Brittany is one of the best-equipped regions in France for cycling, with around 1,800 kilometres of signposted greenways and cycle routes. From Saint-Malo, you have direct access to three major routes: the Ille-et-Rance canal greenway towards Dinan and Rennes (105 km), the Velomaritime towards Cancale and Mont Saint-Michel to the east (55 km) or towards Dinard and Saint-Brieuc to the west (150 km), and further afield, the Velodyssee along the Atlantic coast.
This guide covers the main greenways in Brittany from a practical angle: distance, surface, difficulty, points of interest and accessibility from Saint-Malo. We have ridden every one of them to give you the details that maps alone cannot show.
In this article
- The Breton network at a glance
- 1. Ille-et-Rance canal: Saint-Malo – Dinan – Rennes
- 2. Velomaritime east: Saint-Malo – Cancale – Mont Saint-Michel
- 3. Velomaritime west: Dinard – Saint-Brieuc – Roscoff
- 4. Nantes-Brest canal
- 5. Velodyssee: the Atlantic coast
- Comparison: which greenway to choose?
- Practical tips for greenways
- Frequently asked questions
The Breton network at a glance
Brittany's cycle network is built on two types of infrastructure. Greenways (voies vertes) are paths 100% separated from motor traffic, often built on former canal towpaths or disused railway lines. Cycle routes (veloroutes) are signposted itineraries that may use quiet shared roads. In Brittany, about 60% of the network is traffic-free (pure greenway), the rest on shared roads.
Saint-Malo sits at the crossroads of two major European itineraries: the Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4), which runs along the entire north coast, and the Ille-et-Rance canal, which heads south through the interior. It is a strategic starting point for exploring Brittany by bike, whether for a half-day ride or a multi-day trip.
The 5 major routes from Saint-Malo
- South: Ille-et-Rance canal → Dinan (28 km) → Rennes (105 km). 100% greenway.
- East: Velomaritime → Cancale (15 km) → Mont Saint-Michel (55 km). Mixed (60% greenway).
- West: Velomaritime → Dinard → Cap Frehel → Saint-Brieuc (150 km). Mixed.
- South-west: Nantes-Brest canal (accessible via Rennes). 360 km greenway.
- Atlantic: Velodyssee (accessible via Roscoff or Nantes). Atlantic coast 1,200 km.
Ille-et-Rance canal: Saint-Malo – Dinan – Rennes
The Ille-et-Rance canal is the most accessible greenway from Saint-Malo and one of the most beautiful in Brittany. The towpath runs alongside the canal for 105 kilometres, from the Chatelier lock (near the Rance dam) all the way to Rennes. The route is entirely flat — the canal does not climb — and 100% separated from motor traffic. It is the quintessential greenway for families and beginner cyclists.
Stage 1: Saint-Malo – Dinan (28 km) — Our top pick
The most popular section, and the one we recommend first. The path winds along the canal through woodlands, meadows and past picturesque locks. The arrival in Dinan, a medieval town perched above the Rance valley, is spectacular. You can return by TER train (45 min, bikes free of charge). Full details in our guide to cycle paths around Saint-Malo.
Stage 2: Dinan – Evran – Tinteniac (30 km)
The greenway continues south through more open countryside. The canal is punctuated by lock-keeper's houses, some of which have been converted into guesthouses or cafes. Tinteniac is a good stopover with its Tool and Trades Museum and a handful of restaurants.
Stage 3: Tinteniac – Rennes (47 km)
The final section follows the canal to the outskirts of Rennes, passing through Hede and its 11 staircase locks (the "Onze ecluses de Hede", a remarkable site). The route enters Rennes along the banks of the Vilaine, right in the city centre. From Rennes, you can continue south on the Nantes-Brest canal.
Practical information
Surface: compacted gravel (80%), earth (20%). Smooth in dry weather, muddy in places after rain. Water points: at the main locks. Accommodation: guesthouses in Dinan, Evran, Tinteniac, Hede. Transport: TER Dinan-Saint-Malo (45 min) and TER Rennes-Saint-Malo (1 h). Bikes travel free on Breton TER trains.
Velomaritime east: Saint-Malo – Cancale – Mont Saint-Michel
The Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4) heads east from Saint-Malo along the Cote d'Emeraude. It is the quintessential coastal route, with spectacular views of the sea, cliffs and the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. It is not a pure greenway — about 60% of the route is on dedicated cycle paths, the rest on quiet shared roads — but the signposting is excellent and traffic is minimal outside summer.
The route naturally divides into two distinct atmospheres. From Saint-Malo to Cancale (15 km), it is all rocky coastline: cliffs, coves, fishing villages and the famous oyster beds of Cancale. From Cancale to Mont Saint-Michel (40 km), the landscape changes dramatically: polders, salt marshes, salt-meadow sheep, and the immensity of the bay with the Mont growing on the horizon.
