An adventure along the southern Brittany coast between Quimper and Vannes, discovering the coastal landscapes and historical riches of southern Brittany. From port to port, you tour by bike in the southern part of Brittany. In six stages, you connect the prefecture of Finistère Quimper to that of Morbihan Vannes. Two fascinating cities of Art and History that set the tone for this route with many historical sights. The famous alignments of megaliths of Carnac are certainly the most precious treasure. You will have the chance to discover them during your stay. Placed mid-way, the city of Lorient also constitutes an interesting stop from a historical point of view because of its rich past. Throughout your escape, you cross small villages made of typical Breton granite houses and many very picturesque harbors. These are lively living areas, where each day a little more history is written on these localities intimately related to the ocean. No doubt you will succumb to the charm of the fishing ports of Concarneau, Trinité sur mer or Auray, among the most beautiful in Britain. Lovers of fresh fish and seafood, delicious feastings are announced between the stages by bike. A tip: prepare your taste buds! True to its reputation, Bretagne offers sumptuous postcards, authentic and typical landscapes that make the charm of the region. From the white sandy beaches to the picturesque port of Saint-Goustan, to the photogenic Etel ria (estuary), and the jagged coastline of the Quiberon peninsula, a beautiful mosaic of landscapes awaits you. Between the bicycle sections, several sea crossings allow you to cross the rias and rivers that join the ocean. These short cruises are also a moment to savor the surrounding scenery and to better appreciate the strong link that the inhabitants have with the sea. You also travel around a bucolic and hilly countryside with unsuspected charm. Associated with the beauty of the landscapes, the mild climate of the southern coast of Brittany is also a significant asset. All the ingredients are there to make this new port to port chapter a good time and a great adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Quimper
Your adventure begins in Quimper. We meet there to prepare your departure. Free evening. Take the opportunity to explore the narrow streets of its historic heart with elegant half-timbered houses. Let yourself be tempted by a Breton cake, accompanied by a bowl of cider, ideal to get in the mood for your trip in Brittany.
Day 2: Quimper > Pont-Aven, ~44-64 km
From Quimper, head south towards the ocean. From Fouesnant, you can see the wide bay where the town of Concarneau is nestled, famous for its fishing port ranked among the top ten in France! There, you can smell the fresh fish.
Day 3: Pont-Aven > Lorient, ~55-63 km
This day offers a varied setting and landscapes. While the morning is hilly, the afternoon offers a fairly flat course. And if the morning is pastoral and bucolic, the afternoon reveals a much more maritime and coastal side. Moreover, along the way, do not miss the charming port of Doelan. By boat, crossing the Laïta offers a short and pleasant cruise. The opportunity also to recharge the batteries before the last leg of the day that takes you to Lorient, a port city rich in history. Evening in Lorient!
Day 4: Lorient > Carnac, ~54 km
From Lorient, you cross the estuary of Blavet. Once on the opposite bank, you ride along the seaside on the peninsula of Gavre before joining the pretty port of Etel. The small town is on the estuary of the same name. It offers Brittany one of its most famous postcards with the small island of Saint-Cado and its house in the middle of this narrow inland sea. Then, change of scenery, your route will take you into the dunes of Erdeven, a surprising natural space. Before La Trinité sur mer, the highlight of this beautiful stage, a must-visit in the middle of the megaliths alignments of Carnac: a Neolithic site of invaluable wealth!
Day 5: Carnac > Rundtour Quiberon > Carnac, ~62 km
This loop of about sixty kilometers allows to discover the Quiberon locality and the different aspects of its famous peninsula. If the coast is relatively urbanized, the west coast, battered by the winds has an extremely wild and unmanaged environment.
Day 6: Carnac > Vannes, ~57 km
You ride closer to the Gulf and its beautiful inland sea. You arrive in Auray which has a charming historic center. Head for the most interesting place: the port of Saint-Goustan. You will reach Vannes at the end of the day.
Day 7: Vannes > Ile d'Arz > Vannes, ~15 km
You reach the pier located about 3km away and leave the beautiful city of Vannes by boat to the island of Arz. Cycle at your own leisure on this small island. You return to Vannes at the end of the day.
Day 8: Departure from Vannes
End of the stay at the end of the morning.
