4.6
(70)
454
riders
63
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Retiers, located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of Brittany, offer access to diverse landscapes. The region features a network of greenways and quiet roads, often established on former railway lines and towpaths, providing dedicated routes for non-motorized traffic. Cyclists can explore areas with lakes such as Étang de la Valière and Étang de la Cantache, as well as forests like Forêt de Chevré, which contribute to the varied terrain. The elevation changes are generally gentle,…
Last updated: October 7, 2026
4.8
(5)
25
riders
17.0km
01:13
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
21
riders
44.9km
03:17
330m
330m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
24.2km
01:29
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
16.3km
00:59
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
37.9km
02:25
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Ruins of a 12th-century castle that was at the time on the borders of Brittany, before being locally replaced in this role by the Château de Vitré. It was destroyed in 1595 by order of the King of France, but its six imposing towers can still be seen.
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To see the medieval castle (its ruins anyway)
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Beautiful neo-Romanesque style chapel built in 1893 to replace a medieval chapel that was too damaged.
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Unusual dimensions for a dolmen. I visited it on a weekday and had the site all to myself. Truly impressive. Also worth seeing is the chestnut tree at the entrance, which tried - but apparently failed - to swallow a megalith at the entrance to the dolmen. Toilets with a tap. Benches.
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The simplest is to leave the bike at the back of the castle. It wasn't crowded when I passed by.
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With nearly 20 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 4 meters high, the Roche-aux-Fées remains the largest dolmen in France and one of the best-preserved in Europe. It is composed of a schist-covered passage formed by four chambers whose meaning has not yet been revealed. Although the construction of this monument dates back to the Neolithic period, around 2000 BC, specialists remain perplexed about its construction method. The site is impressive. And when you know that some stones weighing over 40 tons come from several kilometers around, you wonder how the inhabitants of the time managed to move them there. Such a site could only inspire stories, legends, and beliefs. One of them tells that the fairy Viviane, aided by fellow fairies, would have built this imposing monument... in one night. Another concerns lovers: to know if their union will last, couples must walk around the Roche-aux-fées, each in a different direction, and count the stones. If they find the same number of stones, their future will be bright! Through a mysterious alignment during the winter solstice on December 21st or 22nd, the sun rises facing the entrance of the dolmen. At that moment, the light rays magically illuminate the stone located at the back of the covered passage. Access is free and open. The small surrounding roads are charming and quiet.
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Short video of the site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqEBsKL7P7s
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Inaccessible by bicycle, narrow road, access via a staircase at the rear of the castle ruins.
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There are over 60 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Retiers listed on komoot. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful and safe cycling experience away from motorized vehicles, often utilizing greenways and quiet country lanes.
Retiers benefits from Brittany's extensive network of cycling-friendly infrastructure, including numerous greenways (voies vertes) built on former railway lines or towpaths. This allows for safe, comfortable, and scenic rides through diverse landscapes like rolling farmlands, lush valleys, and tranquil forests, ensuring a truly car-free experience.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Retiers, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially on shaded routes through forests or along canals. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wetter weather.
Yes, Retiers offers a good selection of easy no-traffic routes perfect for beginners and families. These routes often follow flat greenways or quiet paths, providing a relaxed and safe environment. An example is the Bike loop from Retiers, which is rated easy and covers 16.2 km.
Many of the no-traffic touring routes around Retiers are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing a return trip. For instance, the Étang de la Forge – L'étang de la Forge loop from La Basse Foucherie is an easy 17 km circular route that explores the local countryside.
The no-traffic routes around Retiers often lead through picturesque natural settings. You can expect to cycle past serene lakes (like Étang de la Valière or Étang de la Cantache), through shaded forests (such as Forêt de Chevré), and along peaceful canal towpaths, notably sections of the Nantes-Brest Canal, which are part of the wider La Vélodyssée route.
Absolutely! Several routes allow you to cycle to significant historical sites. For example, the Fathers' Castle – Tour of Marcillé loop from Retiers can bring you close to the Fathers' Castle. Another notable attraction easily reachable is the megalithic monument La Roche-aux-Fées Dolmen, located just a short distance from Retiers.
Many starting points for no-traffic cycling routes in and around Retiers offer convenient parking options. Look for designated parking areas in villages like Retiers or Marcillé-Robert, especially near trailheads for greenways or local attractions. Specific parking information is often available on local tourist office websites or within individual route descriptions on komoot.
While public transport options directly to every trailhead might be limited, Retiers itself is connected by regional bus services. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes connecting to Retiers or nearby towns. For more detailed information on public transport in Brittany, you can consult regional transport websites.
Yes, many no-traffic touring routes in the Retiers area pass through charming villages or near small towns where you can find cafes, bakeries, and local shops to refuel. It's always a good idea to check the route details on komoot or a local map beforehand to plan your stops, especially on longer rides.
The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Retiers are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the tranquility of the paths, the beautiful natural scenery, and the feeling of safety provided by the car-free environment, making it an ideal spot for relaxed exploration.
For those seeking a longer and more challenging experience, the region offers routes with greater distances and elevation changes. An example is the Tour of Marcillé loop from Marcillé-Robert, a difficult 36.8 km route with over 300 meters of elevation gain, providing a more demanding ride while still prioritizing quiet roads.


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