Dinard, Cancale and Dinan are the three must-do day trips around Saint-Malo, and all three are best explored by bike. Dinard and its Belle Epoque villas are just 10 minutes away by sea bus. Cancale and its oysters are 18 kilometres along the Velomaritime. Dinan and its medieval old town are 23-24 kilometres from Dinard along the greenway on the old railway line. We deliver bikes to all three towns, and this guide shows you how to make the most of each.
Whether you are staying in Dinard, Cancale or Dinan, or heading out on a day trip from Saint-Malo, here is everything you need to know about renting a bike and exploring the area.
Just looking to hire a bike where you are staying? We deliver to your address, hotel or campsite, free from 3 rental days (€50 below that). Prices, area covered and booking on the dedicated pages:
Dinard — the villas, the beaches, the coast
Dinard is the elegant seaside resort of the Cote d'Emeraude, just across the Rance estuary from Saint-Malo. Its listed villas, the Clair de Lune promenade, and three sandy beaches make it a perfect cycling destination. A bike is actually the best way to connect the beaches (Ecluse, Prieure, Saint-Enogat) which are spread along the coast.
How to get there with a bike
Option 1 (recommended): Sea bus from the cale de Dinan, below the ramparts of Saint-Malo. 10-minute crossing, bikes accepted, running from late March to mid-November (2026 season). Frequent departures in summer (every 20 min). Bikes are accepted with a supplement: check current fares with Compagnie Corsaire and Bateaux Rouges. Option 2: By road, via the Rance dam. The dam is not recommended by bike: it has no cycle lane yet (one is planned for around 2031-2032).
What to do by bike in Dinard
Clair de Lune promenade: along the estuary, pedestrian-only but a bike is ideal to get there. Pointe du Moulinet: panoramic views of Saint-Malo and the open sea. Dinard to Lancieux coastal cycle path: 12 km along the coast via Saint-Lunaire and Saint-Briac, superb views. Saint-Lunaire beach: quieter than Dinard, direct access via the cycle path.
Our tip
Take the sea bus in the morning, ride to Saint-Briac along the coastal cycle path, have lunch at the Saint-Briac harbour, and cycle back the same way. With a swim stop at Longchamp beach (Saint-Lunaire), it makes a perfect half-day. The return sea bus to Saint-Malo offers a stunning crossing.
Cancale — the oysters, the bay, the Pointe du Grouin
Cancale is famous for its oysters. The port de la Houle, with its dozens of oyster stalls lined up facing the bay, is one of the most authentic food experiences on the coast. By bike, the ride from Saint-Malo follows the Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4) for 18 kilometres of varied scenery.
The ride from Saint-Malo to Cancale
Starting from the Sillon, heading east. A cycle track and then cycle lanes along the road to Rotheneuf, then minor roads through Saint-Coulomb, with departmental roads to cross carefully in summer. Little climbing overall (44 m). You arrive along the coastal road with sweeping views of the bay and the oyster beds. Ride time: about 1h15 according to France Vélo Tourisme. Full details in our 5 bike rides from Saint-Malo.
What to do by bike in Cancale
Port de la Houle: oysters straight from the producer (5-8 euros a dozen). Pointe du Grouin: about 5 km north of the port (e-bike recommended), 360-degree views of the bay and Mont Saint-Michel. Cancale market: Sunday mornings, seafood, cider, local vegetables. Bisquine: historic sailing boat on display in the harbour.
Our tip
Arrive in Cancale around midday for oysters at the port. Sit on the harbour wall with your dozen, a lemon and a glass of Muscadet. After lunch, push on to the Pointe du Grouin (5 km further) for the views. On the way back to Saint-Malo, the prevailing north-west wind is often in your face: save some energy, or take an electric bike.
Dinan — the medieval town via the greenway
Dinan is a medieval town above the Rance: ramparts, 15th-century half-timbered houses, the port du Jerzual below, and a spectacular view over the Rance valley. The ride from Saint-Malo is pure pleasure: sea bus to Dinard, then 23 to 24 kilometres to the port of Dinan, including 17 kilometres of car-free greenway on the old railway line.
The ride from Saint-Malo to Dinan
Sea bus crossing to Dinard (10 minutes, bikes accepted). The greenway starts at rue de la Corbinais in Dinard and follows the old railway line for 17 km to Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, car-free, with two roads to cross carefully: the D64 at Bourgneuf and the D366 near Pleslin-Trigavou. The last 7 kilometres to the port of Dinan are partly on minor roads, then follow the Rance. It is not flat: the route climbs from about 28 m in Dinard to 84 m near Pleslin, then drops back down to the Rance. Stabilised surface on the greenway. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace. On an electric bike, 1.5 hours is enough. We cover this route in detail in our Dinard-Dinan greenway guide.
