The V5 Greenway – From Erdeven to Quiberon by Bike

The V5 "La Littorale" greenway is an exceptional cycle route between Erdeven and Quiberon: 23.5 to 30 km of safe cycle paths through wild dunes, along a spectacular coastline, past Fort Penthièvre and onto the Quiberon peninsula. A bike outing for everyone, combining preserved seascapes and natural heritage, with the unique option of coming back by train aboard the legendary Tire-Bouchon.

The route is free to use, built and maintained by the Morbihan département and the municipalities of Erdeven, Plouharnel, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon and Quiberon as part of the Brittany regional cycle-route and greenway scheme. From Camping Les Druides in Carnac, it is an unforgettable cycling adventure within easy reach.

📌 About this route

Camping Les Druides recommends the V5 greenway through its blog and its recommendation articles.

Please note: the V5 greenway is a free, public cycle route built and maintained by the Morbihan département and the municipalities of Erdeven, Plouharnel, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon and Quiberon, as part of the Brittany regional cycle-route and greenway scheme. Camping Les Druides:

• does not manage this route;

• does not organise guided outings;

• simply helps you discover this tourist attraction.

We recommend this exceptional route as a highlight of your stay.

For practical information – path conditions, variants, detailed map – contact the Quiberon Bay tourist office or France Vélo Tourisme.

🚴 The V5 "La Littorale" greenway

Key facts

Main route, Erdeven to Quiberon:

• Distance: 23.5–30 km depending on the variant.

• Time: 1 h 07 to 2 h 30 depending on your pace.

• Level: easy / family.

• Type: greenway cycle route.

• Surface: smooth tarmac plus some sandy tracks.

• Gradient: almost flat – very accessible.

Grand Site de France

The V5 greenway crosses the "Dunes Sauvages de Gâvres à Quiberon" Grand Site de France, a prestigious label that protects and showcases an exceptional natural heritage.

The site in figures:

• 35 kilometres of continuous dune belt;

• 2,500 hectares of preserved natural space;

• the largest dune massif in Brittany;

• almost no urbanisation;

• remarkable biodiversity: protected flora and fauna;

• strict ecological management.

The site has been a Natura 2000 area since 2002 and received the Grand Site de France label in December 2018 (the 18th in France), recognising its universal importance.

🗺️ The route in detail – Erdeven to Quiberon in 6 stages

Stage 1: Erdeven to Sainte-Barbe (5 km)

Leaving Erdeven:

• ✅ Safe cycle paths through the dunes

• ✅ The dune areas of the Grand Site de France

• ✅ The traditional village of Sainte-Barbe

• ✅ Erdeven forest nearby

Highlight: the dune belt, one of the most remarkable massifs in Brittany.

Stage 2: Sainte-Barbe to Fort Penthièvre (8 km)

Across the Bégo dunes:

• ✅ Bégo dunes: preserved wild landscapes

• ✅ Quiet, safe country lanes

• ✅ Arrival at Fort Penthièvre: military heritage

Highlight: Fort Penthièvre, the historic fortification that has overlooked the isthmus since 1747 (listed historic monument, 1933).

Stage 3: Crossing the Penthièvre isthmus (2 km)

The strategic passage onto the peninsula:

• ✅ Dedicated cycle path along the D768 since 2019

• ✅ Unique viewpoint: Quiberon Bay on one side, the Atlantic on the other

• ✅ Tombolo: only 22 metres wide at its narrowest point

⚠️ Before 2019: the crossing on the D768 was dangerous. It is now fully secured!

Stage 4: Penthièvre to Kerhostin (3 km)

On the Quiberon Bay side:

• ✅ Seafront road from Penthièvre

• ✅ Peaceful landscapes sheltered from the prevailing winds

• ✅ Kerhostin: the hinge village

Stage 5: Kerhostin to the Côte Sauvage (5 km)

Along the Tire-Bouchon railway line:

• ✅ Greenway parallel to the historic railway

• ✅ Leave the line 1 km further on to reach the coast

• ✅ Arrival on the Côte Sauvage: ocean scenery with no urbanisation

Highlight: the Tire-Bouchon railway, the historic Auray–Quiberon line opened in 1882.

Stage 6: Côte Sauvage to Quiberon (7 km)

Along the spectacular coast:

• ✅ Shared road then greenways into Quiberon

• ✅ Côte Sauvage: cliffs, coves, natural arches

• ✅ Château Turpault: the emblematic landmark

• ✅ Arrival at Port Maria: Quiberon town centre

Points of interest on the Côte Sauvage:

• Pointe Percho: an exceptional viewpoint

• Port-Blanc arch: a pierced rock (visible at low tide)

• 8 km of footpaths open to walkers

🚂 The Tire-Bouchon – back by train

History and a unique concept

The Tire-Bouchon is a seasonal TER train linking Auray and Quiberon on 27 kilometres of track.

