Saint-Malo is an ideal destination for family cycling. The Sillon (3 km along the seafront, flat, with a cycle track and then cycle lanes) is accessible from the youngest age, and the greenway from Dinard to Dinan (17 km car-free, reached by sea bus) makes a great family adventure. With the right equipment (baby seat, trailer or tow bar), children of all ages can enjoy the ride.
This guide covers everything: which equipment for which age, which routes are truly family-friendly (and which to avoid), and our tips as cycling parents in Saint-Malo.
Which equipment for which age?
| Age | Equipment | Bikey Rent model | Price / day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-9 months | Bike trailer (reclined position) | Child trailer | €12 |
| 9 months - 6 years | Rear child seat | Rear child seat (max 22 kg) | €5 |
| 1-5 years | Bike trailer (seated position) | Child trailer | €12 |
| 4-8 years | Tow bar | Tow bar | €6 |
| 6-12 years | Independent child bike | Kids bike (all sizes) | €8 |
Trailer vs child seat: how to choose?
The trailer is more comfortable for the child: suspension, rain/sun protection, space for toys and snacks, and the option to sleep. It is also safer if the parent falls. The downside: it is wider (watch for narrow passages) and heavier to pull. The child seat is simpler, more compact, and gives the child a better view. Ideal for short rides. For longer distances or the greenway to Dinan, we recommend the trailer.
The tow bar: pedalling together safely
The tow bar attaches your child's bike (4-8 years) to yours. The child pedals independently but stays guided by the parent. Ideal for medium distances like the greenway to Dinan: the child can pedal when they want, or be towed when tired. Quick to fit, removable mid-ride if the child wants to ride fully solo.
The 3 best family routes
1. The Sillon cycle path — the safe bet
3 km, flatAlong the beach for 3 km, flat and facing the sea: a two-way cycle track for about 700 m from the old town, then cycle lanes on the road (in a 30 km/h zone). On the seawall promenade itself, bikes go at walking pace. Good for first rides with a baby seat or trailer. Plenty of bike racks line the promenade: stop for a beach break whenever you like. Towards Rochebonne, at the eastern end, you will find quieter beaches with a children's beach club.
2. The greenway to Dinan — the family adventure
17 km car-freeTake the sea bus to Dinard, then the greenway follows the old railway line towards Dinan: 17 km car-free to Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, largely shaded. It is not flat (a gentle climb up to the plateau near Pleslin), and two roads must be crossed with care: the D64 at Bourgneuf and the D366 near Pleslin-Trigavou. No need to ride the whole way: Dinard to Pleurtuit (7 km) already makes a good outing. Pack a picnic. If you ride all the way to Dinan, the TER back goes via Dol-de-Bretagne, and unfolded trailers are not accepted on board. The whole route is in our Dinard-Dinan greenway guide.
3. The beach circuit — the perfect day out
6-10 km, easyFrom the Sillon to Rochebonne and back, stopping at beaches along the way. About 6 km on the cycle track and cycle lanes, flat, with the sea alongside. Children alternate between cycling and swimming. Add the plage du Val (2 km more, easy access) for a quieter spot. With a picnic from the Parame market, it is a perfect stress-free day. Details in our beach guide.
Routes to avoid with young children
Saint-Malo to Cancale: the whole route is on roads shared with cars, with busy departmental roads to cross, especially in summer. Doable with children aged 10+ on their own bike, but not recommended with a trailer or young children.
Saint-Servan circuit: steep descents towards the anse Solidor, no dedicated cycle path, urban traffic. Best left to confident, independent cyclists.
Rance dam (towards Dinard): no cycle lane yet, and the Département rates this road as dangerous for cyclists. Take the sea bus with children instead.
Our tips from cycling parents
Helmets are mandatory
In France, helmets are mandatory for children under 12 (rider or passenger). The fine is 135 euros. We provide children's helmets on request, included in the rental price. For adults, helmets are recommended but not required by law.
Weather with children
Saint-Malo enjoys a mild microclimate, but coastal wind can cool things down quickly. Always pack a windbreaker for each child, even on sunny days. Our child trailer has a built-in rain cover — it doubles as a windshield. For babies in a child seat, a hat and blanket are useful even in summer if the wind picks up.
Pace and breaks
With children, expect to ride at half the usual speed. 10 km as a family with stops takes half a day. Plan breaks every 3-4 km: a lock, a beach, a viewpoint. Children in a trailer often fall asleep — that is a sign everything is going well. Children on their own bikes need frequent snack breaks.
Electric bike + trailer: the winning combination
Pulling a trailer with 1-2 children (15-30 kg) takes significant effort on a regular bike, especially into the wind. With an electric bike, it is a non-issue. The motor compensates for the extra weight, and you ride as if the trailer were not there. This is the combination we recommend to all families with children under 5.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child cycle in Saint-Malo?
From birth in a bike trailer (reclined position). From 9 months in a rear child seat. From 4 to 8 years with a tow bar. From around 6-7 years, most children ride independently on safe cycle paths like the Sillon.
Which routes are family-friendly?
The top 3: the Sillon cycle path (3 km, flat, seafront), the greenway from Dinard to Dinan (sea bus from Saint-Malo, 17 km car-free, gentle gradients, shaded, doable in sections), and the beach circuit from the Sillon to Rochebonne and back (about 6 km, flat). Avoid the coastal roads towards Cancale with young children (hills, traffic).
Can you rent a child bike trailer in Saint-Malo?
Yes. The child trailer (2 seats, 5-point harness, suspension, rain cover) is available from 12 euros/day. The child seat (from 5 euros/day) and the tow bar (from 6 euros/day) are also available. See all our equipment.
Are helmets mandatory for children?
Yes. In France, helmets are mandatory for children under 12 (rider or passenger). Fine: 135 euros. We provide children's helmets on request, included in the rental.
Key takeaways
- ✓The Sillon cycle path (3 km, flat, seafront) is an easy family route.
- ✓The greenway from Dinard to Dinan (17 km car-free, gentle gradients, sea bus from Saint-Malo) works very well for families, in sections.
- ✓Electric bike + trailer is the ideal combination for children under 5.
- ✓Helmets mandatory for under 12s (rider or passenger). Provided on request.
- ✓Equipment from €5/day (child seat) to €12/day (child trailer).
Saddle up, the whole family
Trailer, child seat, tow bar, kids' bike — we have it all. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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The Bikey Rent Team
Several members of our team are parents who cycle with their children in Saint-Malo all year round. This guide reflects our day-to-day experience. Need personalised advice for your family setup? Get in touch.