Recommended stages
- Saint-Malo → Cancale: 15 km, 1.5-2 h. Some hills. Oysters at the port de la Houle.
- Cancale → Le Vivier-sur-Mer: 15 km, 1 h. Flatter. Capital of bouchot mussels.
- Le Vivier → Mont Saint-Michel: 25 km, 2 h. Polders and bay. The final 10 km are magical.
Our tip
The short version (Saint-Malo – Cancale, 15 km one way) is doable in half a day on any bike. The full version (Saint-Malo – Mont Saint-Michel, 55 km) is a full-day ride — an electric bike is highly recommended. We cover both routes in detail in our article on 5 bike rides from Saint-Malo.
Velomaritime west: Dinard – Saint-Brieuc – Roscoff
West of Saint-Malo, the Velomaritime continues towards Dinard, Cap Frehel, Erquy, Saint-Brieuc, Paimpol, Lannion, Morlaix and Roscoff. It is the grand itinerary of the Breton north coast: 430 kilometres of spectacular scenery between pink granite cliffs, wild coves, fishing ports and lighthouses. The terrain is more demanding than to the east, with frequent ups and downs along the rugged coastline.
Notable sections (west of Saint-Malo)
- Dinard – Saint-Briac – Lancieux: 20 km. Coastal cycle path under development. Seaside villas and sandy beaches.
- Cap Frehel – Cap d'Erquy: 40 km. Two of Brittany's finest headlands. Pink sandstone cliffs, heathland, heather. Challenging.
- Cote de Granit Rose (Perros-Guirec – Tregastel): 15 km. Unique pink rock formations. Unmissable.
- Baie de Morlaix – Roscoff: 30 km. Arrival at the ferry terminal for England and Ireland.
Our tip
The western Velomaritime is a multi-day journey. For a first taste from Saint-Malo, take the sea bus to Dinard and ride to Cap Frehel (about 50 km one way). It is a challenging but spectacular day. For the full trip, allow 6 to 7 days to Roscoff with an electric bike (60-70 km/day), or 9 to 10 days at a leisurely pace.
Nantes-Brest canal — crossing Brittany
The Nantes-Brest canal crosses Brittany from east to west over 360 kilometres, through the heart of the region. It is the longest cycle route in Brittany and one of the finest towpaths in France. The path follows the canal past picturesque villages, forests, lakes and the Monts d'Arree in central Brittany. Elevation gain is minimal — the canal rises in stages through locks, but the path remains flat between each one.
From Saint-Malo, you can reach the Nantes-Brest canal via Rennes (TER train, 1 h) or via the Ille-et-Rance canal greenway (105 km by bike). The canal runs from Nantes to Brest via Redon, Josselin, Pontivy, Lac de Guerledan, Carhaix and Chateauneuf-du-Faou. Each stage has its own character: flower-lined locks, oak forests, the Bon-Repos abbey, and the Daoulas gorges.
Notable stages
- Josselin: Medieval castle on the canal bank. One of the most beautiful stops on the entire route.
- Lac de Guerledan: Artificial lake in the heart of Brittany. Swimming, kayaking, forest trails.
- Bon-Repos abbey: Romantic ruins of a Cistercian abbey, directly on the towpath.
- Monts d'Arree: The "roof of Brittany" (384 m). The canal runs at its foot, with views over the moorland.
Velodyssee: the Atlantic coast
The Velodyssee (EuroVelo 1) is the longest cycle route in France: 1,200 kilometres from Roscoff (Finistere) to Hendaye (Basque Country), along the entire Atlantic coast. It is the western counterpart of the Velomaritime. The Breton section (Roscoff – Nantes, about 450 km) crosses southern Finistere, Morbihan and Loire-Atlantique, following the coast, rias and salt marshes.
From Saint-Malo, the Velodyssee is not directly accessible — you first need to reach Roscoff (Velomaritime, 430 km west) or Nantes (TER train, 3 h). But it deserves a mention as a natural extension for cyclists who want to go further after exploring northern Brittany.
Notable Breton sections
- Presqu'ile de Crozon: Dramatic cliffs between the Atlantic and the Brest roadstead. Scenery comparable to Ireland.
- Quimper – Concarneau: Greenway along the Odet river. Art town and fishing ports.
- Gulf of Morbihan: Inland sea dotted with islands. Well-maintained cycle paths around the gulf.
- Presqu'ile de Guerande: Salt marshes, Le Croisic, La Baule. Flat and spectacular.
Comparison: which greenway to choose?
