Saint-Malo is famous for its ramparts, crepes and dramatic tides. But it's also a brilliant starting point for hopping on a bike and riding the Emerald Coast. Whether you're here with the family, as a couple or with friends, there's a route waiting for you. And you don't need to be a seasoned cyclist: with an electric bike, even Brittany's hills become a pleasure.
We've picked 5 rides that our team has done over and over. For each one, you'll get the distance, difficulty level, and our local tips.
Saint-Malo → Cancale via the Velomaritime
This is THE classic ride. The one we recommend to everyone, and the one we never tire of doing ourselves. You set off from the Sillon, the long seawall that runs along Saint-Malo's main beach, and follow the Velomaritime (EuroVelo 4) eastward.
The route runs on shared roads, with cycle lanes on parts of the Saint-Malo section, so take care when crossing the busier departmental roads, especially in summer. After Rotheneuf and its famous carved rocks, you ride through the village of Saint-Coulomb before dropping down into Cancale. Arriving at the harbour is a special moment: the oyster beds stretch out across the bay as far as the eye can see.
Our tip
Arrive in Cancale around noon and treat yourself to a dozen oysters at the oyster market on the port de la Houle. They cost 5 to 8 euros a dozen, served with lemon and rye bread. For the return, you ride back the same way: the prevailing north-west wind is often in your face, so save some energy.
Pointe du Grouin
This is the natural extension of the Cancale ride, pushing a bit further north. The Pointe du Grouin is a wild headland that offers a 360-degree panorama: Mont Saint-Michel to the east, the Chausey Islands to the north, and the coastline stretching all the way to Cap Frehel to the west.
The final climb to the headland is a bit steep, but nothing impossible, especially with an electric bike. And the view from the top is worth every pedal stroke. You'll often spot colonies of cormorants and, if you're lucky, dolphins in the bay.
Our tip
Leave early in the morning (before 9am) to enjoy the peace and the low-angle light on the coast. Bring a windbreaker, even in summer: the wind always blows at the top. And pack binoculars if you have them, to spot the seabirds on the Ile des Landes.
The Rance estuary to Saint-Suliac
If rugged coastline isn't your thing, this ride along the Rance estuary is for you. It's our favourite route for windy days. The Rance estuary is a world apart: wooded banks, small marinas, and light that changes with every tide.
You pass the Rance tidal barrage and then follow the right bank towards Saint-Suliac, about 15 km from Saint-Malo along La Velomaritime, on small roads with a few hills. This village, listed among France's Most Beautiful Villages, is worth the trip on its own. Its granite lanes, tiny harbour and views over the estuary are a real treat.
Our tip
Stop at the port of Saint-Suliac and walk up to the Vierge du Grainfollet for an exceptional viewpoint over the Rance. The path is short but the panorama, with boats below and the estuary stretching out, is stunning. Perfect picnic spot.
Saint-Malo → Dinan via the greenway
From Saint-Malo, you first cross the Rance by sea bus to Dinard (the Rance barrage is not recommended by bike). The greenway then follows the old railway line: 17 km car-free to Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, largely shaded, with two roads to cross carefully. It is not flat: it climbs gently from Dinard up to the plateau near Pleslin. A good day out for families used to cycling, and pleasant on hot summer days.
After Saint-Samson, minor roads drop down to the Rance, then a path follows the river to the port of Dinan, at the foot of the medieval town. Its half-timbered houses, ramparts and the port du Jerzual are well worth exploring. The rue du Jerzual from the port up to the old town is very steep: you will probably push the bike. Allow at least an hour to wander the old town. The whole route is detailed in our Dinard-Dinan greenway guide.
Our tip
For the return, you have two options: ride back the same way to Dinard and take the sea bus (it's just as enjoyable in the other direction), or take the TER train. There is no direct train from Dinan to 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). Check schedules on BreizhGo.
The big one: Saint-Malo to Mont Saint-Michel
This is the big ride, the one you'll remember for years. 68 kilometres that take you from Saint-Malo to Mont Saint-Michel via Cancale, Le Vivier-sur-Mer (known for its mussel farming) and the polders of the bay.
The route follows the Velomaritime through landscapes that change dramatically: rocky coast, salt marshes, pre-sale meadows with grazing sheep, then the vast expanse of the bay with the Mont emerging on the horizon. It's a genuinely special moment when you first spot it from the saddle.
With an electric bike, this distance is perfectly doable in a day, even for occasional cyclists. The battery on our bikes (625 Wh) covers the 68 km if you manage the assistance level.
Our tip
Leave early (8am) and plan for a full day. Have lunch in Cancale or Le Vivier-sur-Mer. For the return, TER trains from Pontorson station run via Dol-de-Bretagne, where you change for Saint-Malo; check the rules for bikes before you set off. Alternatively, we can arrange to pick up your bike at Mont Saint-Michel on request. Just get in touch and we'll sort it out.
Practical tips for cycling in Saint-Malo
Which bike should you choose?
For rides 1 and 3, a standard city bike is perfectly fine. For the Pointe du Grouin (no. 2) and Mont Saint-Michel (no. 5), we recommend an electric bike: Brittany's hills are short but steep, and the assistance makes the whole experience much more enjoyable. For the trails around Rotheneuf and coastal paths, a mountain bike is ideal.
Breton weather: really that bad?
No. The cliche of rainy Brittany is overblown. In summer, temperatures typically sit between 20 and 25 degrees with a pleasant sea breeze. That said, we always suggest packing a light windbreaker: the wind can pick up quickly on the coast, even on sunny days.
The tides: an unexpected ally
The tides in Saint-Malo are very large. Check the tide times before you set off: at low tide, some coastal paths offer completely different views. And the bay of Cancale at low tide, with its oyster beds stretching to the horizon, is a unique sight.
What we provide
Every hire from Bikey Rent includes a lock, a paper route map, a basic repair kit and LED lights. We also offer an optional cycling GPS with all routes pre-loaded (7 euros/day). 24-hour roadside assistance is included: if you get a puncture or a mechanical issue, we'll send someone out.
Key takeaways
- ✓Saint-Malo to Cancale (18 km) is the classic ride, doable on a city bike.
- ✓The greenway from Dinard to Dinan (sea bus from Saint-Malo) is car-free for 17 km, on gentle gradients: a good day out for families used to cycling.
- ✓Mont Saint-Michel (68 km) is achievable in a day on an electric bike with a 625 Wh battery.
- ✓TER BreizhGo trains carry bikes for the return journey: from 1 May to 27 September 2026, the bike space must be booked (1 euro per bike per train).
- ✓Also explore the 7 most beautiful villages near Saint-Malo by bike for even more inspiration.
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The 7 most beautiful villages near Saint-Malo by bike →The Bikey Rent team
Based in Saint-Malo, our team rides the Emerald Coast year-round. Every route in this guide has been personally tested and verified by us. We have been renting bikes in Saint-Malo since day one and know every cycle path, every shortcut and every great stop along the way. Got a question about a route? Get in touch — we love talking about it.