Along the North Coast of France by Bike

Waking to the sound of rain on a hotel window is far more preferable to hearing it tapping on the canvas of a tent. It had been a quirky stay, but we were glad of being able to wait in the dry until the worst of the weather had blown through. We set out from Plougasnou into a warm but damp, grey day. We’ve reached the north coast, but still have a long way to go and with so many good looking beaches to stop at and explore! 

The road undulates it’s way along the cliff tops, dropping down to white sandy beaches and then climbing back up over the next headland. It was tiring work on the uphill, but the views were starting to brighten up and the increasing wind was generally helping us along.

On the downhill sections, we tucked up to minimise wind resistance and went as fast as we could to try and get some headway on the incoming uphill.



Using the satellite images of google maps, I located a remote and secluded looking cove, with white sand and turquoise water. A small track led down to the beach, the steepness of which did not become apparent until we began coasting down it. It was a bit of a gamble as it was going to be hard to cycle back up, but thankfully, even at low tide, it provided our own private beach and swimming bay.





We spent a few hours there, swimming and enjoying a big lunch, before eventually decided that we should probably move on. 



The ride back up hill was a low gear affair but didn’t last as long as we’d imagined it might. 



It also passed by a water mill, that I hadn’t noticed on the descent.



Only a few kilometres away, a cafe was marked on the map. Unfortunately it was closed, but in a lay-by opposite, a pink bus cafe was set up. We were as keen for a sit down as we were a drink, so picked a little table, placed an order and enjoyed the rest.





A further snack stop was required a little further along the coast, as much to as enjoy the view as taking a break. 



We arrived in Locquirec late in the afternoon, only to find that the campsite was closed for the summer season! This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the next campsite is in a far superior location - literally on the beach and costing a very reasonable €10 for the night. It also has one of the best placed cafes we’ve come across, so having secured a pitch, we left the bikes and went directly for a cold beer with a view.





It was too nice to leave, so after beers, we had a coffee as this would go well with the Nutella waffle we’d ordered. After getting the tent up, we returned for frites, ham and egg crepes and another drink as the skies began to darken. Having had the place to ourselves for our early dinner, other diners began to arrive, but so too did the being storm! While others ran to the cover of the bar, we returned to the tent, full of food and very happy to be getting horizontal.