Cycling on the banks of the Rance: a natural interlude a stone’s throw from Saint-Malo
A peaceful itinerary along the Ille-et-Rance canal
At the Domaine de la Ville Huchet campsite, we’re often asked for a peaceful, flat, car-free route.
A simple, safe route, perfect for a family outing.
Good news: just a 15-minute drive from Saint-Malo, a different setting awaits you. The Canal d’Ille-et-Rance, accessible from Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, marks the start of a gentle escapade along an ancient towpath.
it’s not a “voie verte” in the strict sense of the word, but a dirt path that can be walked or cycled, with no cars in sight. With handlebars firmly in hand, you follow the leisurely pace of an itinerary where the atmosphere becomes calmer, greener and more bucolic. That’s inland Brittany.
A change of scenery just a few miles from the sea
Saint-Malo is all about the sea: the ramparts, the open sea, the tides, the coves… But just a few kilometers up the Rance, you’ll find a radically different landscape.
As soon as you reach Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, you’re on the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance, a former 84 km navigation route linking Rennes to the Rance estuary. This is the start of a peaceful towpath lined with trees, locks and picturesque villages. Here, the water is calm… and gentle! We’ve left the salty sea to follow a quiet ribbon of water, far from the hustle and bustle of the coastline.
A little history along the river
Let’s take a step back in time: in the early 19th century, Napoleon dreamed of a waterway that would enable boats to link Rennes to the English Channel without passing a single English ship. He therefore launched the construction of the Ille-et-Rance canal, a technical feat for its time: 84 kilometers, 48 locks, and even an impressive “ladder” of 11 locks at Hédé-Bazouges. The canal was used to transport coal, wheat, materials…
Today, the atmosphere has changed. What was once a commercial and military thoroughfare has become a natural setting, a true haven of tranquillity for cyclists, walkers… and pleasure boaters! Yes, barges can still be seen here, but this time in quiet vacation mode. Add to that ducks, fishermen and flower-filled lock houses, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a Zen stroll.
Our ideas for walks along the canal
Here are a few ideas for day trips or must-see places to explore from the Rance :
1. From L’écluse du Châtelier to the port of Dinan, arriving under the ramparts
From the Châtelier lock, a 10 km round trip takes you to the port of Dinan. It’s an ideal route for a family outing, on a flat, shady path that peacefully follows the canal. On arrival, the port of Dinan welcomes you with its picturesque quays, old boats and traditional houses. It’s a lively place, perfect for a break or a stroll along the pontoons. For something different, you can even extend the experience by renting an electric barge to discover the canal from the water.
2. Between Dinan and Léhon: a small loop full of charm and character!
From the port of Dinan, follow the canal to Léhon, a small town known for its abbey and peaceful streets. It’s a short distance – around 5 km – and you can walk or cycle back up to Dinan via the heights of the town. A perfect combination of nature, heritage and beautiful views over the valley.
3. The 11 locks at Hédé-Bazouges: a must!
From the campsite, it’s a 35-minute drive to Hédé-Bazouges. Once there, you can take the bikes out for a short ride along the 11 locks, lined up over a distance of less than 2 km. This is one of the most impressive sights on the Ille-et-Rance canal: a unique, highly visual sequence of locks that demonstrates the ingenuity of the canal. A short, easy outing, but a must if you want to discover another side of Brittany, away from the coast.
La Ville Huchet campsite: your Accueil Vélo starting point
To make the most of this trip along the Rance, La Ville Huchet campsite, which has been awarded the “Accueil Vélo” label, welcomes you in ideal surroundings.
Located in Saint-Malo, you’re just a fifteen-minute drive from these peaceful paths. On-site bike hire, secure premises, repair kit, route advice: everything is provided to make your cycling outings as easy as possible.
You can also vary the pleasures and discover other routes around Saint-Malo: the Vélomaritime along the coast, the Ille-et-Rance canal inland, or the gourmet tour from Saint-Malo to Cancale. Something for the whole family!
