Faluns on bikes!
A bike ride that spans several millennia, anyone? 🚴
Between its geological anecdotes and its typical heritage, the “Land of the Faluns” is full of astonishing surprises to discover as a family. Enjoy your stay in Britain to cycle into the Miocene, in search of the ancient sea that covered the region. Yes, you read that right: the ancient sea. Curious? So warm up your calves and get on your bike, we'll take you on an encounter with a thousand-year-old nature in the Land of the Faluns! 👇
By bike in the Land of the Faluns: follow the guide! 🚲
Faluns,
kesako? 🤔
Did you know that Brittany was an island? Rest assured, no need to doubt your knowledge of geography, because this anecdote dates back a few million years (15 million to be precise)! In this illustrious time called the Miocene, the Sea of Faluns stretched from Normandy to Vienne, covered part of Anjou, Touraine, Blésois and… Brittany! The elevated Armorican Massif was then an island separated from the rest of France!
Today, the Sea of Faluns has definitely receded (put away your oars, you won't need them), but it has left some traces behind: the Faluns. These stone deposits, very rich in fossils of ancient animals and plants, are now exploited, particularly in architecture. This stone is called “Pierre de faluns” or “falun”, quite simply.
The top cycling route in the Faluns 👌
Now that you know what you are looking for, put on the helmet and the yellow vest: we are off to the Land of the Faluns for a bike ride between geology, nature and history!
From Tréméreuc, get on your bike on the Véloroute-voie verte V42-V3 which goes from Saint-Malo to Rhuys. After passing through Dinan and its medieval streets, you follow the towpath of the Ille-et-Rance canal. Be careful ! It's at the level of the pond of Bétineuc that everything is decided: the V3 team goes to the right, continuing to Plouasne, the V42 team takes a left towards the center of Évran. Choose your team!
Can't make up your mind? Take a look at the map, it might help you!
Cycling and history: play apprentice archaeologists in the Land of the Faluns 🔎
Do you choose to continue south on V3? Excellent choice explorers! You know why ? Because you go through the Quiou and Tréfumel! How about taking a break?
Want to take yourself for Indiana Jones with the children? Swap your bike for a time machine at Le Quiou and set off in search of the Treasure of the Faluns ! Equipped with a plan, take on the streets and paths to solve the puzzles as a family and help Eugenie find her grandfather's treasure!
If you prefer helmets and spears, go to the Château de Hac to discover a medieval castle which has majestically crossed the centuries or to the Gallo-Roman Villa of the Faluns for a visit to the time of Julius Caesar. But don't rest too much on your laurels, there's still a long way to go! We pick up the children, the bikes: here we go again!
Become knowledgeable about Faluns
in Trefumel 🧑🎓
You've come a long way, but finally, here it is! La Maison des Faluns awaits you in Tréfumel to discover everything about this mysterious sea which covered the Côtes d'Armor. This time swap your bike for a diver: the museum takes you on a “Sea Odyssey of the Faluns”. Explore the 7 interactive rooms to learn everything about the geology of Côtes d'Armor and on the fauna and flora which inhabited the waters of Brittany. You will become the most talented archaeologist!
🍀Rather natural? The House of Faluns offers nature outings for everyone ! Children and adults, become paleontologists for an afternoon and collect all the clues that can help you learn more about the thousand-year-old inhabitants of the Faluns!
Nature break: take a bowl of greenery in the Land of the Faluns! 🌱
Whether you have chosen the V42 or the V3 for your bike ride in the Land of the Faluns, one thing is certain: nature is there (and we are not talking about the fossils of the Faluns!)
Feet in the water in Evran 🌊
If you arrive from Dinan by bike, you must have crossed several locks along the canal… Évran is a bit like the perfect conclusion to this route on the surface of the water (and no salt). The small river port, frequented by all types of boats, is a real breath of fresh air: typical architecture of Brittany and old mansions are well worth a stroll along the canal and in the streets of the village!
🧘 Want a quiet corner? Put the bikes down Bétineuc pond ! On the program: 20 hectares for family walks, fishing and even swimming! And if the children can't help pedaling, the tour of the pond is added to the path around the village of Évran for a historic ride on the paths in Côtes d'Armor!
Feet on the ground: hiking in the Land of the Faluns 🥾
In the family of cyclists, I would like the son! No ? Well, in the family of walkers then? Yes ? Perfect ! The land of Faluns has what it takes for hiking enthusiasts of all ages!
The Jewels of Tréfumel
If the nature outings of the House of Faluns were not enough for you, go for a walk in the village of Trefumel, discovering the jewels of Brittany's rural heritage! Another way to understand the importance of falun in this region!
If you prefer living flowers to fossilized ones, take the Voie Verte in the direction of Saint-Juvat! Labeled 4 flowers for more than 30 years, the small village offers you a farandole of colors! Its little extra? Her tercentenary oak and its 5 meters in circumference. Not bad is not it ? Several hikes around the village will allow you to discover its flowery heritage at your own pace and continue your journey by Land of Faluns !
Nature trip to Quiou
Even if you are not a fan of cycling, you will enjoy taking the Voie Verte around the Quiou, for a ride in the heart of the heritage. Witnesses to the past and surprises made in Mother Nature await you on this nature trip to the Land of the Faluns!
Go explore the territory of Saint-Maden, in the Land of the Faluns! Between hamlets and old paths, discover with your family the typical architecture of this region of Brittany along the old Rance. The bonus? The different variants of the ride make it possible to adapt to the whole family, for a Madennaise trip without the fuss !
These items will please you! 👇
