Cycling The Emerald Coast

Day 1
A transfer has been arranged to pick you up from Lambelle train station. Your holiday starts at Madamme Jamin's 16th Century manor house in the countryside just 3kms outside the market town of Lamballe. With only 15 rooms, it's a lovely intimate place to stay. The inner courtyard opens up on to beautifully kept gardens and elegant terrace for al fresco dining on fine summer evenings.

Day 2
You start the week's cycling with a really gentle ride today. You will start by heading along quiet country lanes then out to the coast and the lively sailing resort of Pleneuf-Val-Andre. The deserted white sandy beaches here are simply gorgeous so make sure that you take your swimming things with you! There are also some excellent ocean-facing restaurants for a long seafood lunch. You will then follow lovely flat beachside trails to the sleepy seaside village of Sables d'Or-Les-Pins where your hotel is just 200m from the sea. The village boasts over 2km of beautiful golden sandy beaches with pine woods surrounding the sand dunes.
Ride Approx. 37km.

Day 3
Today is a free day so you can take full advantage of the beach if you want a relaxing day or you can follow our easy 20km circular cycling route taking in the Cap Frehel lighthouse, one of the most beautiful spots along the Brittany coast line, and the famous 14th Century feudal stronghold of Fort de la Latte. The fort sits perched on a 70m high cliff surrounded by the emerald seas. Built to protect the Baie de la Fresnaye from Norman invaders, the fort suffered major damage during the 17th Century and had to be rebuilt. It has since been used in several film sets. A climb up to the gallery at the top of the tower will reward you with magnificent views - out right across the ocean to Jersey on a clear day.
Optional Ride.

Day 4
Today's route starts with gentle peddaling through pretty farming hamlets, there are wonderful views across the Baie de la Fresnaye. You will cycle through the bustling market town of Matignon, market falls on a Wednesday morning and it is well worth a stop for a coffee, a bit of people watching and soaking in the atmosphere. You will then continue onto the popular yachting village of Lancieux, with its impressive square bell tower capped by a dome and lantern turret. Cycling on you will reach the gorgeous seaside town of St Briac where Debussy composed his major work 'The Sea'. The final stretch takes you to your hotel in Dinard overlooking the bay of Prikure and just 5 minutes walk from the Centre of town.
Ride Approx. 53km.

Day 5
Dinard was once a sleepy fishing village on the estuary of the Rance before the English transformed the town into one of the most famous and upmarket resorts in Europe. Although a little quieter now, it has not lost any of its charm and many of the 'Belle Epoque' villas have become historic monuments. It is a wonderful place to wander around, with lots of little shops and places of interest. You can walk out to the Pointe des Etretes for views of the off-shore islands, or there are several sandy beaches if you feel like a lazy day by the sea. If you want to go a little further afield, take a 10-minute ferry across the bay to St Malo and lose yourself in the narrow cobbled streets within the Intra Muros (fortified walls) of the ancient city. You can walk along the walls of town giving you great views out to sea and over the town. Within the walls the streets are full of atmosphere, especially in the summer, when street artists will entertain passers by and the cafes and restuarants are bustling.

Day 6
Today the cycling is a complete change of scene as you ride inland and follow the banks of the river Rance. You will feel like you are taking a trip back in time as you pass sleepy hamlets, forgotten fishing ports and postcard pretty St Sauliac, officially rated as 'un des plus beaux villages en France'. The sailing port of St Hubert offers a wonderful lunch spot before you continue along the flat towpath to Dinan. Our hotel here overlooks the river and picturesque port, and has a lovely outdoor swimming pool if you fancy a dip. Ride Approx. 32 or 41km depending on the route chosen.

Day 7
Dinan is a beautifully preserved ancient walled town with a riverfront port and picturesque half-timbered buildings, it is an absolute gem. You can spend the morning wondering around the marvellously restored ancient squares, visit the imposing 13th Century castle, complete with dungeon! Take the time to admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and stroll the lovely cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops. There are many options for lunch, perhaps try one of the cafes in the bustling Place des Merciers where pretty triangular-gabled houses are further examples of Dinan's exceptional architectural heritage. In the afternoon, if you feel like getting out on the bike you can follow our 10km leisurely cycle route inland to the pretty village of Evran.
Optional Ride.

Day 8
Your first stop today is the picturesque little village of Lehon, just 2km south of Dinan. Nestled in the Rance valley, a pretty Roman bridge will take you across to a 13th Century church and the beautiful Saint Magloire Abbey. You will then ride on through quiet farming villages to the impressive 13th Century Chateau de la Hunaudaye. The ruins of this huge chateau date back over 800 years, yet the 5 majestic towers are still in good condition and are surrounded by a water-filled moat. It is then gentle, flat cycling through the forest back to Lamballe where you can relax in the gardens and enjoy a celebratory drink before dinner - a Kir Breton (cassis and cider) maybe?
Ride Approx. 45 or 49km depending on the route chosen.

Day 9
A transfer has been arranged to take you back to the station. Please see the joining information.