Saint-Malo has a cycling network that is growing fast: 3 kilometres of seafront cycle path along Le Sillon, the Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) crossing the city towards Cancale and the Mont Saint-Michel, and the Ille-et-Rance canal greenway linking Saint-Malo to Dinan over 28 kilometres without encountering a single car. This guide covers every cycling route around the corsair city: distance, surface, difficulty and the right bike for each.
We have ridden every section — on a city bike, an MTB and an e-bike — to give you the information you will not find on any map. Where does the path actually start? What is the surface like? Can you get through with a child trailer? Here is everything you need to know.
In this article
- Overview: Saint-Malo's cycling network
- 1. The Sillon cycle path — 3 km along the sea
- 2. The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) — towards Cancale and the Mont Saint-Michel
- 3. The Saint-Malo to Dinan greenway — 28 km car-free
- 4. Saint-Malo to Dinard — the options
- 5. The Saint-Servan and Rance circuit
- 6. Paramé to Rothéneuf — the wild coast
- Comparison: which path for which purpose?
- The Vélomaritime in Brittany: the big picture
- Practical tips
- Frequently asked questions
Overview: Saint-Malo's cycling network
The cycling network around Saint-Malo is built around three main axes. The first runs along the coast from east to west: this is the Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4), of which the Sillon path is the best-known section. The second heads south along the Ille-et-Rance canal: this is the greenway to Dinan, completely separated from traffic. The third connects Saint-Malo to Dinard via the Rance barrage, a route that is less well developed but being improved.
In the city itself, cycling infrastructure is growing: cycle lanes on the main roads through Paramé, 30 km/h zones in the centre, and bike racks outside shops and beaches. Saint-Malo is not Amsterdam, but for a Breton seaside town, cycling is becoming more and more pleasant.
The Sillon cycle path — 3 km along the sea
The Sillon cycle path is the jewel of the Saint-Malo network. It runs along the famous seawall promenade for 3 kilometres, between the Thermes Marins (old town side) and the Rochebonne headland (Paramé side). The surface is smooth tarmac, the path is wide (about 2.5 metres), and the gradient is zero. It is the most popular cycle path in Saint-Malo, and for good reason: you ride facing the sea, with the breakwaters and sand on one side, the Belle Époque villas on the other.
The path is shared between cyclists and pedestrians, which means a moderate speed in summer (especially between 10am and 5pm, when walkers are out in force). Outside those hours, it is pure pleasure. The prevailing wind blows from the west, meaning the ride towards Rochebonne (east) is often with the wind, and the return is into it — something to bear in mind if you are riding with children.
Technical details
Start: Thermes Marins du Sillon (west end) or Rochebonne roundabout (east end). Surface: tarmac in good condition. Width: ~2.5 m, shared with pedestrians. Lighting: yes, full length. Bike racks: about 20, spread along the seawall. Trailer/cargo: no problem, flat and wide throughout.
The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) — towards Cancale and the Mont Saint-Michel
The Vélomaritime is the long-distance cycling route that runs along the entire northern coast of France, from Roscoff to Dunkirk. It crosses Saint-Malo from west to east and continues towards Cancale (15 km), Le Vivier-sur-Mer and the Mont Saint-Michel (55 km). It is EuroVelo route 4, signposted with green and white panels bearing the Vélomaritime logo.
The Saint-Malo to Cancale section alternates between dedicated cycle path (about 60% of the route) and shared roads with light traffic. The best-developed part runs from Le Sillon to Rothéneuf on a separated path. Beyond Rothéneuf, you ride on quiet communal roads through Saint-Coulomb. A few short but steep climbs punctuate the route, especially between Rothéneuf and La Guimorais.
Section 1: Sillon to Rothéneuf (6 km)
The best section. Dedicated cycle path to Rochebonne, then cycle lane and quiet residential roads to Rothéneuf. Flat to gently undulating. Suitable for all levels.
Section 2: Rothéneuf to Cancale (9 km)
Shared roads through Saint-Coulomb and the coastal countryside. A few hills (the climb after La Guimorais is the steepest). Light traffic except in peak summer. On an e-bike, no difficulty at all. The arrival into Cancale via the coast road offers spectacular views of the bay.
