Rennes to Mont Saint-Michel

Welcome to Rennes!
The capital of Brittany is full of surprises.
Rennes has it all, gastronomy, art, history and identity – simply a perfect start to your journey.

Today’s ride starts at the first lock of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance, where the towpath begins. Under the canopy of trees and on a comfortable, well-paved path, you’ll enjoy a flat route through an otherwise hilly landscape. After passing through some charming villages, you’ll reach the Bazouges basin, which consists of a reservoir that supplies the canal with water. Here you will find the eleven locks, arranged as an impressive water staircase that manages a difference in level of 27 metres. This is a particularly beautiful spot, where the flower-adorned locks are arranged in a perfect line. If you’re lucky enough to see a boat pass by, you can even watch the fascinating work of the lock keepers up close.
The evening and night are spent in the beautiful commune of Hede-Bazouges. Dinner is included tonight.
44 km (50 km) + 159 m – 159 m (+221 m) (-221 m).

From the top of the village of Hédé, descend to the famous ‘11 locks’ and continue your journey along the towpath. In the small village of Tinténiac, you will find a museum in an old lock house that tells the story of traditional crafts. The journey continues through the wooded countryside. At Pleugueneuc, you can visit the Bourbansais castle, where a zoo awaits you – an experience that will delight both young and old in this historic setting.
Along the way, cycle past Evran, where the Ille and Rance rivers meet and flow out to sea. Before the final push up to Dinan, perched majestically on a cliff, you’ll pass Léhon, one of Brittany’s most beautiful little character towns. The charming houses and genuine atmosphere give a sense of another time, while the town feels lively and inviting.
When you reach Dinan, cycle in via the harbour. Take time to soak up the village’s charm before cycling up to the historic centre. Dinan is one of Brittany’s most impressive and beautiful medieval towns, rich in incredible architectural treasures and an atmosphere that takes you right into history.
41 km + 134 m – 134 m

You cycle down to the harbour of Dinan to follow the towpath. After a few kilometres, you’ll have to leave the canal and join a beautiful green road, built on an old railway line. It winds through the Breton countryside and takes you to Dinard.
On arrival at this charming 19th-century seaside resort, stop to admire the pretty villas and perhaps treat yourself to an ice cream on the beach.
Next, embark on a short cruise across the mouth of the River Rance, which forms the canal between Rennes and Saint-Malo. The journey ends by boat, just as the city’s famous navigators and privateers, Surcouf and Cartier, once did.
27 km + 116 m – 116 m

In the morning, you’ll leave the historic crusader town and cycle towards the harbour of Cancale, enjoying a lovely mix of countryside and sea views along the way.
Along the way, the landscape is dotted with several Malouinières – beautiful 17th- and 18th-century mansions, once belonging to Saint-Malo shipowners.
In the evening, park your bike by the water and end the day tasting some of the famous Cancale oysters.
26 km + 185 m – 185 m

Today you’ll head for one of the world’s great architectural wonders, following a route that mixes country lanes with major roads along the sea.
After Cancale, the road flattens out, making it easy to cycle 50 km during the day.
Halfway, you’ll reach Mont-Dol, a strange rock rising in the middle of the marshes – a perfect place for a lunch break.
After a much-needed rest, you have a few more kilometres through the salt marshes before reaching the foot of Mont Saint-Michel. There, a final effort awaits, this time on foot, to reach the summit and the famous abbey.
48 km + 83 m – 83 m

We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.