Where the name comes from:

• 1985: summer shuttles introduced

• The problem: chronic traffic jams on the D768 in summer

• The solution: the train lets you avoid the jams – the "bouchons"

• "Tire-Bouchon": the popular name, the "corkscrew" that unblocks the traffic 🔧

A historic line

Opened on 24 July 1882:

• Built by the French state railway administration

• 1972: regular stopping service closed (competition from the car)

• 1985: revival with seasonal TER shuttles

• Today: 150,000 passengers every summer

Stations served (9 stops)

From Auray to Quiberon:

1. Auray (TGV station, Paris-Montparnasse)

2. Belz – Ploemel

3. Plouharnel – Carnac

4. Les Sables Blancs (opened 1985)

5. Penthièvre

6. Isthme (opened 1985)

7. Kerhostin

8. Saint-Pierre-Quiberon

9. Quiberon (terminus, port for the islands)

From Quiberon, boats leave for Belle-Île-en-Mer, Houat and Hoëdic.

Seasonal bus timetable

Seasonal line, June to September:

• ✅ June weekends: the last weekends of June

• ✅ High season: daily from late June to early September

• ✅ Frequency: 4 to 10 return trips a day depending on the period

• ✅ Off season: BreizhGo coach service

Special service:

• Sundays in July and August: one direct return trip Rennes → Quiberon

📋 Practical tips for cyclists

Recommended bike

• Hybrid bike: ideal for the tarmac sections, comfortable

• Mountain bike: more comfortable on the sandy sections

• E-bike: electric assistance on the gentle climbs

Essential kit

• Water and food: bottles, snacks

• Sun protection: cream, hat, sunglasses

• Smartphone and GPS: map downloaded in advance

• Watch the weather: strong winds on the coast

Safety on the paths

• ✅ Keep right in narrow sections

• ✅ Overtake carefully – ring your bell

• ✅ Respect pedestrians, skaters and people with reduced mobility

• ✅ Adapt your speed in busy areas

• ⚠️ Sandy sections: slow down and keep your balance

Interesting variants

Sainte-Barbe towards Plouharnel–Carnac: join the beaches of La Trinité
Peninsula loop: a 40–50 km variant for explorers
Short Erdeven–Carnac: a variant for a quick return

🏕️ From Camping Les Druides

Very easy access to the V5 greenway:

• ✅ The campsite is in Carnac

• ✅ Link to the V5: via local cycle paths (15–20 min)

• ✅ Short variant: Carnac–Quiberon directly on safe paths

• ✅ Heated pool: recover after the ride

Campsite services for cyclists:

• Comfortable mobile homes with overnight bike storage

• heated outdoor pool: post-ride relaxation

• Le Carpe Diem bar: open from 6 pm for guests

• Free parking and water point

• The campsite team: route advice and nearby bike hire

The perfect combination:

1. Morning: cycle Erdeven–Quiberon on the V5 (3–5 hours)

2. Lunch: in Quiberon (harbour, crêperies)

3. Return: Tire-Bouchon train (Auray – Quiberon line, summer only), Plouharnel-Carnac stop

4. Afternoon: relax in the campsite pool! 🏊

✨ In short

The V5 "La Littorale" greenway is an exceptional cycling experience combining:

• Preserved dunes of the Grand Site de France

• A spectacular wild coast with no urbanisation

• Historic heritage: Fort Penthièvre, the 1882 Tire-Bouchon line

• Total safety: dedicated paths, D768 secured since 2019

• Accessibility: easy, for families, all levels

• A unique return: the legendary Tire-Bouchon train, 150,000 passengers a year

Distance: 23.5–30 km | Time: 1 h 07–2 h 30 | Level: easy / family

From Camping Les Druides, enjoy this unforgettable cycling adventure across the largest dune massif in Brittany, a Grand Site de France and Natura 2000 area.

📞 Contacts and information

The V5 greenway is a free public cycle route managed by the Morbihan département and the municipalities.

For path conditions, variants and a detailed map, contact the organisations below.

Quiberon Bay tourist office

Address: 14 rue de Verdun, 56170 Quiberon
Telephone: +33 2 97 50 07 84
Website: www.baiedequiberon.bzh

Services:

• Up-to-date V5 path conditions

• Cycle route variants

• Detailed map to download

• Bike hire addresses (hybrid, mountain, electric)

France Vélo Tourisme

Website: www.francevelotourisme.com

Services:

• Detailed V5 map to download

• Information on cycle routes and greenways

• Full guide to Breton routes

TER Bretagne – Tire-Bouchon

Online booking: www.sncf-connect.com
Auray station: tickets on the spot

Services:

• Seasonal line, June to September

• 9 stations Auray → Quiberon

• 4–10 return trips a day depending on the period

• Off season: BreizhGo coach service

Seasonal timetable:

• June weekends: 15–16 and 22–23 June

• High season: 29 June to early September

• Sundays in July and August: direct Rennes–Quiberon

Camping Les Druides

Address: 55 Chemin de Beaumer, 56340 Carnac
Telephone: +33 2 97 52 08 18
Website: www.camping-les-druides.com/en

Services:

• heated outdoor pool

• Comfortable mobile homes

• Secure overnight bike storage

• Le Carpe Diem bar (from 6 pm, for guests)

• Free parking

• Route advice and nearby bike hire from the team