Brittany

You reach the first lock on the canal and head toward the English Channel. You quickly reach the towns of Saint-Germain, Saint-Médard and Montreuil sur-Ille. Saint Germain which has the only remaining workshop that manufactures and maintains the wooden doors of the canal locks. A few kilometers after Lock 20 you reach the Bazouges basin, a water supply used to manage the following locks. The last curiosity of the day is the site of the eleven locks, a sort of water staircase creating a 27 meters difference in height. If you are lucky to see a boat enter it, stick around and enjoy the show.

You descend eleven locks and continue your journey north. In Tinténiac. a former Lock House and museum on the canal banks tells the story of ancient trades and their tools. You can leave the towpath to reach the castle of Bourbansais in Pleugueneuc. Midway, Evran, a city surrounded by water, is where the Ille and Rance begin their common route. Another curiosity, the 17th century castle of Beaumanoir. You the take the road to Dinan. Its suburbs have nothing to envy the historical center. Léhon a neighboring town, is one of the most beautiful small towns of character in Brittany an old but lively and friendly atmosphere. You arrive in Dinan is through the port. One of the most beautiful medieval towns in Britain it contains incredible architectural treasures.

The sea is not far away! You reach the harbor and continue your route following the course of water. Lock 48 marks the end of the canal and the beginning of the Rance estuary. The towpath also stops here but a greenway awaits inland a few kilometers ahead to reach Dinard, its coast and 19th century villas. Embark on a cruise across the Rance and discover the tidal power dam. Like Surcouf and Cartiers, famous sailors and pirates of the Corsair city once did, you reach Saint Malo.

You leave the Corsair city in the morning to reach the port of Cancale. Enjoy a 35 km bike ride through countryside and seaside. Along the way some Malouinières enrich the landscape. They are beautiful 17th and 18th century houses of ship owners in Saint Malo. In the evening, park your bike on the waterfront and taste some famous oysters.

You head towards one of the architectural wonders of the world, riding on a mix of country roads and more important routes along the sea. After Cancale the route is flat. You can easily ride 50km without during the day. Halfway through you reach the Mont-Dol, a strange rock in the middle of the marsh land, which is an ideal spot for lunch. After the break, you still have a few kilometers to go through the salted marshland. You are at the foot of the Mont-Saint-Michel. One last effort, on foot this time, to reach the top and its famous abbey.

On the last day, appreciate the greatness of the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay. Small countryside roads take you to la Roche Torin. You are back at sea level. You can feel a singular atmosphere, almost mystical and a privileged vista of the Mont-Saint-Michel. You can leave your bike for a last visit to the Mont St-Michel or a guided tour in the Bay during the low tide.