What to do by bike in Dinan
Port du Jerzual: cobbled descent from the old town, artisan workshops, restaurants by the Rance. Ramparts: 2.5 km walk with valley views (on foot: lock your bike at the port). Rue du Jerzual: steep cobbled street, half-timbered houses, galleries and creperies. Tour de l'Horloge: panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside.
Our tip
Leave in the morning around 9 am, ride at a leisurely pace with a picnic to eat by the Rance. Arrive in Dinan around midday, explore the port and old town (the Rue du Jerzual is very steep: you will probably push the bike), have lunch in a creperie on the Rue du Jerzual, and take the TER back with a change at Dol-de-Bretagne (there is no direct Dinan to Saint-Malo train). From 1 May to 27 September 2026, book the bike space (1 euro per bike per train). This is our favourite trip for families.
Quick comparison
| Destination | Distance | Ride time | Difficulty | Type of route | Alternative return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinard | Sea bus crossing | 10 min | Easy | Boat (dam not recommended by bike) | Sea bus (bike at extra cost) |
| Cancale | 18 km | About 1h15 | Moderate | Velomaritime (shared roads) | Ride back |
| Dinan | Sea bus + 23-24 km | 2-2.5 h | Moderate | Greenway (17 km) + minor roads | TER via Dol-de-Bretagne |
Prices and practical information
Our prices for exploring the area
| Bike | Half day | Full day | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| City bike | 10 euros | 15 euros | Dinard (sea bus), Dinan (greenway) |
| Electric bike | 23 euros | 35 euros | Cancale (hills), Dinan + return by bike |
| Mountain bike | 15 euros | 22 euros | Pointe du Grouin, coastal trails |
All prices include: lock, repair kit, LED lights, route map and 24/7 breakdown assistance. See our full price list for weekend and weekly rates.
Delivery to nearby towns
Staying in Dinard or Cancale and prefer not to come to Saint-Malo? Get in touch to arrange delivery. We deliver bikes to your accommodation in Dinard, Cancale and Saint-Coulomb: free from 3 rental days, €50 below that. Saint-Lunaire and Saint-Briac-sur-Mer on request.
Our recommendation by destination
Dinard: city bike + sea bus. The coastal cycle path to Saint-Lunaire is enjoyable. Cancale: electric bike. The hills between Rotheneuf and Cancale are much more comfortable with assistance. Dinan: city bike or electric. The greenway climbs gently towards Pleslin, and the ride back to Dinard (23 to 24 km more) makes an electric bike worthwhile if you are not taking the train.
Frequently asked questions
Can you rent a bike in Dinard?
At Bikey Rent, you can pick up your bike in Saint-Malo and cross to Dinard by sea bus (10 minutes, bikes accepted). You can also have them delivered to Dinard, free from 3 rental days (€50 below that). Prices are the same: from 15 euros/day for a city bike, 35 euros/day for an electric bike.
How do you get from Saint-Malo to Cancale by bike?
The Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4) connects the two towns in 18 km. The route starts from the Sillon, passes through Rotheneuf and Saint-Coulomb, and arrives at the port de la Houle. Allow about 1h15 of riding. The ride is on shared roads, with cycle lanes on the way out of Saint-Malo: take care when crossing departmental roads in summer. An electric bike is recommended for the hills.
Can you rent a bike in Dinan?
Rent a bike in Saint-Malo, cross to Dinard by sea bus, then ride to Dinan on the greenway along the old railway line: 23 to 24 km to the port of Dinan, of which 17 km are car-free, with a few climbs. It is a lovely way to discover Dinan. For the return by train, there is no direct TER between Dinan and Saint-Malo: you change at Dol-de-Bretagne. From 1 May to 27 September 2026, bike spaces on TER BreizhGo trains must be booked (1 euro per bike per train).
How much does an electric bike cost for a day?
An electric bike costs from 35 euros per day at Bikey Rent. The price includes lock, repair kit, lights, route map and 24/7 breakdown assistance. The 625 Wh battery is rated for 80 to 120 km in Eco mode. See all our prices.
Key takeaways
- ✓Dinard is 10 minutes by sea bus. Coastal cycle path via Saint-Lunaire to Lancieux (12 km). A city bike is enough.
- ✓Cancale is 18 km along the Velomaritime. Oysters at the port. Electric bike recommended (hills).
- ✓Dinan is 23-24 km from Dinard (sea bus from Saint-Malo), including 17 km of car-free greenway. Return by TER train with a change at Dol-de-Bretagne.
- ✓Delivery to Dinard, Cancale and Saint-Coulomb, free from 3 days (€50 below that). Get in touch.
- ✓Same prices everywhere: from 15 euros/day (city) or 35 euros/day (electric).
Ready for a day trip?
Rent a bike in Saint-Malo and explore Dinard, Cancale or Dinan. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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The Bikey Rent Team
We know the roads to Dinard, Cancale and Dinan inside out — we ride them all year round, in every season. Every route, every hill, every good address in this guide has been tested by our team. Need a custom itinerary or a delivery? Get in touch.