A cycling adventure in the heart of the enchanted region of Brittany

La Gacilly is one of the prettiest little towns in Brittany, with its shale houses and colourful window shutters, its flower-filled alleyways and its peaceful Aff river. It’s also home to a whole host of artists and artisans: sculptors, ceramists, jewellers, glass-blowers… all of whose workshops you are more than welcome to visit. From June to October, La Gacilly is transformed into an open-air gallery, with the world’s largest outdoor photo festival. Some 800 ethical and humanist photographs taken by internationally renowned artists are displayed along the streets, in gardens and on the walls of houses. Sure to be a hit with all photography fans!

Saddle up and explore the Oust Valley all the way to Redon. There are two routes to choose from, depending on your clients’ abilities. For more experienced cyclists, there is a 43 km “sports” circuit departing from La Gacilly (no luggage transfer). For an easier ride (with transfer), you can take the Vélodyssée® route from Peillac, which runs alongside the Nantes-Brest canal. Both routes lead to the cliffs of Île aux Pies, Brittany’s very own canyon! Here, Escapades Verticales offers tree climbing, via ferrata or canoeing… A change of scenery guaranteed! In Redon, your clients will discover a city of water, with quays lined with ship owners’ houses and salt stores. A refreshingly unique experience.

End the day in style in La Gacilly, where Yves Rocher, the man and the brand, are inextricably linked! At La Maison Yves Rocher, your clients will get a behind-the-scenes look at the plant-based cosmetics brand: its history, know-how and values are explained in a multi-sensory animated tour, with audio guides available in several languages. At La Bergerie, the latest addition to the Yves Rocher universe, you can don an apron and slice, dice and cook local produce in its very own cooking workshop. Want to kick back and relax? At La Grée des Landes, your clients can enjoy a massage and lounge in the infinitypool… The perfect break after a day of cycling!

La Vélodyssée® is the French section of EuroVélo 1, which runs from Roscoff to Hendaye… and offers a 400km cycling route through Brittany. One of the “must-do” bike rides in Brittany! The route runs along the Nantes-Brest canal between La Gacilly and Josselin, passing through Malestroit. A delightful, leisurely bike ride, which is approximately 30km long and takes about 2h30 to complete, along the water’s edge through unspoilt countryside. The route also takes you through a number of picturesque towns with traditional timber-framed houses. You can also enjoy a relaxing picnic by a flower-adorned lock. And finishing in Josselin, at the foot of the towers of the medieval castle, is just… wow!

We highly recommend stopping off at Malestroit halfway along the route. Your clients will be transported back in time as they stroll through the cobbled streets and beautiful timber-framed houses. All under the watchful eye of the carved gargoyles. ‘The Spinning Sow’, the Hare playing the Breton bagpipes… unique figures from Medieval folklore! Beer lovers, take note: the local Barque brewery produces original, eco-responsible beers. A great place to quench your thirst before heading back to Josselin. The town has a real fairytale feel, with colourful half-timbered houses and a majestic castle overlooking the canal. What’s more, this magnificent castle is open to the public. If you are brave enough, you can climb the Basilica’s bell tower, where the views are breathtaking!

From Josselin, you cycle along the towpath as far as Pontivy. This 48km route is suitable for all abilities and should take around 3 hours to complete. A quick stop in Rohan, where you can admire the beautiful granary. The route then follows the rhythm of the locks, with no less than 54 of them over a 20 km stretch. Some of them only a few dozen metres apart! Along the way you will see a number of remarkable trees such as black walnut, hairy oak and sycamore maple, all of which are marked with interpretation panels. There are also some beautifully restored lock houses. A fun and unusual bonus idea: in Pontivy, you can take a ride on the Napoléon Express, a vintage train that winds its way through the verdant Blavet Valley (in season only). What’s more, bicycles are allowed on board!