Section 3: Cancale to the Mont Saint-Michel (40 km)
Beyond Cancale, the Vélomaritime follows the coast to Le Vivier-sur-Mer and then the polders of the Mont Saint-Michel bay. The route is flatter, mainly on country roads. The final 10 kilometres run along the bay with the Mont in your sights — one of the most beautiful cycling stretches in Brittany. We detail this route in our article on the best bike rides from Saint-Malo.
Our tip
For Cancale, an e-bike makes the ride far more comfortable thanks to the hills between Rothéneuf and Saint-Coulomb. For the Mont Saint-Michel (55 km one way), an e-bike is near-essential to enjoy the ride without suffering. The Bosch 625 Wh battery on our bikes comfortably handles the 55 km. For the return, the bus or TER train from Pontorson are practical options.
The Saint-Malo to Dinan greenway — 28 km car-free
The Saint-Malo to Dinan greenway is the most peaceful and safest route in the entire region. It follows the old towpath along the Ille-et-Rance canal for 28 kilometres, through woods, meadows and past locks. It is 100% separated from motor traffic, with not a single road to cross. The gradient is virtually zero: the canal does not climb.
The surface is compacted gravel, firm and smooth in dry weather. After heavy rain, a few sections can get muddy (especially the first 5 kilometres on the Saint-Malo side). A city bike with wider tyres or an MTB is ideal. The route is 70% shaded, making it a perfect choice on hot days.
The arrival in Dinan is spectacular: the medieval town overlooks the Rance from its ramparts. You reach the old port of Jerzual via a steep cobbled descent (walk the bike down). The half-timbered houses, crêperies and artisan shops are worth at least an hour of wandering.
Technical details
Start (Saint-Malo): Écluse du Châtelier (accessible from the Rance barrage, south side). Finish (Dinan): Port de Dinan, below the old town. Surface: compacted gravel (80%), some earth sections (20%). Lighting: no. Water points: at the main locks (Écluse de Léhon, Écluse du Châtelier). Trailer/cargo: possible but less comfortable on the earth sections after rain. Return: TER train Dinan to Saint-Malo (45 min, bikes free on Breton TER trains).
Our tip
This is our favourite route for families with children. The canal is flat, car-free, and the locks provide natural stopping points (children love watching the mechanism). Bring a picnic: there are no restaurants or shops along the way, just nature and silence. For the return, the TER train from Dinan to Saint-Malo is the most practical option — bikes are carried free of charge.
Saint-Malo to Dinard — the options
There is no continuous cycle path between Saint-Malo and Dinard yet. The Rance estuary separates the two towns, and the only crossing point is the Rance barrage (D168), which has a narrow cycle lane (1 metre) on the pavement. Traffic is heavy, especially in summer, and the experience is not the most pleasant.
The best alternative is the water bus (ferry shuttle), which runs from Saint-Malo (Gare Maritime de la Bourse) to Dinard (Cale de la Malouine) in 10 minutes. Bikes are accepted (2 euros supplement). The trip costs 8.50 euros return per person. It is by far the most enjoyable option: you cross the estuary with views of the ramparts and the Dinard villas.
Option 1: Water bus (recommended)
10-minute crossing, bikes accepted, frequent departures in summer (every 20 min). 8.50 euros return per person + 2 euros for the bike. No booking needed. Once in Dinard, the Promenade du Clair de Lune and the beaches are all accessible by bike.
Option 2: Via the Rance barrage (13 km)
The route goes through Saint-Servan, across the Rance barrage (D168), then along the right bank to Dinard. Narrow cycle lane on the barrage, then shared roads. Doable but not very pleasant due to traffic. Best suited to confident cyclists.
And once in Dinard?
Dinard has some cycle paths along the seafront and towards Saint-Lunaire. The Dinard to Saint-Lunaire to Saint-Briac path (8 km) hugs the coast with superb views. From Saint-Briac, you can continue towards Lancieux and Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer on quiet roads. The cycling network on the Dinard side is less developed than in Saint-Malo, but the coastal roads are lightly used outside peak season.
