Brittany port to port #1 - Saint-Malo to Paimpol
The Breton coast by bike: from Saint-Malo to Paimpol
© Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
7 days and 6 nights
Niveau
Leisure ou Fit
Departure date
From April 1st to October 31st
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une traversée itinérante
Destination
Les points forts
- Closest to the sea at every stage
- Saint-Malo, its old town and its port
- Cape Frehel and Fort la Latte
- The charming ports: Saint-Quay-Portrieux, Binic, Erquy, Paimpol
The story behind the trip
Brittany from port to port is the first trip created and organized by Abicyclette, in 2010. It was imagined like a sea cruise: try never to take our eyes off the sea! We use a maximum of small roads to stay closer to the coast. The circuit benefits each year from the improvements made and takes advantage of the new cycling facilities (greenways), which have developed particularly since the launch of the Tour de Manche in 2013. Some of the accommodations of this stay have not changed since its creation. They are part of the history of the journey and testify to many experiences and encounters. Brittany from port to port is a classic for all lovers of the sea and Brittany.
Chapter 1 : from Saint-Malo to Paimpol
Discover the Breton ports and their life. From Saint-Malo, a commercial port and an old privateer port, to Paimpol, a fishing port specialized in scallops.
From the great fortress of Saint-Malo to Paimpol, you will stop at the most typical Breton ports on the north coast. Fishing port or marina, the warm atmosphere of the cities of the sea will allow you find true moments of fulfillment. Cape Fréhel, the Bay of Saint-Brieuc, the tip of the Arcouest, so many places where nature will reveal its most beautiful colors. The yellow of the brooms (Genista), the pink of the heather (Calluna) and the granite, the emerald blue of the sea, the green of the ferns … They mix to offer a living landscape, invigorating where one simply feels well.
Sailors, privateers, buccaneers … embark on this cruise of multiple treasures. Gourmet, historical, geographical, musical, folkloric, these are the treasures that will make your wealth. Crêpes & galettes, seafood, fish and other local specialties will generously garnish your plates to reward your effort.
Brittany from port to port, a journey in chapters that continues …
- Chapter 1 (7 days): The pink Granit Coast from Saint Malo to Paimpol
- Chapter 2 (7 days): The Pink Granite Coast from Paimpol to Morlaix
- Chapter 3 (7 days): The Lighthouse Circuit from Morlaix to Brest
- Chapter 4 (8 days) : reach the world’s end from Brest to Quimper
- Chapter 5 (7 days) : southern Brittany from Quimper to Vannes
- Chapitre 6 (7 jours) : From Morbihan to Guérande salt marsh, from Vannes to La Baule
Itinéraire
FROM SAINT-MALO, CANCALE LOOP 42km 280m
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!
From SAINT-MALO to SAINT-CAST-LE-GUILDO 44km 437m
You leave the corsair city by the sea! At the foot of the ramparts, board your bikes on the water bus that lead you to Dinard. City of Art and History, Dinard surprises and impresses you with its beautiful nineteenth century villas. You then set out again along the coast to reach the cities of Saint-Lunaire and Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, two seaside towns with cut-off shores where sandy beaches and rocky peaks are set against each other. From the peninsula of Saint-Jacut-sur-Mer, you visualize the rest of the course which takes you by the coastal road to the second stage, on the commune of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, ideally located between the imposing cliffs of Cap Fréhel and the Corsair City.
From SAINT-CAST-LE-GUILDO to PLENEUF-VAL-ANDRE 52km 612m
You leave Saint-Cast for Cap Fréhel. Its fragmented cliff is regularly attacked by a capricious sea. Admire an exceptional site which culminates at about 70m above sea level. In calm weather it adorns a beautiful blue and emerald dress. You pass Sables d’Or les Pins, which shines by its beaches of fine sand. The town of Erquy welcomes you. Enjoy a stroll on the fishing port. It can be a great show when scallops arrive.
From PLENEUF VAL ANDRE to BINIC 50km 448m
Today’s route takes you along hilly roads to explore a coastline shaped by the elements. Passing through Yffiniac, you enter the Bay of Saint-Brieuc, home to one of Europe’s largest bouchot mussel farms. Here, wooden poles rise and fall with the tides, blending seamlessly into the ever-changing maritime landscape.
You continue toward the Pointe du Roquelier, a scenic headland offering breathtaking views of the bay and its vast sandy expanses at low tide. Then, the route follows the rugged Penthièvre coast, winding between steep cliffs and sheltered coves, revealing a striking contrast between land and sea. The stage ends at the ports of Binic, where the lively quays and charming fishermen’s houses invite you to pause and soak in the oceanfront atmosphere.
From BINIC-ETABLES-SUR-MER to PAIMPOL 40km 427m
The path takes you on the scenic route to the steep cliffs of Plouha. A most enjoyable way to admire the beauties that the Channel offers you. The end of the route takes you to the remains of the Abbey of Beauport and the port of Paimpol where you can enjoy, as did sailors of old, shelter and a well deserved rest!
- For a few more km 51km 527m
On this stage, the most beautiful points of view are deserved! We invite you to discover the Pointes de Minard and Plouézec, the beaches of Palus and Bonaparte. These are the most beautiful views of the cliffs of the Goëlo coast.
FROM PAIMPOL, LOGUIVY LOOP 30km 309m
This bike loop allows you to discover the Trieux, a powerful river that has drawn an extraordinary landscape. You go to the charming and typical of northern Brittany little port of Loguivy.
FROM PAIMPOL, PONTRIEUX LOOP 41km 371m
This cycle tour will take you through Pontrieux, a small town full of character. You will cross what was for a long time the first bridge over the Trieux at its mouth, an eminently strategic point. The banks of the Trieux also provide an opportunity to discover the Château de la Roche-Jagu. A stopover between Trégor and Goëlo in the Breton countryside.
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 915€/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.
Starting from 1080€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 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
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner with french topo maps
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Day 3 : Sea crossing - SAINT-MALO - DINARD
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)
- 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.
- 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
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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
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EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
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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
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Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
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Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : SAINT-MALO
Coming by car
- at 4h15 from PARIS
- at 5h15 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking Saint-Malo Remparts 1 P8 – SAINT-MALO
- Parking du Naye – SAINT-MALO
- Parking Saint-Malo Quai Saint-Vincent – SAINT-MALO
- Parking Saint-Malo Feval – SAINT-MALO
Coming by train
- Saint-Malo train station - 2h30 from Paris
- Rennes train station - 1h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes Airport
Taxi : 1h - Saint-Malo Dinard airport
Taxi : 22 min
Arrival city : PAIMPOL
Coming by car
- at 4h from PARIS
- at 5h from BORDEAUX
- at 8h from LYON
Coming by train
- Paimpol train station - 4h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Lannion airport
- Rennes 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 Paimpol to Saint-Malo in 3h35
- Return by car in 1h45 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
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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 |
Starting from 915€
Book your trip
FROM SAINT-MALO, SAINT SULIAC LOOP 36km 277m
Discover Saint-Suliac, one of the villages listed as “France’s Most Beautiful Villages”. Departing from the Malouin countryside, you reach the banks of the Rance, a beautiful river that draws its strength from the tides. The water is a superb sight when the setting sun reflects off its banks and the stones of the village of Saint-Suliac.
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.