dossier
Emerald Coast Cycling
EMERALD COAST CYCLING | WHERE YOU STAY
Le Manoir des Portes **
Lamballe Days 1+8
Situated just 1mi/3km outside Lamballe in the little hamlet of La Poterie, M Jamin took over this charming 16C manoir a couple of years ago. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all. All of the 14 rooms are individually decorated and have lots of character. They all overlook the beautiful gardens, where you can relax with a good book or enjoy an apéritif before dinner.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 1 Arrive at Lamballe
Your holiday starts at M. Jamin’s C16 manor house in the countryside just 3kms/2mi outside the market town of Lamballe. With only 15 rooms, it’s a lovely intimate place to stay. The inner courtyard opens up on to beautifully kept gardens and elegant terrace for al fresco dining on fine summer evenings.
Day 2 Lamballe to Sables d’Or-Les-Pins 37km/23mi
Really gentle cycling today as you head first along quiet country lanes then out to the coast and the lively sailing resort of Pléneuf-Val-André. The deserted white sandy beaches here are simply gorgeous so make sure that you take your swimming things with you! There are also some excellent ocean-facing restaurants for a long seafood lunch. Lovely flat beachside trails to the sleepy seaside village of Sables d’Or-Les-Pins where your hotel is just 200m from the sea.
Hotel de Diane ***
Sables d’Or-Les-Pins Days 2+3
This lovely little hotel is located 100 metres from the large beach of Sables d'Or. The hotel is traditional in style and dates back to the 1920s, although it has had extensions and modernisations to the rooms since this time! Rooms are located in 2 buildings; the first building has far more traditional feel to it in terms of décor, compared to the new rooms, which are modern in style. All rooms are well decorated and some rooms have balconies.
Day 3 At Sables d’Or-Les-Pins
Relax on the beach or follow our easy 20km/12mi circular cycling route taking in the Cap Fréhel lighthouse and the famous C14 feudal stronghold of Fort de la Latte. Perched on a rocky promontory above the sea, it occupies one of the finest settings in northern France, and it’s easy to see why it’s been used on numerous film sets. A climb up to the gallery at the top of the tower will reward you with magnificent views – out right across the ocean to Jersey on a clear day.
Day 4 Sables d’Or-Les-Pins to Dinard 53km/33mi
Today’s route starts by gentle peddaling through pretty farming hamlets - wonderful views acorss the Baie de la Fresnaye. Stop for a coffee perhaps in the bustling market town of Matignon then on via the popular yachting village of Lancieux – impressive square bell tower capped by a dome and lantern turret – and on to gorgeous St Briac where Debussy composed his major work “The Sea”. The final stretch takes you to our hotel in the seaside town of of Dinard.
Hotel Pritania ***
Dinard Days 4+5
You will receive a very warm welcome from Mme Ferron at her family’s hotel in the St Enogat district of Dinard. The hotel is just 300m from a lovely white sandy beach and is in a great location for exploring this charming seaside town. All the rooms are traditionally decorated and have bath or shower, television and telephone. The hotel does not have a restaurant but there are several restaurants near to the hotel.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 5 At Dinard
Once a sleepy fishing village on the estuary of the Rance, the English transformed the town into one of the most famous and upmarket resorts in Europe. Although a little quieter now, it has not lost any of its charm and many of the “Belle Époque” villas have become historic monuments. Walk out to the Pointe des Étrêtes for views of the off-shore islands, or take a 10-minute ferry across the bay to St Malo and lose yourself in the narrow cobbled streets within the Intra Muros (fortified walls) of the ancient city.
Day 6 Dinard to Dinan 32km/20mi or 40km/25mi
A complete change of scene today as you cycle inland and follow the banks of the river Rance. You’ll feel like you’re taking a trip back in time as you pass sleepy hamlets, forgotten fishing ports and postcard pretty St Sauliac, officially rated as un des plus beaux villages en France. Lunch at the lovely sailing port in St Hubert then along the towpath - wonderfully flat! - to Dinan. Our hotel here overlooks the river and picturesque port, and has a lovely outdoor swimming pool if you fancy a dip.
Hotel Jerzual ***
Dinan Days 6+7
This modern and comfortable hotel is right in the heart of the picturesque port of Dinan. From the bar and restaurant terrace, you can watch the comings and goings of the pleasure boats on the river Rance. The hotel boasts excellent facilities: there is a jacuzzi and sauna as well as a heated pool. Most of the rooms at this hotel have terraces and some have a balcony. All rooms have satellite TV, telephone, hairdryers and safes. Rooms are medium sized, traditional decor but very comfortable.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 7 At Dinan
This beautifully preserved ancient walled town, with riverfront port and picturesque half-timbered buildings, is an absolute gem. Wander round the marvellously restored ancient squares, visit the imposing C13 castle (with dungeon!), admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and stroll the lovely cobbled
streets packed with authentic artisan workshops. Lunch perhaps in the bustling Place des Merciers where pretty triangular-gabled houses are further examples of Dinan’s exceptional architectural heritage, then in the afternoon, perhaps follow our 10km/6mi cycle route inland to the pretty village of Evran.
Day 8 Dinan to Lamballe 45km/28mi or 49km/30mi
First stop today is the picturesque little village of Léhon then on through quiet farming villages to the impressive 13C Château de la Hunaudaye. The ruins of this huge château date back over 800 years, yet the 5 majestic towers are still in good condition and are surrounded by water-filled moat. It’s gentle, flat
cycling through the forest back to Lamballe where you can relax in the gardens and enjoy a celebratory drink before dinner – a Kir Breton (cassis and cider) maybe?
Day 9 Leave Lamballe
For extra nights we recommend Dinan or Lamballe.