Dinard, Cancale and Dinan are the three must-do day trips around Saint-Malo — and all three are best explored by bike. Dinard and its Belle Epoque villas are just 10 minutes away by sea bus. Cancale and its oysters are 15 kilometres along the Velomaritime. Dinan and its medieval old town are 28 kilometres along the canal greenway. We deliver bikes to all three towns, and this guide shows you how to make the most of each.
Whether you are staying in Dinard, Cancale or Dinan, or heading out on a day trip from Saint-Malo, here is everything you need to know about renting a bike and exploring the area.
Dinard — the villas, the beaches, the coast
Dinard is the elegant seaside resort of the Cote d'Emeraude, just across the Rance estuary from Saint-Malo. Its 407 listed villas, the Clair de Lune promenade, and three sandy beaches make it a perfect cycling destination. A bike is actually the best way to connect the beaches (Ecluse, Prieure, Saint-Enogat) which are spread along the coast.
How to get there with a bike
Option 1 (recommended): Sea bus from the Saint-Malo ferry terminal. 10-minute crossing, bikes accepted (2 euros supplement). Frequent departures in summer (every 20 min). 8.50 euros return per person. Option 2: By road, via the Rance dam (13 km). Narrow cycle lane on the dam — doable but not the most pleasant.
What to do by bike in Dinard
Clair de Lune promenade: 2 km along the estuary, pedestrian-only but a bike is ideal to get there. Pointe du Moulinet: panoramic views of Saint-Malo and the open sea. Dinard – Saint-Lunaire – Saint-Briac cycle path: 8 km along the coast, superb views. Saint-Lunaire beach: quieter than Dinard, direct access via the cycle path.
Our tip
Take the sea bus in the morning, ride to Saint-Briac along the coastal path (8 km), have lunch at the Saint-Briac harbour, and cycle back the same way. With a swim stop at Longchamp beach (Saint-Lunaire), it makes a perfect half-day. The return sea bus to Saint-Malo at sunset offers a stunning crossing.
Cancale — the oysters, the bay, the Pointe du Grouin
Cancale is the oyster capital of Brittany. The port de la Houle, with its dozens of oyster stalls lined up facing the bay, is one of the most authentic food experiences on the coast. By bike, the ride from Saint-Malo follows the Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4) for 15 kilometres of varied coastal scenery.
The ride from Saint-Malo to Cancale
Starting from the Sillon, heading east. Cycle path to Rochebonne, then residential roads through Rotheneuf and Saint-Coulomb. A few short but noticeable hills, especially after La Guimorais. You arrive along the coastal road with sweeping views of the bay and the oyster beds. Ride time: 1.5 hours on a city bike, 1 hour on an electric bike. Full details in our 5 bike rides from Saint-Malo.
What to do by bike in Cancale
Port de la Houle: oysters straight from the producer (5-8 euros a dozen). Customs officers' path: to the Pointe du Grouin (5 km, mountain bike/e-bike recommended, 360-degree views of the bay and Mont Saint-Michel). Cancale market: Sunday mornings, seafood, cider, local vegetables. Bisquine: historic sailing boat on display in the harbour.
Our tip
Arrive in Cancale around midday for oysters at the port. Sit on the harbour wall with your dozen, a lemon and a glass of Muscadet. After lunch, push on to the Pointe du Grouin (5 km further) for the views. The ride back to Saint-Malo is with the wind at your back (prevailing westerly). If your legs say stop, the Keolis 16b bus accepts bikes.
Dinan — the medieval town via the greenway
Dinan is one of the finest medieval towns in Brittany: intact ramparts, 15th-century half-timbered houses, the port du Jerzual below, and a spectacular view over the Rance valley. The ride from Saint-Malo is pure pleasure: 28 kilometres of greenway along the Ille-et-Rance canal, 100% flat and completely car-free.
The ride from Saint-Malo to Dinan
Starting from the Chatelier lock (near the Rance dam). The towpath follows the canal through woods and meadows. Not a single road to cross. The terrain is flat (the canal does not climb), the surface is compacted gravel. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace. On an electric bike, 1.5 hours is enough. Full details in our cycle path guide.
