The best walks and outings on the Vélocéan itinerary

The waves of the Atlantic, its beaches, its salt marshes... and its magnificent Vélocéan cycle route! There, right between the Vilaine estuary (no naughty bits here, just beautiful views! 😌 ) and the majestic Côte d'Amour, lies a two-wheeled path that gives you the chills. Because yes, we're talking here abouta stretch of véloroute 45, proudly known as voie n°5 in Brittany. The big dream? To pedal from Roscoff to Nantes like a pro.

But before you embark on this cycling marathon, why not warm up with a few invigorating jaunts along well-chosen stretches?

It's off for a colorful ride (do you still have your polka-dot socks?? 😉 ) that unfolds over 22.60 km of pure bliss for more than an hour and a half of escapism.

Departing from the mouth of the Vilaine, this bike ride promises to be a real treat for two-wheeled experts. The route takes you through urbanized and retro-littoral areas, offering a cultural and invigorating getaway.

Stop off at Pointe du Bile, a place that breathes sea air and invites you to take a well-deserved break. Take a moment to capture the essence of the Atlantic with an impromptu photo shoot or a snack break overlooking the sea. And who knows, you might even spot a stork or two, adding a magical note to your trip. 🪄

Continuing on, you come across Pont-Mahé Bay, renowned for its gently sloping beach, a veritable paradise for beginner windsurfers. Here you can watch amateurs try their hand at this water sport, always a fun sight (without making fun of course 😏)!

⚠️ Please note that the route markers suggest local loops that can sometimes mislead hikers, adding a touch of unexpected adventure to your tour. Finally, bear in mind that traffic can be heavy in season, mainly due to beach access.

This 33-kilometer ride takes you to the gates of Guérande, a town of history and character, a place where even the stones seem to tell stories. But as soon as you leave St-Molf, you're drawn in by the incredible landscape that unfolds before your eyes, a ribbon of road that sometimes seems to float on the water.

One of the must-see stops on this route is the Pointe de Mesquer, with panoramas that would be a photographer's dream. But don't forget to save some space in your camera (or on your film 📷), because the detours through the town of Piriac-sur-Mer and the bustling port of La Turballe have some nice visual surprises in store.

2 hours and 12 minutes after you set off (well, we're not exactly down to the minute 😉 ), Guérande finally comes into view. The medieval city, with its impressive ramparts and cobbled streets, is a veritable time machine. Now you can see for yourself why Guérande has the best salt in France (please don't hit me with the Camarguais! 😨).

This 16.80 km walk takes you through varied and enchanting landscapes, all in just 1h07! (It's quicker than baking a chocolate cake, and much lower in calories! 🍰)

The start of this escapade takes you along picturesque back roads, then opens onto the voie verte. The Escoublac forest is now right in front of you! A green setting, where pine trees dominate the landscape, offering a fresh, invigorating atmosphere. It's the perfect place to get that famous picnic out of your saddlebags, settle down and enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation (after all, a few calories can't hurt, can they? 😋 ).

But don't hang around too long! Because after this little break, a few turns of the wheel will take you to the magnificent beach of La Baule. Considered one of the most beautiful bays in Europe, it's the perfect place for those who feel the call of the big blue. Come on, kick off those cycling shoes and dive into the waves! 🌊

Of course, for those who prefer to stay on dry land, the seafront also offers you some great bike lanes to continue your journey. Between the gentle sound of the waves and the iodized scent of the ocean, this part of the route is a veritable hymn to joy for all cyclists!

⚠️ Don't forget to keep your map handy, because although the route is well signposted, tourism in high season can sometimes make the paths a little busier. But after all, that's what the Vélocéan adventure is all about! 🚴‍♂️🌞

Follow the guide and embark on a 13.66 km adventure in less than an hour. This section of the Vélocéan itinerary plunges you into a true maritime epic. If you close your eyes, you can almost feel the salt crystallizing on your lips, while the cries of seagulls and the gentle surf lull your ears. But be careful, keep them open on the road! 😐😂

Your departure from La Baule takes you to the Beslon greenway. Here, an escape to the end of the world awaits you. No, it's not a ticket to the Maldives, but something just as exotic: a panoramic detour around the Croisic peninsula.

The icing on the cake? The superb Grande Côte cycle path. It takes you back to the port of Le Pouliguen before returning triumphantly to La Baule. On this itinerary, you'll find alternating cycle paths and lanes, as well as small, low-traffic roads, ideal for making the most of your outing.

Ride for 17.52 km and in just 1h56 (perfect for a 2-hour lively playlist 🎵 ), you'll be swept from one landscape to another, marrying the tranquility of the sea with industrial effervescence. It's a journey between past, present and future!

As you leave La Baule, you'll start out in a retro-littoral atmosphere. Pedal on and discover the Dissignac tumulus site, a window onto the region's ancient history. Continue on your way and you'll find the Bois Joalland pond, a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. If you're a fan of sailing, kitesurfing or canoeing, this is the perfect place for a short break and some memorable photos. 🏄‍♂️

The contrast is palpable as the landscape becomes more urban. Well-designed boulevards lead directly to Saint-Nazaire's redeveloped waterfront. Here, the majestic and imposing American monument seems to greet you with open arms, paying tribute to the close ties between the city and the USA during the two world wars. 🪖

And if you've still got energy to spare 💪, a little tip for cyclists: free bicycle shuttles allow you to cross the Pont de Saint-Nazaire during the summer and certain busy periods. You can also take the N°317 bus or the Saint-Brevin-les-Pins cabs equipped with bike racks.

From here, you can easily join other emblematic routes such as La Loire à vélo or La Vélodyssée. After all, why limit yourself to just one route when there are so many to discover? 🚴‍♂️🌉