The Saint-Servan and Rance circuit
Saint-Servan is the southern quarter of Saint-Malo, between the harbour and the Rance estuary. Less touristy than the old town, it has an authentic charm with the Tour Solidor (14th century), the Anse Solidor (a picturesque little marina), the Cité d'Alet (a fortified Gallo-Roman site) and spectacular views of Dinard and the estuary.
The Saint-Servan circuit is about 8 kilometres as a loop from the old town. There is no dedicated cycle path, but the streets are quiet and much of the route is in a 30 km/h zone. Watch out for the descents towards the Anse Solidor and the Cité d'Alet: they are steep and the climbs back up require some effort. An e-bike is a real bonus here.
Points of interest on the circuit
Tour Solidor — Cape Horn museum, free entry, panoramic views from the top. Anse Solidor — small marina, café terraces facing Dinard. Cité d'Alet — Gallo-Roman ruins and Second World War bunkers, views over the estuary and the barrage. Le Minihic beach — the only west-facing beach in Saint-Malo, ideal for sunset.
Paramé to Rothéneuf — the wild coast
From the Rochebonne headland (end of the Sillon path), you continue east towards Rothéneuf. This section is the link between the urban Saint-Malo network and the coastal Vélomaritime. The first 2 kilometres have a cycle lane along the road. After that, you join quiet residential streets leading to the sculpted rocks of Rothéneuf.
The terrain is gently undulating with two short but noticeable climbs. Nothing insurmountable on a city bike, but electric assist makes the ride noticeably smoother. Once at Rothéneuf, you discover another side of Saint-Malo: the wild coast, coves, paths between rocks and absolute peace.
Our tip
Combine Rothéneuf with the Sillon path for an 11 km return loop along the coast. It is an ideal half-day: start from the centre, ride along Le Sillon, continue to the sculpted rocks (3 euros entry), and return the same way. With a swimming stop at Du Val or Du Pont beach on the way, it makes a perfect day.
Comparison: which path for which purpose?
| Path / Route | Distance | Surface | Difficulty | Traffic-free | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sillon path | 3 km | Tarmac | Easy | Yes | Families, short ride |
| Vélomaritime to Cancale | 15 km | Mixed | Moderate | 60% | Cyclists, e-bike |
| Vélomaritime to Mont St-Michel | 55 km | Mixed | Challenging | 50% | Sporty, e-bike |
| Greenway to Dinan | 28 km | Gravel | Easy | 100% | Families, beginners |
| Barrage to Dinard | 13 km | Road | Moderate | No | Confident cyclists |
| Saint-Servan circuit | 8 km | Road | Moderate | No | Heritage, e-bike |
| Sillon to Rothéneuf | 5 km | Mixed | Easy-moderate | 50% | Half-day, nature |
The Vélomaritime in Brittany: the big picture
The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) crosses the whole of northern Brittany over about 430 kilometres, from Roscoff (Finistère) to Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine). Saint-Malo is therefore the starting — or finishing — point of this great cycling route. The entire route is signposted and documented on the official Vélomaritime website.
Alongside the Vélomaritime, Brittany has a dense network of greenways: the Vélodyssée (Atlantic coast), the Nantes-Brest canal, and numerous inland canals converted into cycleable towpaths. The greenway to Dinan is part of this network and connects to the Ille-et-Rance canal, which continues to Rennes (about 80 km from Saint-Malo).
Major greenways accessible from Saint-Malo
- Greenway Saint-Malo to Dinan: 28 km, Ille-et-Rance canal
- Greenway Dinan to Rennes: 50 km (canal extension)
- Vélomaritime west: Saint-Malo to Saint-Brieuc to Morlaix to Roscoff (250 km)
- Vélomaritime east: Saint-Malo to Cancale to Mont Saint-Michel to Granville (80 km)
- Vélodyssée: accessible from Roscoff, follows the Atlantic coast southwards
Practical tips
Which bike for which path?
