Bikepacking the Brittany Coast: Brest to Saint-Malo

A Multi-Day Bikepacking Adventure

An 8-day coastal route along Brittany’s Vélomaritime.

The Breton coast is made for slow travel. Wind-shaped headlands, quiet fishing ports and long stretches of open coastline define this northern edge of France.

This route follows the Vélomaritime from Brest to Saint-Malo, linking some of Brittany’s most striking coastal landscapes over eight days of riding.

This guide outlines the full route, suggested daily stages, campsites and practical tips for planning your own journey.

Route Overview
Distance: 577 km
Total Elevation: 5,190 m
Route Type: Mostly road, some trail (Vélomaritime / EV4)
Duration: 6–8 days
Start: Brest
Finish: Saint-Malo
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Bikepacking / touring bikes
Navigation: GPX required (Garmin / Wahoo / Komoot app)

Is this route for you?
  • ✔ Ideal for cyclists comfortable riding 60–90 km per day
  • ✔ Some experience with navigation (GPX recommended)
  • ✔ Suitable for touring or gravel bikes
  • ✖ Not ideal for total beginners (try a shorter section first)

Day 1: Brest → Lanildut

The route leaves the port city of Brest behind surprisingly quickly, trading urban edges for open coastline and the first real sense of Brittany’s wild western character. Granite headlands, quiet roads and wide views over the Iroise Sea set the tone for the days ahead.

Day 1 Overview
Distance: 64.6 km
Elevation: 720m (Rolling terrain with steady climbs)
Start: Brest train station
Finish: Camping du Tromeur – Lanildut

Day 2: Lanildut → Plouguerneau

Leaving Lanildut, the route follows one of the most rugged and windswept sections of the Breton coast. Long estuaries, open sea views and quiet backroads define this stage, with a growing sense of remoteness as you move further along the Finistère coastline.

Day 2 Overview
Distance: 67.1 km
Elevation: 560m (An easier day but windy & exposed)
Start: Camping du Tromeur – Lanildut
Finish: NORZH écogite – Plouguerneau

Day 3: Plouguerneau → Roscoff

The longest stage of the route, but one that rides more smoothly than the days before. The coastline flattens and opens out here, with quiet coastal roads offering wide views across the sea and a landscape scattered with smooth granite boulders.

Day 3 Overview
Distance: 94.4 km
Elevation: 550m (Long but relatively gentle – distance over difficulty)
Start: NORZH écogite – Plouguerneau
Finish: Camping Sunêlia – Roscoff

Day 4: Roscoff → Plestin-les-Grèves

Leaving the harbour town of Roscoff, the route turns inland toward Morlaix and its striking estuary. The road then climbs back up towards the coast, where more dramatic terrain and exposed riding return along the rugged shoreline.

Day 4 Overview
Distance: 72.4 km
Elevation: 830m (The most demanding day, with sustained climbs)
Start: Camping Sunêlia – Roscoff
Finish: Camping Municipal – Plestin-les-Grèves

Day 5: Plestin-les-Grèves → Tréguier

A varied and rewarding stage that begins gently before building into one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in Brittany. A smooth approach into Lannion is followed by the dramatic landscapes of the Pink Granite Coast, before the route turns inland to finish in the historic town of Tréguier.

Day 5 Overview
Distance: 77.9 km
Elevation: 760m (Varied terrain with steady climbing)
Start: Camping Municipal – Plestin-les-Grèves
Finish: La Ferme du Syet – Tréguier

Day 6: Tréguier → Binic

A scenic stage linking river estuaries, working ports and quieter stretches of coastline. After leaving Tréguier, the route crosses two impressive estuaries before reaching the harbour town of Paimpol, then continues through rolling countryside and seaside towns toward Binic.

Day 6 Overview
Distance: 66.7 km
Elevation: 680m (Rolling and consistent)
Start: La Ferme du Syet – Tréguier
Finish: Camping Le Panoramic – Binic

A more demanding stage that combines steep terrain with some of the most rewarding riding of the route. After a dramatic descent into Saint-Brieuc and a tough climb back out, the route settles into a scenic coastal rhythm, following cycle paths and viaducts toward the cliffs of Cap Fréhel.

Day 7 Overview
Distance: 67.7 km
Elevation: 650m (A notable climb out of Saint-Brieuc) – High
Start: Camping Le Panoramic – Binic
Finish: Camping Municipal – Cap Fréhel

Day 8: Cap Fréhel → Saint-Malo

A varied final stage that moves away from the exposed headlands of Cap Fréhel into softer landscapes and quieter inland sections. Forest paths, riverside riding and historic villages mark the final kilometres before returning to Saint-Malo to complete this epic North Coast of Brittany ride.

Day 8 Overview
Distance: 71.1 km
Elevation: 600m (A steadier final day with gentler elevation)
Start: Camping Municipal – Cap Fréhel
Finish: Saint-Malo train station

Practical Tips

When to Go
Most campsites are open from April/May until September and this is a good guideline for when to attempt this bikepacking route.
Wind Direction
Prevailing winds are often westerly, making this route easier from Brest → Saint-Malo.
Accommodation
The campsites in this guide are a suggestion but there are plenty along the route. Or go lightweight and book hotels/BnBs along the way.
Trains & Shortcuts
You can join or leave the route via stations in Morlaix, Lannion, Paimpol and Saint-Brieuc.
Bike Type
Best suited to gravel or touring bikes due to mixed surfaces.

Shorter Alternatives

Make use of the BreizhGo railway line that runs the length of the peninsula and opt for a shorter bikepacking trip of 2-4 days. For those short on time or new to bikepacking, these shorter sections offer a more accessible way to experience the route.

Distance:
255 km
Elevation:
2100 m
Start:
Brest train station
Finish:
Morlaix train station
Duration:
3–4 days
Train (Rennes → Brest):
~1h50 (direct TGV)

A rugged opening stretch of the route with remote coastline and lighthouse views, easily split over 3–4 days with stops in Lanildut and Plouguerneau.

Distance:
149 km
Elevation:
1460 m
Start:
Morlaix train station
Finish:
Paimpol train station
Duration:
2-3 days
Train (Rennes → Morlaix):
~1h30 (direct TGV)

A varied section linking estuaries, coastal paths and the Pink Granite Coast, with natural overnight stops in Lannion or Perros-Guirec.

Distance:
180 km
Elevation:
1750 m
Start:
Paimpol train station
Finish:
Saint-Malo train station
Duration:
3-4 days
Train (Rennes → Paimpol):
~2h–2h30 (via Guingamp)

A scenic section passing through coastal towns and headlands, best broken up around Saint-Brieuc or near Cap Fréhel before reaching Saint-Malo.

Adventure along the atlantic coast

Plan Your Own Route

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