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | % greenway | Duration | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ille-et-Rance canal Saint-Malo – Dinan | 28 km | Easy | 100% | 1 day | Families, beginners |
| Ille-et-Rance canal Saint-Malo – Rennes | 105 km | Easy | 100% | 2-3 days | Weekend ride |
| Velomaritime east → Cancale | 15 km | Moderate | 60% | Half day | Half-day, food lovers |
| Velomaritime east → Mont St-Michel | 55 km | Challenging | 60% | 1 day | Full-day ride |
| Velomaritime west → Roscoff | 430 km | Challenging | 50% | 6-10 days | Cycle touring, sporty riders |
| Nantes-Brest canal | 360 km | Easy | 90% | 5-8 days | Nature, heritage |
| Velodyssee (Brittany) | 450 km | Moderate | 80% | 7-12 days | Atlantic coast |
Practical tips for greenways
Which bike for greenways?
For canal towpaths (Ille-et-Rance canal, Nantes-Brest canal), a city bike with 35 mm or wider tyres is fine in dry weather. After rain, a mountain bike is more comfortable. For the Velomaritime (coastal, hilly), an electric bike is the best choice. For multi-day trips, an electric bike with waterproof Ortlieb panniers is the ideal combination.
Maps and apps
The Geovelo app (free) is the reference for cycle routes in France. It covers all of Brittany's greenways and calculates bike-friendly itineraries. The official Velomaritime website (lavelomaritime.com) offers downloadable GPS tracks for each stage. At Bikey Rent, the optional Garmin GPS (7 euros/day) comes pre-loaded with the main routes.
Bike + train in Brittany
Breton regional trains (BreizhGo network) carry non-folding bikes free of charge and without reservation. This is a huge asset for greenway rides: you can cycle one way and take the train back. The most useful lines from Saint-Malo: Dinan (45 min), Rennes (1 h), Dol-de-Bretagne (20 min). BreizhGo buses also accept bikes on some routes (check breizh-go.bzh).
Best season
Brittany's greenways are rideable year-round, but conditions are best from May to October. June and September are the ideal months: pleasant weather (18-22 C), long days, and far fewer people than in July-August. Canal towpaths can be muddy in winter and after heavy rain. The coastal Velomaritime is spectacular in any season, including autumn with its storms and colours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful greenway in Brittany?
The Ille-et-Rance canal greenway (Saint-Malo – Dinan – Rennes, 105 km) is one of the finest, with its locks, forests and the arrival at Dinan. The Velomaritime offers the most spectacular coastal scenery, but it is a cycle route (paths + roads) rather than a pure greenway. For wild nature, the Nantes-Brest canal with Lac de Guerledan and the Monts d'Arree is unbeatable.
How many kilometres of greenways are there in Brittany?
Brittany has around 1,800 kilometres of signposted greenways and cycle routes. About 60% of the network is traffic-free (separated from motor vehicles). This includes canal towpaths, coastal cycle routes and many local sections. The region invests each year in extending the network.
Can you cycle the Velomaritime in one week?
Yes. The Velomaritime crosses northern Brittany over 430 km from Roscoff to Saint-Malo. At 60-70 km/day (achievable on an electric bike), allow 6-7 days. At a more leisurely pace (40-50 km/day), plan for 9-10 days. Natural stopovers exist every 40-60 km: Morlaix, Lannion, Paimpol, Saint-Brieuc, Erquy, Dinard.
Are the greenways suitable for families?
Most of them are. The canal towpaths (Ille-et-Rance, Nantes-Brest) are flat, car-free and often shaded — perfect for families. The Saint-Malo – Dinan greenway (28 km) is particularly well-suited. The coastal Velomaritime is more demanding (hills, shared roads) and better suited to families with children aged 10-12 and above.
Do you need a special bike for the greenways?
No. A standard city bike is fine for most greenways in dry weather. For canal towpaths after rain, slightly wider tyres (35 mm+) are more comfortable. An electric bike is recommended for stages over 30 km or for hilly coastal routes. At Bikey Rent, all our bikes are suited to Brittany's greenways.
Key takeaways
- ✓Brittany has 1,800 km of greenways and cycle routes, 60% of which are traffic-free.
- ✓The Ille-et-Rance canal (Saint-Malo – Dinan, 28 km) is the most accessible greenway: flat, shaded, 100% car-free.
- ✓The Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4) spans the entire north coast from Roscoff to Saint-Malo (430 km) with spectacular scenery.
- ✓Breton TER trains carry bikes free of charge, making it easy to combine cycling and train on all routes.
- ✓June and September are the ideal months: good weather, long days, fewer crowds.
- ✓See our cycle paths around Saint-Malo for local routes.
Ready to explore Brittany's greenways?
Start with the greenway to Dinan — 28 km of pure joy, straight from Saint-Malo.
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The Bikey Rent Team
Based in Saint-Malo, at the crossroads of the Velomaritime and the Ille-et-Rance canal, our team explores Brittany's greenways throughout the year. We have ridden every route in this guide, in every season, on different types of bikes. Need help planning your route? Get in touch.