The best cycling routes around Vallée du Costour
4.4
(799)
5,166
riders
349
rides
Touring cycling around Vallée du Costour, located between Guipavas and Le Relecq-Kerhuon in Brest, France, offers diverse landscapes for outdoor activities. The 129-hectare valley features 120 hectares of woods, prairies, and fields, characterized by serene water bodies including two main ponds and several streams. The terrain includes deciduous forests of chestnut, oak, beech, and maple, providing accessible paths for a relaxed cycling experience. The northern part of the valley also presents geological features like decomposed rock and gneiss.
Best touring cycling routes around Vallée du Costour
- The most popular touring cycling route is Gunnera Stream – Vallée du Costour loop from Moulin Blanc, a 10.9 miles (17.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This moderate route explores the valley's natural features and stream.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Slipway Café – Océanopolis loop from Moulin Blanc, a moderate 12.2 miles (19.6 km) path. This route offers views towards the Bay of Brest and passes by coastal attractions.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Slipway Café – Gunnera Stream loop from Moulin Blanc, a 10.1 miles (16.3 km) trail leading through varied landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 7 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Vallée du Costour is defined by deciduous forests, serene water bodies, and open prairies and fields. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to more challenging sections.
- The routes in Vallée du Costour are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 700 reviews. More than 5000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Vallée du Costour's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
3.6
(5)
40
riders
29.9km
01:52
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
riders
16.9km
01:26
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
11
riders
15.0km
01:07
130m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
8.46km
00:32
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
20.3km
01:22
190m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Best view of the harbor and the cable car.
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In the hollow of the valley, a small stream meanders, feeding many ponds and a waterfall. Perfect for recharging your batteries. This arboretum is sumptuous. You will find incredible tree species, sequoias, eucalyptus, magnolias, giant bamboos and an alley planted with absolutely remarkable tree ferns. On the water, a beautiful diversity of birds, cormorants, herons, egrets, ducks, and kingfishers among others. Good walk a stone's throw from the beach and the marina of the marina.
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In the heart of the Vallon du Stang-Alar, the Botanical Conservatory garden is nestled in a former quarry. The 30-hectare site was chosen for its mild climate, steep slopes and the presence of water, which make it an exceptional place where plants from all over the world can be grown. The site is crossed by wide and narrow, stabilized paths, as well as forest trails. Opening hours Conservative garden: open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., until 8:00 p.m. in summer.
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The bridge. The bridge. This is Brest!
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Beautiful view of the Brest Arsenal.
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A legendary road from Brest.
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Somewhat hidden, only accessible via narrow streets, lies an enormous concrete block in the military port of Brest: between 1940 and 1944, the largest submarine repair yard ever was built here by the Todt Organization using forced labor. It was 330 meters long, 180 meters wide with 10 dry docks and 5 additional boxes for three submarines each. The bunker was hit by 80 air raids. Only a specially developed super-heavy bomb called Tallboy, weighing 5.4 tons, succeeded in breaking through the reinforced concrete corner, which was ultimately more than 6 meters thick. Even after the war, the structure proved to be indestructible and was and is ultimately still used by the French Navy. The facility is still a military area, and a visit is not possible (contrary to what the Internet says otherwise) (this is information from the gate guard). Above the military area, however, there is a narrow one-way street on the slope, the Route de la Corniche (in the direction of the bunker), from which you have a good view of the facility, the shipyards, modern warships moored there and the bunker itself. Thankfully, there is an accompanying footpath and cycle path along the fence and various parking bays as well as a car park next to the bunker, which also allows access to the stone beach. If you walk along the high fence on the Route de la Corniche, you will suddenly notice a familiar blue and yellow sign: the road is part of a French Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Vallée du Costour?
There are over 360 touring cycling routes recorded in Vallée du Costour on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 125 easy, 154 moderate, and 84 difficult options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Vallée du Costour?
The Vallée du Costour offers a diverse landscape for touring cyclists. You'll find paths winding through 120 hectares of woods, prairies, and fields, alongside serene water bodies including two main ponds and several streams. The terrain features deciduous forests of chestnut, oak, beech, and maple. While many paths are easily accessible, some sections can be rugged or muddy, especially during winter.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Vallée du Costour?
Yes, Vallée du Costour has numerous family-friendly options. With 125 easy routes available, you can find paths suitable for a relaxed cycling experience with children. These routes often feature gentle gradients and scenic views of the valley's natural beauty.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest to see while cycling in Vallée du Costour?
Beyond its natural beauty, Vallée du Costour holds historical significance. You can explore remnants of the Poudrerie du Moulin Blanc, a gunpowder factory established in 1876, including two washhouses from the early 20th century. The valley also features a large pond formed from an old quarry and a 30-meter cliff overlooking a water basin in its northern part. For a route that offers a mix of natural and coastal views, consider the Slipway Café – Océanopolis loop from Moulin Blanc, which provides views towards the Bay of Brest.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about Vallée du Costour?
The touring cycling routes in Vallée du Costour are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 700 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil atmosphere, diverse landscapes, and the variety of paths that cater to different abilities. Many appreciate the blend of natural beauty, from serene water bodies to dense forests, and the accessible network of trails.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Vallée du Costour are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the Gunnera Stream – Vallée du Costour loop from Moulin Blanc is a popular moderate route that explores the valley's natural features and streams in a circular fashion.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Vallée du Costour?
The Vallée du Costour is beautiful year-round, but for touring cycling, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. While paths are generally navigable, some sections can become rugged or muddy in winter, so be prepared for varying trail conditions if cycling during colder, wetter months.
How can I access the Vallée du Costour for cycling, and is parking available?
The Vallée du Costour is accessible from various points. You can enter from Allée du Candy in the north, Rue du Rody in the south, and Rue du Costour to the east. While specific parking details for each route vary, these access points typically have nearby parking options. The area's proximity to Brest also means public transport connections might be available to get close to the valley.
Are there any routes that offer views of the Bay of Brest?
Yes, some routes extend towards the Bay of Brest, offering scenic coastal views. The Slipway Café – Océanopolis loop from Moulin Blanc is a moderate route that specifically offers views towards the Bay of Brest and passes by coastal attractions, providing a lovely contrast to the valley's inland scenery.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the cycling paths?
Vallée du Costour is a biodiversity hotspot. While cycling, you might spot various animal species such as deer, badgers, shrews, fawns, and foxes. Birdwatchers can look out for species like the great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, jay, and chiffchaff. The dense undergrowth of holly, hawthorn, and willow provides a rich habitat for these creatures.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes for beginners?
Absolutely. With 125 easy routes available, beginners have plenty of options. An example of a relatively easy route that explores urban and coastal areas is the Brest Cable Car – Recouvrance Bridge loop from Océanopolis, which is 11.9 km long and has minimal elevation gain.
Can I find cafes or places to rest near the cycling trails?
While the Vallée du Costour itself is a natural haven, its proximity to Brest and surrounding communes means you can find cafes and other amenities nearby. Routes like the Slipway Café – Océanopolis loop from Moulin Blanc explicitly mention a 'Slipway Café' in their name, indicating places where you can take a break and refuel.
Most popular routes around Vallée du Costour
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