What to do by bike in Dinan
Port du Jerzual: cobbled descent from the old town, artisan workshops, restaurants by the Rance. Ramparts: 2.5 km walk with valley views (on foot — lock your bike at the port). Rue du Jerzual: Dinan's most beautiful street, half-timbered houses, galleries and creperies. Tour de l'Horloge: panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside.
Our tip
Leave in the morning around 9 am, ride at a leisurely pace with a picnic to eat by the canal. Arrive in Dinan around midday, explore the port and old town, have lunch in a creperie on the Rue du Jerzual, and catch the 4 pm or 5 pm TER back (45 minutes, bikes free). This is our favourite trip for families.
Quick comparison
| Destination | Distance | Ride time | Difficulty | Type of route | Alternative return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinard | 13 km (road) or sea bus | 40 min or 10 min | Moderate / Easy | Road + dam or boat | Sea bus (8.50 euros return) |
| Cancale | 15 km | 1.5-2 h | Moderate | Velomaritime (60% cycle path) | Keolis 16b bus |
| Dinan | 28 km | 2-2.5 h | Easy | 100% greenway | TER train (45 min, free) |
Prices and practical information
Our prices for exploring the area
| Bike | Half day | Full day | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| City bike | From 7 euros | From 10 euros | Dinard (sea bus), Dinan (greenway) |
| Electric bike | From 16 euros | From 23 euros | Cancale (hills), Dinan + return by bike |
| Mountain bike | From 10 euros | From 15 euros | Pointe du Grouin, coastal trails |
All prices include: Abus lock, repair kit, LED lights, route map and 24/7 breakdown assistance. See our full price list for weekend and weekly rates.
Delivery to nearby towns
Staying in Dinard, Cancale or Dinan and prefer not to come to Saint-Malo? Get in touch to arrange delivery. We deliver bikes to your accommodation within a 30 km radius of Saint-Malo, subject to availability and a minimum 2-day rental.
Our recommendation by destination
Dinard: city bike + sea bus. The coastal path to Saint-Lunaire is flat and enjoyable. Cancale: electric bike. The hills between Rotheneuf and Cancale are much more comfortable with assistance. Dinan: city bike or electric. The greenway is flat, but the return ride (28 km more) makes an electric bike worthwhile if you are not taking the train.
Frequently asked questions
Can you rent a bike in Dinard?
At Bikey Rent, you can pick up your bike in Saint-Malo and cross to Dinard by sea bus (10 minutes, bikes accepted). You can also request direct delivery. Prices are the same: from 10 euros/day for a city bike, 23 euros/day for an electric bike.
How do you get from Saint-Malo to Cancale by bike?
The Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4) connects the two towns in 15 km. The route starts from the Sillon, passes through Rotheneuf and Saint-Coulomb, and arrives at the port de la Houle. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. The ride alternates between cycle paths and quiet roads. An electric bike is recommended for the hills.
Can you rent a bike in Dinan?
Rent a bike in Saint-Malo and ride to Dinan via the Ille-et-Rance canal greenway (28 km, flat, car-free). It is the most enjoyable way to discover Dinan. For the return, the TER train from Dinan to Saint-Malo takes 45 minutes and bikes travel free of charge.
How much does an electric bike cost for a day?
A Moustache Samedi 28.3 electric bike costs from 23 euros per day at Bikey Rent. The price includes lock, repair kit, lights, route map and 24/7 breakdown assistance. The Bosch 625 Wh battery handles 50 to 80 km depending on the assistance level. See all our prices.
Key takeaways
- ✓Dinard is 10 minutes by sea bus. Cycle path to Saint-Lunaire (8 km). A city bike is enough.
- ✓Cancale is 15 km along the Velomaritime. Oysters at the port. Electric bike recommended (hills).
- ✓Dinan is 28 km along the greenway (flat, car-free). Return by TER train (45 min, bikes free).
- ✓Delivery available within a 30 km radius of Saint-Malo. Get in touch.
- ✓Same prices everywhere: from 10 euros/day (city) or 23 euros/day (electric).
Ready for a day trip?
Rent a bike in Saint-Malo and explore Dinard, Cancale or Dinan. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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The Bikey Rent Team
We know the roads to Dinard, Cancale and Dinan inside out — we ride them all year round, in every season. Every route, every hill, every good address in this guide has been tested by our team. Need a custom itinerary or a delivery? Get in touch.