I have 2 options for a cycling trip the 1st week in August. One is the Granite Rose coastal area and inland to Guingamp and Lannion. The 2nd is Vannes and going north to Pontivy and then west toward Redon. I would like to stay away from the peak season crowds if possible. Am not interested in built up, overly developed resort areas or going to the beach. We would prefer a scenic area with charming historic smaller towns and villages we could stop in and walk around, have a glass of wine at a cafe etc. What would you recommend? Thanks.<BR><BR>

Have been to Brittany, more the coastline from Brest down south to Quimper - it is absolutely brilliant, lush green meadows, a rolling sea, ragged and beachsand coastlines, small villages, great seafood. If you can stand some wind, try this area. If you're a nature freak, bike the Crozon Peninsula...

Julie<BR><BR>I think based on your description you want the inland route from Vannes to Redon via Pontivy.<BR><BR>I wouldn't call the Granite Rose coast built up or overly developed although it WILL be busy in August.<BR><BR>The whole of Brittany is scenic. Tough call. Me, I love the sea, so I'd go with A but if it's less of an issue for you you might be better with B.<BR><BR>Fodor's Exploring Brittany is a reallly good wee guide book BTW. I bought it last week for our hols the first two weeks of August

thanks for your help. I don't know if it makes a difference, but maybe you should know that we are middle-aged, fairly fit, but not fanatical cyclists. 50-60 K a day shouldn't be a problem, but just quickly riding from point to point isn't our goal on this trip. We also do not want to have a lot of very hilly terrain. We are mainly looking at this way of visiting as a way to slow down and enjoy a small portion of France. We have flexibility and would also be open to other suggestions. Someone just suggested that I think about the coast from Quimper to Douarnez. If you have more input, I'd appreciate it.

The coast from Douarnez to Quimper is fine - but would suggest to really try to make it slightly northward to the Crozon Peninsula (my memory now recollects the small village of Camaret, on the tip; it's an artsy fishing village, great place on a sunny day, even moreso at sunset); and, try to make it slightly southward to Concarneau, there is a fortress right on the harbor and within it a outside market. Ref. the northern coast of Brittany: if you should make it there, try the area around Perros Guirec, it is fascinating, not very crowded (though I was there in early July, don't know about later...), the pink rocks on the coast are great and the houses built along the coast will make you drool...