Cycling in Côtes-d’Armor: the joys of the sea and country in a single day
Spend the morning on the coast and the afternoon in the depths of a valley or on the flower-decked square of a Small Town with Special Character (Petite Cité de Caractère). Cycling is the ideal way to ensure variety as you discover the nooks and crannies of Côtes-d’Armor.
The natural beauty spots, various types of heritage and differing cultures will make any cycling trip user-friendly and full of thrills.
Although Côtes-d’Armor is by no means mountainous, there are a number of respectable hills. Because of this, it is preferable to use a bike that suits your build, equipped with several speeds. This will help you on your way as you ride uphill, and avoid overtiredness.
Luxurious beauty spots that draw the visitors
Vôtes-d’Armor is full of valleys and dales, each with its own special charm to offer cyclists. The Trieux, Léguer and Gouët Valleys are all close together yet very different in character (some of the hills are steep and some of the most outstanding beauty spots take an effort to reach).
When you get to Cap Fréhel coming from Les Sables-d'Or-les-Pins, when you pass the Gouët Valley to go and admire its boulders and rocks, and when you climb the Méné-Bré, the magical atmosphere of the surroundings blends with the delight of an effort well rewarded. The view is the best prize you could have.
Rides covering 30 to 90 km (19 to 56 miles) : something for everybody
Other more accessible spots also provide an opportunity to admire the scenery, fill your lungs with pure air and find interesting spots at a more leisurely pace, among them the Pink Granite Coast, the banks of the Trieux Estuary, the chapels of inland Brittany or the manorhouses on the banks of the R. Rance.
The Côtes-d’Armor Cyling Committee has selected and tested 32 routes ranging in length from 30 to 90 km (approximately 19 to 56 miles) and all of average difficulty. Some are coastal; others run through the countryside. This gives cyclists the best possible choice of rides.
Near Dinan : the Rance Valley
31 km (19 miles) - 2 hours
Depart from the Town Hall in Dinan (K5).
Dinan is one of the oldest mediaeval towns in Brittany. It is a walled town high above the Rance Valley where the narrow, flower-decked streets are always filled with people. This is a Town of Architectural and Historic Interest (Ville d'Art et d'Histoire) and is a good place to stay for a while. The route then provides an opportunity to cycle along quiet, tree-lined roads, enjoy the tranquillity of the Rance Valley and admire the wealth of interesting and historic sights - the Thiemblaye standing stone in Saint-Samson, the chapel in La Souhaitier in the fishing village of Plouër, the view of the Rance from the suspension bridge at Port Saint-Hubert, the Cider Museum and Mordreuc Harbour in Pleudihen, La Bellière Manor in La Vicomté etc.
The Emerald Coast
73 km (45 miles) - 4¾ hours
Depart from Saint-Cast-le-Guildo (J3).
From the peninsula at Saint-Cast, the panoramic view extends from Saint-Malo to Cap Fréhel. Headlands such as Pointe de l'Isle, Pointe de la Garde, Pointe de la Baye and beaches such as the one at La Fresnaye all provide stunning sea views.
Those who take time to stand and look will be able to admire numerous seabirds.
The coast road is particularly picturesque, especially between Port-à-la-Duc and Cap Fréhel. It runs past the impressive stronghold known as Fort La Latte.
The tourist coast road from Cap Fréhel to Sables-d'Or-les-Pins leads to Erquy and its harbour famous for its scallops and spider crabs.
The headland at Erquy is wild and is covered by a protection order. It is well worth a detour before returning to Saint-Cast via Matignon.
The boulders in Le Gouët
79 km (49 miles) - 5¼ hours
Depart from Saint-Brieuc (F4).
This route runs along quiet, tree-lined country roads, far from the major trunk roads and their traffic. From the lake formed by the Gouët, there is an attractive view of the small flower-decked town of La Méaugnon. Quintin, a flourishing Small Town with Character, has old houses, a museum in its castle, and a lake and is a pleasant place to stop for a while.
The itinerary then wends its way across country from Saint-Bihy to Lanfains. If you wish, you can make a detour to take in the charming little flower-decked town of La Harmoye before crossing the Lorge Forest. Near Plaintel, there are the boulders in the Gouët Valley. The river flows between huge granite boulders here, roaring like a waterfall and providing a moment of unadulterated well-being.
Between Plainte-Haute and Saint-Julien, a winding road leads to the tiny hamlet of Saint-Anne-du-Houlin in the heart of the Gouët Valley.
The Wild Peninsula in Trégor
70 km (43 miles) - 4½ hours
Depart from the cathedral square in Tréguier (D2).
The trip starts in Tréguier, a beautiful Small Town with Character marked by the story of St. Ives, the patron saint of lawyers, and by the presence of philosopher Ernest Renan. The itinerary then takes you into the peninsula. Between the rias formed by the rivers Jaudy and Trieux, there is a whole range of seascapes including the amazing Talbert Causeway (Sillon du Talbert), best seen at high tide. It is a long, natural dike formed of sand and pebbles, stretching out into the sea.
After crossing the suspension bridge at Lézardrieux, a stop at the Château de la Roche-Jagu is a "must". Apart from its architecture and exhibitions, it provides a superb view of the Trieux river.
Last but not least, there is Pontrieux, a Small Town with Character where flowers abound. There is little doubt that you will want to get out the saddle and enjoy the tranquil charms of the town.
Lake Guerlédan
67 km (42 miles) - 4½ hours
Depart from the Tourist Officein Rostrenen (C7).
This itinerary takes you into the heart of one of the finest regions in central Brittany, along a winding road in the Daoulas Valley where the sheer sides are carpeted with broom, heather and gorse. Then come the ruins of the Cistercian Bon Repos Abbey, standing on the shores of Brittany's largest lake, Guerlédan, which stretches over a distances of 12 km (7 miles).
This trip is much appreciated for the variety of scenery and the water sports available at the lake (canoeing, sailing, water skiing, boat trips etc).
