The 10 most beautiful bike rides in Rennes

Discover Brittany’s capital with our Navaway audio tour of Rennes. This immersive experience guides you through 25 iconic places of interest over 3.5 kilometres, with captivating historical commentary and local anecdotes. Let yourself be carried away by this interactive tour that reveals all the secrets of the city of timber-framed houses.

Rennes, the capital of Brittany and a student city par excellence, is a leading cycling destination. With 232 kilometres of cycle routes and an ambitious 104-kilometre Cycle Express Network (REV), the city of Rennes offers an exceptional playground for cycling enthusiasts. From safe urban paths to bucolic escapes into the Breton countryside, visiting Rennes by bike reveals unsuspected facets of this dynamic metropolis.

See also the Rennes guide :

• 6 must-do activities in Rennes
• Culinary specialities in Rennes
• Activities in and around Rennes
• Best hotels in Rennes
• The most beautiful villages to visit around Rennes
• Events in Rennes

1. The Vilaine valley from the town centre

This emblematic 45-kilometre walk takes you along Rennes’ iconic river. Accessible from the quays in the city centre, the route follows the restored towpath that winds its way peacefully to Bruz. The route offers a remarkable variety of landscapes: sparkling ponds, verdant woods, historic canals and authentic rural heritage. This 3? hour flat escape is perfect for cyclists of all abilities. The route allows you to discover Rennes from a different angle, gradually moving away from the hustle and bustle of the city and plunging into the serenity of the Breton countryside.

2. The Gayeulles park tour

Located to the north-east of Rennes, the Parc des Gayeulles (2 Av. de Norvège, 35200 Rennes, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 3,200 reviews) is the green lung of the Rennes metropolitan area. This 9-kilometre loop runs harmoniously through woods, ponds and clearings on a family-friendly route. The moderate gradient of 237 metres and limited car traffic make it an ideal playground for a relaxing 40-minute outing. The many paths provide opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including the waterfowl that inhabit the lakes. Take advantage of this haven of peace to discover the Navaway itinerary, which will take you back to the historic centre of Rennes.

3. The Apigné pond and its banks

Just 30 minutes from the city centre via the Vilaine, the Etang d’Apigné offers a refreshing 7.6-kilometre walk. This easy, family-friendly walk (180 metres difference in altitude) takes you to a natural site much loved by the people of Rennes. The route follows the towpath before skirting the entire lake. When the weather is fine, the landscaped relaxation areas are ideal for supervised swimming (subject to sanitary conditions) and picnics. This 30-minute loop combines sport and fun, with the option of extending the discovery by taking the surrounding footpaths. The Etang d’Apigné is the perfect natural getaway from the urban pace while remaining close to Rennes.

4. The Cycle Express Network to Betton

The REV (Réseau Express Vélo) is the backbone of cycling in the Rennes metropolitan area, with 104 kilometres of safe cycle paths. The route to Betton follows the magnificent V42 greenway that links Saint-Malo to Arzal along the Ille-et-Rance canal. This 12-kilometre link from Place de Bretagne takes you directly to the famous Sunday market in Betton, renowned throughout the region. The route follows the historic canal, offering remarkable views of the barges and locks. Experienced cyclists can continue on to Saint-Malo in two days, with the option of returning by train. This modern infrastructure embodies Rennes Métropole’s commitment to soft, sustainable mobility.

5. The “Côté jardin” bike ride

Recognised as one of the most beautiful walks in Ille-et-Vilaine, this 32-kilometre cycle route passes through the emblematic green spaces of Rennes and its neighbouring municipalities. The route starts near the Parc des Gayeulles before winding through Thorigné-Fouillard, Acigné and Cesson-Sévigné. The route reveals the rich landscapes of the city: formal gardens, public parks, unspoilt natural areas and the banks of the Vilaine. There are two points of interest along the way: the historic bridge at Acigné and the Manoir de Tizé (Chemin de Tizé, 35760 Saint-Grégoire, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 450 reviews). This 2? hour loop perfectly combines architectural heritage and nature discovery, following the numbered green signs on the departmental network.

6. The Boël mill circuit

This 21.2-kilometre walk takes you to one of the most romantic sites in the Rennes area. Located just 35 minutes from the city centre, the Moulin du Boël is the high point of this moderately challenging ride (529 metres ascent). The route makes extensive use of the cycle paths along the Vilaine, offering exceptional views of the meandering river and its tree-lined banks. The Boël mill is a moving reminder of Brittany’s hydraulic heritage, in an unspoilt bucolic setting. This 1 hour 45 minute loop tour combines country lanes and river towpaths, with plenty of facilities for contemplative breaks in the rolling countryside of the Vilaine valley.

