Your historic cycling tour starts in Saint-Malo and stretches over 299 km. The famous corsair city will lull you into emotion as you visit its famous fishing port and fortified town. You'll discover it from the coastal road to the Pointe du Grouin. Then you'll take the country roads to Dol, in the heart of medieval towns where you'll visit the cathedral, then set course for the bay at Cherrueix. The bay of Mont Saint Michel soon reveals itself before your eyes, and the rest of the day is devoted to visiting the Abbey and the bay. You'll discover the village of Saint James, famous for its marine sweaters, and the American cemetery, home to the graves of 4,410 soldiers. Arriving in Fougères, you'll admire its imposing thousand-year-old castle. The Nançon river reveals its natural moat. Then it's on to Combourg and its bucolic atmosphere, not forgetting Dinan, a fortified town renowned for its granite buildings. Finally, it's back to Saint Malo along the Rance estuary!
Day 1: Arrival in Saint-Malo
Saint Malo lies at the mouth of the River Rance and has long been a source of desire. From the 16th century onwards, the port experienced incredible growth due to deep-sea fishing and the discovery of Canada. The names Jacques Cartier, Surcouf, Chateaubriand, Maupertuis will remain linked to the history of the city. The hotel is located directly by the sea and is only a 10-minute walk from the walled city.
Day 2: Saint Malo > Dol de Bretagne, ~51 km
If you did not have the opportunity to explore the Intra-Muros town the day before, take two to three hours to do so before your departure. From Le Sillon, follow the coastal road between Saint-Malo and Pointe du Grouin. This route offers magnificent views of the Chausey Islands and the open sea. Between the Côte d'Emeraude and the bay of Mont Saint Michel, it is not uncommon to see dolphins. Take a break in Cancale and try the local specialty: oysters from the open sea! Then leave the bay and ride along small country roads to Dol de Bretagne with its beautiful cathedral. Your 3*** accommodation is located 3 km south of the town. It is an authentic manor house from the early 18th century, which was once the hideout of the famous privateer Robert Surcouff from Malouin. Night in Dol with dinner included.
Day 3: Dol de Bretagne > Mont Saint Michel , ~39 or 49 km
We recommend you spend some time in Dol to stroll through the old town and visit the cathedral. You then cycle over Mont Dol to the bay of Cherrueix. You ride along the bay towards the east through the polders: artificial land areas that have been reclaimed from the water. You will witness a unique spectacle! You will then reach Mont Saint Michel. Allow at least 3 hours for the visit of Mont St. Michel: the ramparts, the abbey and the crossing of the village. Then follow the Couesnon and reach the authentic small town of Pontorson. Night in Pontorson.
Day 4: Pontorson > Fougères, ~47 km
You cycle south past the old abbey of Montmorel to Saint-James, the world capital of the sailor sweater. Just outside the town is the American military cemetery, where 4,410 soldiers are buried. Most of them were killed during the liberation of Brittany, the breakthrough at Avranches and the heavy fighting around Saint-Lô and Mortain in 1944. When you leave Saint-James, you leave Normandy and return to Brittany. On your way to Fougères, you will pass several dolmens. Fougères owes its origins to its imposing castle, which was built more than a thousand years ago on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the waters of the river Nançon, which served as a natural moat. Throughout history, the fortress has been surrounded by ramparts and towers. Your hotel is ideally located „intra-muros„.
Day 5: Fougères > Combourg, ~ 55 km
Off the beaten track, you head west along quiet roads to discover remote farms, small granite houses and beautiful forests. The terrain is varied and the villages are authentic! This stage ends in Combourg. At the end of the 18th century, François René de Châteaubriand was inspired by this historic setting in the middle of a green landscape. Follow in the footsteps of the poet and novelist and soak up the bucolic atmosphere of Lac Tranquille, overlooked by the imposing castle. Your hotel is ideally located between the lake and the castle. Overnight stay in Combourg.
Day 6: Combourg > Dinan, ~ 34 km
You reach the valley of the Rance in Evran and follow the river to the fortified town of Dinan. This remarkable town is certainly the best example of „Breton architecture„ with a countless number of granite buildings surmounted by half-timbered houses. Your hotel is located in a former 16th century monastery! Dinner is not included, but we recommend you the best specialties: galette saucisse and caramel au beurre salé.
Day 7: Dinan > Saint Malo, ~ 34 or 65 km
The stage is short enough to allow you to visit the town of Saint Malo on foot. From the port of Dinan you follow the left bank of the Rance before crossing it north of Plouër. Riding as close as possible to the river as far as Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets, the landscape is absolutely remarkable; it's a real inland sea where sailing boats rub shoulders with artichoke fields and farming villages turn into harbours. Now it's time to return to Saint Malo and to the beautiful beaches of the Sillon! We propose you a longer stage via the Emerald Coast. Night in Saint Malo.
Day 8: Saint Malo
Departure after breakfast.
Optional excursion by ferry to Jersay (without extra night, departure after the return trip by ferry to Saint Malo).
