The best gravel routes in Brittany

Brittany is in the spotlight in the 2025 editions of the Men's and Women's Tour de France. The opportunity for Claude Droussent to take a step aside. Here he gives us his top five of his Breton gravel routes. For the moment he is focusing on southern Brittany. Every month, Claude Droussent offers you, in collaboration with Weelz!, reflection or sharing of itineraries. We invite you to subscribe to its newsletter.

Brittany, land of cycling

Officialized this October 29. The routes of the next Tours de France for women and men will give pride of place to Brittany. I adore. I had even anticipated it during the (too short) fall vacation. The opportunity to explore some splendid cycling spots on the coast between Nantes and Pointe du Raz. South Brittany. I went where the champions of the 2025 Tours will not venture next summer. On paths suitable for gravel. I extracted five experiences with modest relief, 50% paths – 50% very secondary routes or cycle paths, which I highly recommend. Because what's more, the weather was great in the west in October.

Three of these routes are around 100 kilometers. Why not tackle them over a weekend? With a gentle night by the ocean in the middle break. These routes can be used by VTC (in dry weather or terrain) with or without electric assistance. Then, when it comes to supplies, forget the typical contents of the Tour de France bag; over here, sausage pancakes, kouign-amann, bowls of cider. Oysters and Petit Chenin from the Rhuis peninsula are a must!

Author's note: I would have liked to continue from the Quiberon peninsula to Belle Île en Mer, given the gravel potential that the latter seems to offer. I haven't had time yet. I have no doubt that it will take the place of another destination in a future Top 5…

The most spectacular: the Quiberon peninsula from Auray

Since in Brittany, you can take your bike on the TER without any problem (reservation required from May to September), I always leave from an SNCF station. Here Auray, Morbihan, between Vannes and Lorient. For a 108 km trail that dazzled me: port of Saint-Goustan, undergrowth to La Trinité, beaches, overview of the alignments and cove of the Pô in Carnac, Quiberon peninsula to its southern tip , return via Étel and its ria.

the Quiberon peninsula by bike, frankly, put it on your To Do List 2025

If you have never cycled across the Quiberon peninsula, frankly, put it on your 2025 To Do List. First the (very) narrow isthmus of Penthièvre, with the ocean on both sides. It is imperative to approach it via its breathtaking wild coast. From the west side, facing Belle-Île-en-Mer, to return via the bay, east coast and not the other way around. Until Quiberon, an ideal stopover if you complete the route in two days, you can cycle on the Littorale cycle path (V45), also and above all, take the coastal road and some portions of trails as close as possible to the ocean. Honestly, a unique experience.
Find the Komoot track here.

The most roots: the coast of Pays Bigouden from Quimper

I have been driving in Pays Bigouden for more than a quarter of a century. I still don't get tired of it. My gravel and the width of its tires have even rekindled my appetite for the old Cap Caval. It is west of Quimper, prefecture of Finistère.

This is my far-west Breton, barely 50 kilometers from Pointe du Raz.

It allows you to follow the curves of the Odet on its right bank once you leave the city. Enjoy the ferry boat between Île Tudy and Loctudy (or the panoramas of the Pont l'Abbé river if you want). Embrace the beauties of a coast rougher in appearance than that of neighboring Morbihan.

It also seems more authentic and offers Lesconil, the port of Guilvinec, Penmarc'h and its Eckmühl lighthouse along the way. Without forgetting the rocks of Saint-Guénolé, the tip of La Torche and its surfers. The return is via the greenway of the old “carrot train” route. This is my far-west Breton, barely 50 kilometers from Pointe du Raz. Over two days, the stage that I recommend is between Le Guilvinec and Saint-Guénolé. Want to discover my far-westpull the trigger, here.

The most romantic: the tour of the Gulf of Morbihan from Vannes

I didn't recognize this loop this fall. Over 90 kilometers, it offers a (double) nautical experience. Two short boat crossings with the Petits passeurs between Montsarrac and Saint-Armel (km 13) then the Passeur des Îles between Port Navalo and Locmariaquer (km 38), happiness at 15€. A happiness only available between April and September. From Vannes station, we circle the Gulf of Morbihan in a clockwise direction, Rhuys peninsula before that of Locmariaquer, as close as possible to the inland sea, breathtaking views of its countless islands and islets.

An exceptional setting, a unique atmosphere. The Gulf of Morbihan by bike is enchanting. Between the ramparts of Vannes, the marshes of Séné, chapels, beaches, manors, oyster farms.

The Gulf of Morbihan by bike is enchanting

Enjoy the changing landscapes influenced by the tide, megaliths, Loc'h d'Auray, old Bono suspension bridge, captivating coves, divine lights. Over two days, I recommend the stopover at Locmariaquer, after the boat crossing at the entrance to the gulf from Port Navalo. Enchantment is just one click away, magical.

The Haddock “freshwater sailor” route: between Scorff and Blavet, rivers of Lorient

Tired of the coast? Here we go inland, from Lorient station. Due north, but not by any path: along the right bank of the Scorff. A route that often offers you a wooded setting. The singles follow one another between the wooden footbridges. Small manor houses replace old water mills and fisheries. In Pont-Scorff, km 13, head east. Up to Inzinzac-Lochrist where this time we cross the Blavet (km 30).

A nice break, barely 50 kilometers

Its towpath, on the left bank, leads to Hennebont where you cross it again for the Devil's Rock and the fascinating Kerhéry boat cemetery. Return to Lorient via the harbor and the Saint-Christophe bridge. A splendid break, 50 kilometers, of greenery and fresh water. To be swallowed in just three hours at a leisurely pace. The parenthesis opens by clicking there.

The saltiest: Pouliguen, Guérande and Brière marshes

Total change of scenery! Already, we are “a little less” in Brittany. Eternal debate, is Loire-Atlantique still Breton, north of the Loire, or is it no longer? Regardless, the experience is still astonishing. From the Pouliguen station, between La Baule and Le Croisic, last June I found myself at the gates of a fascinating universe: as far as the eye could see, salt marshes. Those of Guérande first of all, the most renowned. Traveled for around ten kilometers. Then leaving the medieval town of the same name on my right and Piriac-sur-Mer on my left, I turned towards the Mès marshes. Arrive Herbignac and the delightful ruins of Ranrouët castle.

at the gates of a fascinating universe: as far as the eye can see, salt marshes

I'll take you to the edge of Morbihan. Discover the Brière marshes, where salt alternates with peat. Pedal 75 kilometers between the sky, the salt flats and the water. Don't fear the D+, but beware of the wind. Flat does not mean boring. You will enjoy, in any case, improbable lights. An itinerary, I assume, pure Breton. Semi-salted of course. Want to spice up your journey, click here.

Every month, Claude Droussent offers us his itineraries or reflections. Remember, a month ago, he promised us the discovery of the Pays Sancerre at the beginning of November. He served us on a platter, Brittany. Brittany is also good. We recommend that you subscribe to Claude's newsletter. Because he tells even more there. Looking forward to next month. Thank you Claude.

All photos, unless otherwise noted, credit Claude Droussent.