7. The Rennes countryside from Pacé

Just 15 minutes north-west of Rennes, the residential town of Pacé is the gateway to an authentic immersion in the Breton countryside. This 16.3-kilometre route (383 metres ascent) alternates between country roads and woodland paths over an hour and 20 minutes of moderate effort. The route reveals the diversity of rural landscapes: cultivated fields, deciduous woods, winding rivers and traditional bocage. The route can be reached from Rennes by a 40-minute cycle path, turning this nature outing into a real cycling adventure. It’s a great way to discover the unspoilt rural heritage around Brittany’s capital, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Follow the Navaway itinerary to explore Rennes before or after this rural break.

8. The departmental cycle route to Brocéliande

This ambitious 40-kilometre ride takes you to the gates of the mythical Brocéliande forest, the land of Arthurian legends. The route follows the departmental cycle route no. 6, which links Vitré to the legendary forest, passing through a variety of landscapes. The medium-difficulty route (with a 450-metre difference in altitude) requires 2? hours of sustained effort. The route takes in a number of iconic sites, including picturesque villages, rural chapels, mysterious moors and forest edges. On arrival, the Brocéliande forest reveals its treasures: the Trémelin pond, Merlin’s tomb, the Barenton fountain and numerous hiking trails. This cycle route is an ideal gateway to the Breton imagination and its age-old traditions.

9. Tour of Tremelin pond

Located in the heart of the Brocéliande forest in Iffendic, Lac de Trémelin (Base de Loisirs, 35750 Iffendic, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 2,800 reviews) offers an enchanting setting for a 12-kilometre cycle ride. This moderately demanding loop (1 hour’s ride, 200 metres ascent) goes right round the 45-hectare lake. The itinerary allows you to observe the unspoilt wildlife: nesting birds, especially in winter, forest mammals and lake flora. The site also offers a range of complementary activities, including a water sports centre, tree climbing, footpaths and picnic areas. From Rennes, it’s a 45-minute drive to this natural oasis. While you’re here, take the opportunity to discover the medieval heritage of nearby Vitré, with its cobbled streets and remarkably well-preserved castle.

10. The Seiche valley from Vern-sur-Seiche

This 34-kilometre cycle ride takes you “from town to country” as you explore the bucolic Seiche valley. Leaving Rennes, the route passes through Chantepie before reaching the Bois de Soeuvres at Vern-sur-Seiche, a little-known green lung popular with mountain bikers and horse riders. The route continues with an immersion in the departmental cycle route no. 6, revealing unspoilt countryside between Saint-Erblon, Chartres-de-Bretagne and Noyal-Châtillon-sur-Seiche. This 2hr 15min loop (moderate gradient) combines heritage discovery and nature escapism. Possible stops include the Écomusée de la Bintinais, a farm museum dedicated to Breton rural traditions, and several manor houses typical of local architecture. The return journey to Rennes can be made by train from Corps-Nuds or Vern-sur-Seiche stations, making this cycle-touring getaway easy.

In conclusion, Rennes is an exceptional cycling destination, combining modern infrastructure with an exceptional natural heritage. These ten routes reveal the diversity of Brittany’s landscapes, from the urban banks of the Vilaine to the legendary forests of Brocéliande. The development of the Réseau Express Vélo (Cycle Express Network) has made it easier to access these nature escapes, turning every outing into an accessible adventure. Whether you’re an occasional cyclist or an experienced amateur, the Rennes metropolitan area offers an infinite playground for discovering Brittany in a different way. And don’t forget to round off these rides by exploring the Navaway audioguide tour of Rennes and immerse yourself in the thousand-year-old history of this dynamic Breton capital.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I hire a bike in Rennes?

Rennes has several bike hire solutions. The Vélos STAR service offers 900 self-service bicycles at 83 stations across the city. The Maison du Vélo, located on Place de la République, also offers long-term hire services and personalised advice. A number of specialist shops offer daily or weekly hire.

Can you cycle all year round?

Yes, most of the routes are suitable for all seasons. Brittany’s oceanic climate means that cycling is comfortable for most of the year. The REV cycle routes are regularly maintained. In winter, you should choose urban routes and lanes, as forest paths can be muddy in wet weather.

What level of fitness do you need for these walks?

There are routes to suit all abilities. Family routes such as around the Etang d’Apigné or the Parc des Gayeulles are suitable for beginners. The routes to Brocéliande and the Vilaine valley require a moderate level of fitness. Each description gives the distance, gradient and estimated duration to help you make your choice.

Can you combine cycling and public transport?

Absolutely! The STAR network allows bikes on buses (outside peak hours) and the metro. Free park-and-ride facilities allow you to park your car and take public transport to the centre. Many TER stations have secure bicycle shelters. This multimodal approach makes it easy to get to the starting points of even the most remote outings.