Self-Guided Cycling: Cycling The Emerald Coast - France Cycling Holiday

Stunning poppy-fringed white beaches
Relaxed cycling along coastal paths and quiet country lanes
Traditional fishing ports with delicious fresh seafood

Island of Saint Malo, North Brittany, France

It is almost impossible to resist the appeal of the spectacular Emerald Coast, with its pink granite cliffs and turquoise seas, wonderful white beaches and deserted coves.

You will see locals with shrimping buckets wading the beaches, and fishermen cleaning out shells by hand. The seafood platter is a regional speciality and will give you a real taste of the sea, piled high with shiny pink lobster, king prawn, silver oysters, scallops and clams.

Our route takes us along uncrowded coastal paths and quiet country lanes. For much of the time, you are by the sea, with plenty of opportunities to swim from some of the most beautiful beaches in France. The towns we visit hold their own charm, from the walled town of Dinan to the Belle Epoque seaside resort of Dinard; both feel barely changed since the Middle Ages.

The hotels offer their own local charisma, all family run and offering a warm welcome to complete your experience of this charming corner of France.

What makes this trip responsible?

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

As a self-guided trip you will be pedalling under your own steam and at your own pace. You will not be part of a group so the impact of your visit on the landscape and communities you pass will be absolutely minimal. Our local operator works with local suppliers and hoteliers to ensure that we support the communities we visit, maximising the benefit to them and also our enjoyment of the region. We will stay in characterful, locally run hotels and the route notes will often give you hints and tips of local restaurants you can try, giving you a taste of the local cuisine while helping to support these establishments. Moreover, we encourage you to journey by train to minimise your carbon footprint.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Start Lamballe.

Day 2

Cycle to the sailing resort of Pleneuf-Val-Andre along quiet country lanes. Ride along the coast to Sables d'Or-Les-Pins where your hotel is just 200m from the sea.

Day 3

Free day to relax on the beach or follow our easy 20km circular cycling route to Cap Frehel lighthouse and the 14th Century feudal stronghold of Fort de la Latte.

Day 4

Ride through pretty farming hamlets, the market town of Matignon, then on via the yachting village of Lancieux. Visit St Briac before riding to your hotel in Dinard.

Day 5

Free day to explore Dinard. Walk out to the Pointe des Etretes for views of the off-shore islands, or take a 10-minute ferry across the bay to St Malo.

Day 6

Cycle inland and follow the banks of the river Rance, pass sleepy hamlets, forgotten fishing ports and postcard pretty St Sauliac. The hotel in Dinan overlooks the river and picturesque port, and has a lovely outdoor swimming pool if you fancy a dip.

Day 7

Free day in the ancient walled town of Dinan, visit the riverfront port and picturesque half-timbered buildings, 13th Century castle and Gothic basilica. Alternatively, cycle 10km to the pretty village of Evran.

Day 8

Return to Lamballe via the impressive 13th Century Chateau de la Hunaudaye. It is then gentle, flat cycling through the forest back to Lamballe.

Day 9

End Lamballe.

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Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now

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Exodus images from CYCLING THE EMERALD COAST

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$Dinan - The port on Rance\'s River, France$

Fort La Latte, Brittany, France