Étel / Auray

At the beginning of this stage of La Littorale cycle route, do take the time to explore the nooks and crannies of the charming port of Étel. The old boat cemetery is particularly striking, reflecting the end of the times of fishing by sailing boat. Relive the days of Étel fishermen going out to catch tuna by visiting the Musée des Thoniers. Next, you cycle into the Parc Naturel Régional du Golfe du Morbihan. A stop at the enchanting port of Saint-Goustan is a must. Its very steep lanes are lined with half-timbered houses and you can cycle around its quays, admiring the extremely picturesque scenes, with plenty of café terraces at which to pause. Saint-Goustan forms part of the historic municipality of Auray, designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its rich heritage.

The cycle route

From the port of Étel to Auray, you ride along a mix of cycle paths and quiet roads. First, you head southeastwards along the dunes, up to the Plage de Kerhillio, a major beach. Next, la Littorale turns northwards, leading you to Auray via Erdeven. A cycle path runs beside the D105 road for a time, before you’re guided along minor country roads, taking you through several villages on the way to Ploemel and then Auray. Before reaching this town’s outskirts, you need to take a path across a stream and then join the D765 road that crosses town, with a network of cycle lanes and cycle paths provided beside it.

Link

An alternative stage of the V45 enables you to cycle all the way down the Quiberon Peninsula where you can take a ferry out to the splendid island of Belle-Ile-en-Mer. At the level of the Boulevard de l'Atlantique, simply continue cycling straight onwards in the direction of Quiberon, as indicated.

Don't miss

• Étel : the port itself and its Musée des Thoniers (on tuna-fishing traditions); the Barre d'Étel, an underwater sandbank formed by currents that clash at the entrance to the Étel Ria, as the river’s waters at the estuary encounter those of the Atlantic, affected by the tides.  
• Saint Cado Island, an iconic spot in the midst of the Étel Ria, most famous for its little house with blue shutters, making a picture-postcard image. 
• Auray: the medieval heart of the old town; the gorgeous timberframe Port de Saint-Goustan down a steep valley; the Gâvres-Quiberon Dunes, an exceptional, impressive line of dunes designated a Grand Site de France, running along the coast to the south of Auray.