Loop around the Gulf of Morbihan
From peninsula to island by bike
Highlights
Boat passages to the islands included
Île aux Moines and Île d'Arz
The picturesque port of Saint Goustan in Auray
Suscinio Castle
The ports of Vannes, Crouesty and Trinité sur Mer
Oysters tasting from the producers
The story behind the trip
Opened in 2015, this circuit is the fruit of long planning and partnerships with ferrymen to constitute a sustainable journey between the islands and peninsulas of the Gulf of Morbihan. Without the boats, not only is the tour not possible but above all it loses all its meaning. This is why we wanted to set up a circuit associating the smugglers and allowing to weave between the strips of land and the large sea inlets, between the isthmus and the peninsulas which form and deform with the tides.
It is now the trip that we organize for the greatest number of travelers each year. The variety of its routes, roads and paths, and the accessibility – flat landscape – make it a route for all, ideal for families. Each year we take advantage of the experience of all of our travelers to continue to evolve the itineraries that allow us to follow regional developments and new riding opportunities.
Bike travelling between land and sea
From Vannes, set off for a bicycle loop to discover the Gulf of Morbihan. You go around it in 8 days on the strength of your legs and the help of the ferrymen between the islands and peninsulas.
Renowned for the beauty of its coastal landscapes and mild climate, the Gulf of Morbihan is the ideal place for a relaxing but active vacation. From the peninsula to the island, you cycle along the edges of this small inland sea* in a full circle (*Morbihan means “small sea” in Breton). From both land and sea, appreciate the geographic, historic and ornithological riches of this territory.
Following the pace of the gentle lapping of the sea, this bicycle ride allows you to meet the locals who know the land like the palm of their hand. Fishermen, shellfish farmers, oyster farmers, they share their passion and their profession and their trade with you in the Gulf of Morbihan.
Departing from Vannes, town of Art and History, you embark on a stay that combines bicycle and boat. Almost every day, a ferryman, a small Gulf boat, allows you to make maritime connections between the peninsulas and the islands. Cruises that last 5 to 30 minutes give another glimpse of the interior coasts of Morbihan and a good breath of sea air. Cozy and relaxing, Île aux Moines and Île d’Arz are on the program. Privileged island getaways.
Along the way, you will also discover the rich historical heritage of Morbihan. The passage through the Carnac stone alignments is a highlight of the adventure. Proof if you need one more that you have chosen a land of excellence, which men have maintained for thousands of years. Nestled in the hollow of the Auray river, the port of Saint Goustan is also a must during your stay. With its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, the port has retained its old charm.
Drawn largely from the sea, the gastronomy of Morbihan delights fish and seafood lovers . During gourmet stops, freshly caught fish and shellfish garnish your plates. In addition, the delicious Breton crêpes and galettes are a must.
From VANNES to ILE D'ARZ 13km 45m
From Vannes downtown you ride about 3 km to reach the pier of the island of Arz. You leave the beautiful city of Vannes by boat to reach the island of Arz.
On the island, you need about 10km to go around all the points accessible by bike. We leave you here free to stroll at your leisure, without a precise route. Let yourself go and surprise at the turn of these paths and small roads that offers you thousands of wonders and different colors on the waters of the Gulf.
Briefing Orientation
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.
From ILE d'ARZ to ARZON via le petit passeur 35km 115m
A first boat drops you on the peninsula of Séne. You’ll cycle a few kilometers along the gulf surrounded by a cacophony of birds singing. A sea shuttle then connects you to the Rhuys Peninsula. You ride along the southern shores of the small inlet to reach Arzon. Inbetween the castle of Suscinio and the small village of Sarzeau liven up this pretty journey and are well worth a visit. The route consists of small roads and greenways.
- For a few more km 45km 218m
Option including the Suscinio chateau.
From ILE d'ARZ to ARZON via continent 49km 222m
A first boat drops you on the peninsula of Sene. You’ll cycle a few kilometers along the gulf surrounded by a cacophony of birds singing. You ride along the southern shores of the small inlet to reach Arzon. Between the two, the castle of Suscinio and the small village of Sarzeau liven up this pretty journey and are well worth a visit. The route consists of small roads and greenways.
- For a few more km 60km 300m
Option including the Suscinio chateau.
ARZON, DAY ON ILE AUX MOINES 15km 51m
A “passeur” boat takes you to Île-aux-Moines for this island day. A nice island discovery awaits on the small car-free roads of this little paradise. It is probably with regret that you take the boat to return to Arzon… The rest of the tour is comforting!
From ARZON to CARNAC 29km 98m
You will start the day by taking a sea shuttle to cross the Gulf. You head to the north shore to discover other treasures of the Morbihan. This is a special opportunity to discover the lines of menhirs (standing stones), relics of ancient times in Carnac.
- For a few more km 35km 97m
Passage along all the sites of the alignments of Carnac.
From CARNAC to AURAY 25km 150m
You leave Carnac by the famous alignments. After admiring this masterpiece of the Neolithic of invaluable value, you reach Auray. The city has a charming historic center. It is on the banks of the river of the same name that you will find the most interesting place: the harbour of Saint-Goustan. We recommend you to spend the evening and the night there.
- For a few more km 57km 279m
This detour leads you to discover Breton postcard landscapes… the Ria d’Etel and the village of Saint-Cado, a must in the region.
From AURAY to VANNES 38km 269m
You ride closer to the Gulf and its beautiful inland sea before arriving at the ramparts of Vannes. The opportunity for a last picnic on this incredible site.
VANNES
End of the stay at the end of the morning.
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 925€/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.
Starting from 1000€/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.
Starting from 1340€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 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
- 6 boat passages (described in the program)
- A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable 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
- Jour 2 : Meeting with our guide in Brittany
- Jour 2 : Traversée maritime - VANNES - ILE D’ARZ
- Jour 3 : Traversée maritime - ILE D’ARZ - PRESQU’ILE DE SENE
- Jour 3 : Traversée maritime - PRESQU’ILE DE SENE - SAINT-ARMEL
- Jour 4 : Traversée maritime - ARZON - ILE AUX MOINES
- Jour 5 : Traversée maritime - PORT-NAVALO - LOCMARIAQUER
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
- 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.
Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds. Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds. Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
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Children Bike20″ or 24″ bike | |
Bike trailer |
Getting here
Departure city : VANNES
Coming by car
- at 4h45 from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Parking
- Parking de Strasbourg – VANNES
- Parking Indigo République – VANNES
- Parking de la Gare – VANNES
- Q-Park Port – VANNES
- Parking Gare de Vannes – EFFIA – VANNES
Coming by train
- Vannes train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lorient Airport
- Nantes airport
Arrival city : VANNES
Coming by car
- at 4h45 from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Coming by train
- Vannes train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lorient Airport
- Nantes airport
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Trekking or hybrid bike
- 21 to 30 speeds
- 26 or 28 inch (700) wheels
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (included with the rental)
- Clothing suitable for cycling
- Warm jacket (eg fleece)
- Rain proof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 small backpack or panniers
- 1 or 2 water flasks (included with the rental)
- 1 lock (included with the rental)
- Our reccomendation for optimal comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves
- 1 special pair of pants (shammy leather)
- 1 night see fluorescent vest
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Daily use kit: cloth, brake pads, oil
Other
- Suitcase for transporting personal effects in luggage transfers (limited to one per person when possible)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm jacket for the evenings
- Set of toiletries
- Mobile phone and charger
VANNES
Arrival on your own and check in to your hotel. Orientation with our guide today. Take time to explore Vannes.