Saint Brieuc-Saint Malo-Saint Hilair-Vire-Paris

May 24, 2022 I start the race in Saint Brieuc quite thoughtlessly. Instead of following the route which first leads to the low-lying harbor and then back up, I could have also taken the direct path. At the end of the stage, there are another 700 meters of elevation gain, with constant ups and downs, especially at the beginning. I pass through smaller villages where there are some very beautiful stone houses. I sometimes ride on the road again because the route often suggests detours. Before reaching Saint Malo, you pass through Dinard, which is located on the opposite side of the bay and where you can see the fortified city. After crossing the tidal power plant, there is a highway-like road crossing it, but it is not forbidden for bikes. I then reach the suburbs of Saint Malo which are still quite far from the city walls. Saint Malo used to be in the hands of pirates, later in World War II the city was 85% destroyed, and then rebuilt according to old plans. 'Intra Muros' within the walls is my hotel for 2 nights.

May 25, 2022 I have to get up early, although there is no bike ride today. I take a bus trip to Mont Saint Michel, which is 50 km away. Actually, my tour passes by it, but I couldn't find accommodation within a 20 km radius, everything was fully booked. Probably because of the public holiday on Thursday. Departure is at 9:15 a.m. by bus and boarding for the return journey is at 3:45 p.m. It's a long day, I have already seen everything at 12 noon. From the visitor center to the island it is 2.5 km, which I walk, like many others. The island is crowded, but it spreads out once you pass the entrance area. Since 2015, there has been a bridge on the last part to the island, previously there was a solid dam. The current deposited more and more sand, so there was a risk that the character of an island would no longer exist over time. This measure improves the situation. The bus ride back also works.

May 26, 2022 It's the first time I have to unpack my rain gear, after a few kilometers, the light drizzle turns into intermittent drizzle. But after about 1 hour, the weather improves again. As on the previous day with the bus, I pass by the coastal area where many oyster farms are located. Numerous tours are offered, shops and advertisements for buying oysters are on the roadside. The route leads along the sea again to Mont Saint Michel where I ride again, this time with the bike, to the end of the bridge. Soon the ride continues along the coast, but then turns inland where the path continues on a former railway track. This well-developed path takes me to my destination for the day, Saint Hilaire.

In the evening, as usual, I try to find accommodation for the next stage. Unfortunately, I become quite frustrated. Because of the long Ascension Day weekend, the dear French have taken over all hotels or any place where there is a bed. Not only in the corner where I am right now, but throughout France. After searching for hours, I give up and decide to interrupt the journey. I research where I can reach Paris by train within a reasonable time. Vire, which is about 50 km north on my route, has a suitable train connection.

May 27, 2022 Today, I have breakfast at 7:30 a.m. to catch the train that departs from Vire at 12:28 p.m. As on the previous day, the route leads on the former railway track to Vire. It is drizzling lightly again, but I don't need rain protection. The route practically passes under the trees on both sides of the track. I still have one hour of time reserve to buy a ticket and get something to eat. The diesel train arrives on time, there are only a few people, as they are all in the hotels. The bike and I have enough space. The train arrives in Paris Montparnasse at 3 p.m. There, I have to orient myself and figure out how to get to Versailles where my hotel is. The train goes back the same route for about 15 minutes, to Versailles, then I still have to ride 6 km to the hotel. I spend the evening near the hotel.

Route Traveled