Saint-Malo is an ideal destination for family cycling. The Sillon cycle path (3 km, seafront, perfectly flat) is accessible from the youngest age, and the greenway to Dinan (28 km, 100% car-free) is the ultimate family cycling route in Brittany. With the right equipment — baby seat, trailer or tow bar — children of all ages can enjoy the ride.
This guide covers everything: which equipment for which age, which routes are truly family-friendly (and which to avoid), and our tips as cycling parents in Saint-Malo.
Which equipment for which age?
| Age | Equipment | Bikey Rent model | Price / day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-9 months | Bike trailer (reclined position) | Child trailer | From €12 |
| 9 months - 6 years | Rear child seat | Rear child seat (max 22 kg) | From €5 |
| 1-5 years | Bike trailer (seated position) | Child trailer | From €12 |
| 4-8 years | Tow bar | Tow bar | From €8 |
| 6-12 years | Independent child bike | Kids bike (all sizes) | From €5 |
Trailer vs child seat: how to choose?
The trailer is more comfortable for the child: suspension, rain/sun protection, space for toys and snacks, and the option to sleep. It is also safer if the parent falls. The downside: it is wider (watch for narrow passages) and heavier to pull. The child seat is simpler, more compact, and gives the child a better view. Ideal for short rides. For longer distances or the greenway to Dinan, we recommend the trailer.
The tow bar: pedalling together safely
The tow bar attaches your child's bike (4-8 years) to yours. The child pedals independently but stays guided by the parent. Ideal for medium distances like the greenway to Dinan: the child can pedal when they want, or be towed when tired. Quick to fit, removable mid-ride if the child wants to ride fully solo.
The 3 best family routes
1. The Sillon cycle path — the safe bet
3 km, flatThe Sillon cycle path runs along the beach for 3 km — flat, wide and facing the sea. Perfect for first rides with a baby seat or trailer. Plenty of bike racks line the promenade: stop for a beach break whenever you like. Continuing towards Rochebonne (2 km more), you will find quieter beaches with a children's beach club.
2. The greenway to Dinan — the family adventure
28 km, flat, car-freeThe Ille-et-Rance canal greenway is the ultimate family route. 100% car-free, flat, 70% shaded. The locks are natural stopping points where children love watching the mechanism. No need to ride the full 28 km: even 5-10 km along the canal is pure pleasure. Pack a picnic by the water. Return by TER train if you ride all the way to Dinan (bikes travel free).
3. The beach circuit — the perfect day out
5-8 km, easyFrom the Sillon to Rochebonne and back, stopping at beaches along the way. 5 km on cycle paths, flat, with the sea alongside. Children alternate between cycling and swimming. Add the plage du Val (2 km more, easy access) for a quieter spot. With a picnic from the Parame market, it is a perfect stress-free day. Details in our beach guide.
Routes to avoid with young children
Saint-Malo to Cancale: steep hills between Rothéneuf and Saint-Coulomb, roads shared with cars. Doable with children aged 10+ on their own bike, but not recommended with a trailer or young children.
Saint-Servan circuit: steep descents towards the anse Solidor, no dedicated cycle path, urban traffic. Best left to confident, independent cyclists.
Rance dam (towards Dinard): narrow cycle lane, heavy traffic in summer. Take the sea bus with children instead.
Our tips from cycling parents
Helmets are mandatory
In France, helmets are mandatory for children under 12 (rider or passenger). The fine is 135 euros. We provide children's helmets on request, included in the rental price. For adults, helmets are recommended but not required by law.
Weather with children
Saint-Malo enjoys a mild microclimate, but coastal wind can cool things down quickly. Always pack a windbreaker for each child, even on sunny days. Our child trailer has a built-in rain cover — it doubles as a windshield. For babies in a child seat, a hat and blanket are useful even in summer if the wind picks up.
Pace and breaks
With children, expect to ride at half the usual speed. 10 km as a family with stops takes half a day. Plan breaks every 3-4 km: a lock, a beach, a viewpoint. Children in a trailer often fall asleep — that is a sign everything is going well. Children on their own bikes need frequent snack breaks.
Electric bike + trailer: the winning combination
Pulling a trailer with 1-2 children (15-30 kg) takes significant effort on a regular bike, especially into the wind. With an electric bike, it is a non-issue. The motor compensates for the extra weight, and you ride as if the trailer were not there. This is the combination we recommend to all families with children under 5.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child cycle in Saint-Malo?
From birth in a bike trailer (reclined position). From 9 months in a rear child seat. From 4 to 8 years with a tow bar. From around 6-7 years, most children ride independently on safe cycle paths like the Sillon.
Which routes are family-friendly?
The top 3: the Sillon cycle path (3 km, flat, seafront), the greenway to Dinan (28 km, car-free, flat), and the beach circuit from the Sillon to Rochebonne (5 km, flat). Avoid the coastal roads towards Cancale with young children (hills, traffic).
Can you rent a child bike trailer in Saint-Malo?
Yes. The child trailer (2 seats, 5-point harness, suspension, rain cover) is available from 12 euros/day. The child seat (from 5 euros/day) and the tow bar (from 8 euros/day) are also available. See all our equipment.
Are helmets mandatory for children?
Yes. In France, helmets are mandatory for children under 12 (rider or passenger). Fine: 135 euros. We provide children's helmets on request, included in the rental.
Key takeaways
- ✓The Sillon cycle path (3 km, flat, seafront) is the most accessible family route.
- ✓The greenway to Dinan (100% car-free, flat) is perfect for families — doable in sections.
- ✓Electric bike + trailer is the ideal combination for children under 5.
- ✓Helmets mandatory for under 12s (rider or passenger). Provided on request.
- ✓Equipment from €5/day (child seat) to €12/day (child trailer).
Saddle up, the whole family
Trailer, child seat, tow bar, kids' bike — we have it all. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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The Bikey Rent Team
Several members of our team are parents who cycle with their children in Saint-Malo all year round. This guide reflects our day-to-day experience. Need personalised advice for your family setup? Get in touch.