Brittany cycling holiday, France

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Human-powered transport
Cycling is at the heart of this seven-day journey along the northern coast of Brittany, from Saint-Malo to Roscoff. Travellers cover approximately 365 km by bike, moving between each overnight stop under their own power. The itinerary allows travellers to discover Brittany at a slow pace while keeping transport emissions during the journey very low.

Reducing transport emissions
The trip has been designed as a continuous point-to-point cycling route, avoiding the need for motorised transfers between the daily stages. Our one-way bike service also allows travellers to pick up their bicycles in Saint-Malo and finish their journey in Roscoff without having to return to the starting point.

Both Saint-Malo and Roscoff have public transport connections, and travellers are encouraged to use trains and other forms of public transport to reach and leave the itinerary wherever possible.

Responsible accommodation
We favour small-scale, independent and locally operated accommodation along the route wherever possible. Environmental practices are considered when information is available, including measures to reduce water and energy consumption, limit single-use plastics, recycle waste, reduce unnecessary laundry and use environmentally responsible cleaning products.

Vegetarian and vegan options and local food
Travellers are encouraged to choose vegetarian and plant-based meals and to discover seasonal food produced in Brittany. The route passes through fishing ports, agricultural areas and small coastal communities, providing many opportunities to eat in independent restaurants and purchase products from local businesses and markets.

Our recommendations favour local and seasonal products wherever possible, helping travellers make lower-carbon food choices while contributing to the regional economy.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Low-impact travel through sensitive coastal landscapes
The itinerary follows existing roads, cycle paths and established cycling routes along Brittany's northern coast. It passes through a diverse range of landscapes, including the Rance Valley, the Emerald Coast, the Bay of Saint-Brieuc, the Pink Granite Coast and the Bay of Morlaix.

Some stages pass close to sensitive coastal habitats, including the protected Yffiniac Cove in the Bay of Saint-Brieuc, an important area for birdlife. By following existing cycling routes and paths, travellers can experience these landscapes while limiting unnecessary pressure on surrounding habitats.

Raising traveller awareness
Each traveller receives a digital roadbook containing recommendations for reducing their environmental impact. Travellers are encouraged to stay on marked paths, respect protected areas, avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife, keep noise to a minimum and never leave waste behind.

These practices are particularly important along Brittany's coastline, where cliffs, beaches, bays and tidal areas provide habitats for birds and other wildlife. Travellers are also encouraged to carry reusable water bottles and bags and to sort their waste whenever facilities are available.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

This itinerary distributes tourism spending across numerous Breton towns and smaller coastal communities. Overnight stops include Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, Erquy, Saint-Brieuc, Paimpol, Perros-Guirec and Plougasnou, before the journey finishes in Roscoff.

Wherever possible, we prioritise independent hotels, guesthouses and other locally operated accommodation. Travellers are also encouraged to support independent restaurants, cafés, shops, markets and regional producers throughout their journey.

Cycling at a slower pace provides opportunities to engage directly with the communities along the route. Travellers pass through fishing ports and small Breton villages and can discover regional food, local markets and independent businesses. This helps ensure that tourism expenditure benefits not only major destinations but also smaller communities along the Breton coast.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We work with local and France-based tourism providers to operate this journey, including accommodation providers and other businesses along the route. Prioritising local services helps retain a greater share of tourism revenue within Brittany and supports regional employment.

We and our operational partners are expected to comply with French employment legislation and applicable working standards, including legal minimum-wage requirements.

The trip is designed to welcome travellers from different backgrounds and with different levels of cycling experience. The availability of conventional bicycles and e-bikes can make the itinerary accessible to a broader range of cyclists, allowing travellers to experience the route at their own pace.