artistic and gastronomic heritage. Enjoy its inventive market cuisine, a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a coffee at the Lieu Unique or a spot of shopping in the charming Passage Pommeraye.
Ils ont voyagés avec nous
Informations pratiques
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.
Starting from 1280€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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.
Quote on request
Contact us
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: 9 nights in a Double room
- 9 breakfasts
- 2 dinners
- 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
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Topoguide of La Vélodyssée
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
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 7 days a week
- A Luggage transfer service from 09:00 and with a delivery before 18:00 (one luggage and one bagback per person maximum)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- 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
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
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.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminium frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Drivetrain Shimano 11 to 30 speeds (single, double or triple crankset). Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Shimano 11 to 30 speed transmission (single, double or triple crankset depending on the model). Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Gravel BikeA versatile bike brimming with qualities: maneuverability, lightness, versatility, elegance. Aluminum frame, carbon fork and steerer tube, Shimano GRX 400 derailleur, double chainrings, 11 speeds. Hydraulics disc brakes. Luggage-rack (not in photo) Weight: 10.50 kg Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : ROSCOFF
Coming by car
- at 5h30 from PARIS
- at 6h from BORDEAUX
- at 8h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking Quai d’Auxerre – ROSCOFF
- Parking Quai (Harbor) – ROSCOFF
- Parking de l’École – ROSCOFF
- Parking de la Gare – ROSCOFF
Coming by train
- Morlaix train station - 3h30 from Paris
- Rennes train station - 1h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes Airport
Arrival city : NANTES
Coming by car
- at 3h45 from PARIS
- at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Nantes train station - 2h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Nantes 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 Nantes to Roscoff in 4h45
- Return by car in 3h30 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
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 1280€
Book your trip
Fit
Aventure
ROSCOFF
Arrival in Roscoff by your own means. As soon as you arrive, make the most of this charming little town of character and its many listed granite facades. If you arrive early, take a boat to the island of Batz and wander around this exotic little paradise!
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.