Cyclotouristes se croisant sur le chemin de halage le long du Canal de Nantes à Brest et à la rampe d'accès aux Voies Vertes et à la Vélodyssée, à Pont ar Brost à CarhaixCyclotouristes se croisant sur le chemin de halage le long du Canal de Nantes à Brest et à la rampe d'accès aux Voies Vertes et à la Vélodyssée, à Pont ar Brost à Carhaix
©Cyclotouristes se croisant sur le chemin de halage le long du Canal de Nantes à Brest et à la rampe d'accès aux Voies Vertes et à la Vélodyssée, à Pont ar Brost à Carhaix|Anthony Carré
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The Vélodyssée

The Vélodyssée is the French section of EuroVélo 1.
This odyssey is aptly named given its 1,290 km length, making it the longest cycle route in France.
It crosses the heart of Brittany and runs along the whole of the Atlantic coast, linking Roscoff to the Basque Country.

The 'Queen' of the Greenways

From the Vélodyssée to Eurovélo 1

 

The development of greenways in various European countries has led to the creation of some very extensive itineraries.

These include EuroVélo 1, whose French section has been given the evocative name of Vélodyssée.

It follows Greenway No 7 from Roscoff to Carhaix, the crossroads of the Greenways in western Brittany, where it joins the Nantes–Brest Canal. Once in Nantes, cycling fans can follow the Vélocéan to Hendaye.

But the Vélodyssée is part of a much wider itinerary. EuroVélo 1 starts in the north of Norway and follows its fjords. We then take the boat to disembark in Scotland.

After a detour via Ireland, you’ll arrive in Cornwall. From there, take the ferry to Roscoff. You’ll then follow the Vélodyssée to the Basque Country.

But that’s not all! Once you’ve arrived in Spain, you’re invited to ride on to Andalusia, where you’ll finally turn off towards Portugal! So, all set?

Discovering inland Brittany

 

The Vélodyssée is an exceptional route in more ways than one. In addition to its route linking the north-west of France to the south-west, 72% of the route extends along Greenways.

In Brittany, it uses former railway lines and the towpath, giving cycle tourists the chance to ride on genuine soft-mobility routes.

The route therefore offers the perfect way to get acquainted with inland Brittany. Cut off from the hustle and bustle of the major urban centres, here, you can recharge your batteries as you discover a different Brittany.

As soon as you leave Roscoff, you’ll be swept away by the soul of the Monts d’Arrée. Then, take the time to branch off into the legendary Huelgoat Forest.

Once you’ve reached Carhaix, all that’s left to do is enjoy the peace and quiet of the Nantes–Brest Canal, a veritable haven of peace in the heart of Brittany.

At Glomel, you’ll discover the famous ‘convicts’ trench’, before arriving at Bon-Repos Abbey and Lake Guerlédan, nestling in the middle of the forest.

Cdb Aa0703 Piriou JacquelineCdb Aa0703 Piriou Jacqueline
©Cdb Aa0703 Piriou Jacqueline

I also enjoyed the route along the Nantes–Brest Canal, with its sparkling reflections and light … And the green lizard crossing the Vélodyssée and the squirrel climbing a fir tree, looking at me as if to encourage me, but fleeing as soon as I took out my camera …

Philippe, aged 60, 1,290 km in 15 days

Carhaix, a stopover town

A former rail hub on the Breton network and a river stopover at Port-de-Carhaix, this town is the point where the Greenways converge with the Nantes–Brest Canal. The Vélodyssée passes through the town and joins the towpath around 4/5 km further south.

Since the completion of Eurovélo 1, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming cycle tourists from all over Europe, because Carhaix is the ideal place to stop for refreshments and a restful night’s sleep.

Cyclists can choose from a wide range of accommodation: bed and breakfasts, hotels, stopover lodges, campsites and nightly rental lodges.

As well as touring, staying in Poher means you can take advantage of this network by following the loops that link the Canal and the Greenways. From Carhaix, you can combine routes via Greenways 6 and 7 and then return along the Canal.

Arranging some real stopovers is a great way to discover the little gems of heritage in the heart of Brittany.

In addition, the town offers a wide range of leisure facilities, including a leisure centre, an adventure course in the trees, a golf course and cultural sites offering a variety of activities.

Preparing your itinerary

Contact the tourist offices to obtain a map of the Greenways in Brittany and a guide to the Nantes–Brest Canal. Don’t forget to ask them for town maps if you’ll be crossing urban hubs, as well as their lists of accommodation along the way!

Why we love it !

A natural immersion

A gentle discovery of the region

A well-marked route

Peace and quiet by the Canal

The chance to meet cyclists from all over Europe!

You’ll spot plenty of animals !

Accommodation all along the route

A very warm welcome from the locals

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