For the Sillon path and the greenway to Dinan, a city bike is all you need. For the Vélomaritime towards Cancale (hills) and the Saint-Servan circuit (hilly), an e-bike is recommended. For the earth sections of the greenway after rain, an MTB is more comfortable. When in doubt, the e-bike is the most versatile choice.
Wind — the underestimated factor
The prevailing wind in Saint-Malo comes from the west/south-west. In practice: riding east (towards Cancale), you often have the wind at your back. On the return, it is in your face. The greenway to Dinan (north-south) is less exposed thanks to the trees. Le Sillon is the windiest path. An e-bike completely neutralises the effect of wind.
GPS and maps
Every Bikey Rent rental includes a paper map of the routes around Saint-Malo. We also offer an optional Garmin Edge Explore 2 GPS (7 euros/day) with the 6 main routes pre-loaded, including the Sillon path, the Vélomaritime to Cancale and the greenway to Dinan. The free Géovélo app also offers detailed cycling routes for Brittany.
Combined transport: bike + train/bus
Breton TER trains (BreizhGo network) carry bikes free of charge. The Dinan to Saint-Malo line (45 min) is ideal for the return after the greenway. The Keolis 16b bus (Saint-Malo to Cancale) also accepts bikes. And the water bus to Dinard takes bikes for a 2 euro supplement.
Frequently asked questions
Is Saint-Malo a cycling-friendly city?
Yes. Saint-Malo has a growing network of cycle paths, including the Sillon path (3 km along the sea), the Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) crossing the city, and the greenway to Dinan (28 km, 100% traffic-free). The terrain is moderate: flat along the coast, with a few short climbs towards Saint-Servan and Rothéneuf.
Which is the most beautiful cycle path around Saint-Malo?
The Sillon path is the most iconic: 3 km along the sea, perfectly flat, with views of the breakwaters and ramparts. For longer rides, the Vélomaritime to Cancale (15 km) has spectacular panoramas. The Saint-Malo to Dinan greenway (28 km) is the most peaceful, entirely separated from cars.
Can you cycle from Saint-Malo to Cancale on a cycle path?
Partially. The Vélomaritime connects the two towns over 15 km, alternating between dedicated path (60%) and shared roads with light traffic. The best-developed section runs from Le Sillon to Rothéneuf. Between Rothéneuf and Cancale, you ride on quiet communal roads with some hills.
Is the Saint-Malo to Dinan greenway suitable for families?
It is the most family-friendly route in the region. The greenway follows the Ille-et-Rance canal for 28 km. It is 100% flat, car-free, largely shaded, and the compacted surface suits all bikes, including child trailers and cargo bikes.
Is there a cycle path between Saint-Malo and Dinard?
Not yet a continuous one. The most enjoyable way is the water bus (ferry, 10 minutes, bikes accepted, 8.50 euros return). By road, the route goes via the Rance barrage (13 km) with a narrow cycle lane — doable but not very comfortable.
Are bikes allowed on Breton trains?
Yes. Breton TER trains (BreizhGo network) accept non-dismantled bikes free of charge, no reservation needed. Perfect for combining cycling and train: greenway to Dinan, TER train back (45 min). Saint-Malo station is 10 minutes by bike from the centre.
Key takeaways
- ✓The Sillon path (3 km, tarmac, flat) is the most accessible and beautiful cycle path in Saint-Malo.
- ✓The Vélomaritime (EuroVelo 4) connects Saint-Malo to Cancale (15 km) and the Mont Saint-Michel (55 km), fully signposted.
- ✓The greenway to Dinan (28 km) is 100% car-free, flat and shaded — ideal for families.
- ✓For Dinard, the water bus (10 min, bikes accepted) is the best option.
- ✓Breton TER trains carry bikes free of charge — perfect for return journeys.
- ✓Check out our 6 routes and our best bike rides to choose your ride.
Ready to ride?
Rent a bike and explore the cycle paths of Saint-Malo. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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The Bikey Rent Team
We ride these paths all year round — in summer and winter, in sunshine and drizzle. Every section described in this guide has been verified by our team: surface, width, climbs, locking points and alternatives. If you have a question about a route or need a custom itinerary, get in touch.