Saint-Brieuc à Lorient links Brittany’s north and south coasts through countryside, canal infrastructure and a wooded river valley. France Vélo Tourisme presents the 200 km itinerary as V408, while older V8 signs may also appear along the way.
From the bay into inland Brittany
The northern end begins at Saint-Brieuc and follows the bay towards Yffiniac, sharing this stretch with La Vélomaritime. From Yffiniac the journey turns inland through the Breton countryside towards Allineuc and the Bosméléac reservoir.
This part has a different character from the waterside riding to come. France Vélo Tourisme describes the section between Saint-Brieuc and Allineuc as mainly small roads with pronounced hills. Riders planning a shorter trip can use the official stage descriptions to choose a start and finish suited to their experience.
The Rigole d’Hilvern and linen country
At Bosméléac the route reaches a reservoir that once supplied the Rigole d’Hilvern. This artificial watercourse carried water towards the high point of the Nantes–Brest canal. The cycle route follows the rigole as a greenway, giving the crossing a strong connection to Brittany’s navigation history.
Côtes d’Armor Destination highlights Saint-Thélo and Le Quillio for their links with the region’s fine linen industry. In Saint-Thélo, the Maison des Toiles occupies an eighteenth-century linen merchant’s house and introduces the history of Breton textiles. The medieval town of Moncontour is another option via a signed connection away from the main route.
Down the Blavet towards Lorient
From Pontivy, the itinerary takes the Blavet towpath through a valley bordered by wooded hills. France Vélo Tourisme describes the section towards Lorient as broadly flat and slightly descending, making it a useful choice for families or less experienced riders seeking a waterside outing.
On the final stage, oak and chestnut trees line parts of the river. At Lochrist, the route passes the former Hennebont forges, where an ecomuseum offers a look at the site’s history. Farther downstream, Polvern lock marks the transition from the canalised Blavet to water influenced by the tides.
Planning the crossing
The route is signed in both directions, so a trip can begin at either end. Look for V408 on the signs, while allowing for some signs that still say V8. The full route combines shared roads with cycle paths, and its northern hills deserve particular attention when choosing daily sections.
France Vélo Tourisme lists stations at Saint-Brieuc, Hennebont and Lorient, and notes that the route is not served by trains through its interior. Its guide also provides a choice of official sections for riders who prefer to explore part of the crossing.