Where is the Rance Valley located?
The magnificent Rance Valley is just a few kilometers from your five-star campsite in Brittany. Resembling an arm of the sea, it stretches all the way to Saint-Malo. Along the way, you can explore charming villages and admire granite stone malouinières typical of the region. The Rance estuary offers delightful walks, while small fishing ports invite visitors to savor the delicious local cuisine.
Where does the Rance begin?
This coastal river, about a hundred kilometers long, originates in the Côtes-d’Armor, specifically in the Mené hills in Collinée. It flows along northern Brittany to Ille-et-Vilaine, where it empties into the English Channel through an estuary between Dinard and Saint-Malo.
Where to fish on the Rance?
Both amateur and seasoned anglers will enjoy casting their lines in the Rance. Sea bass, cod, pollock, mullet, bream, and mackerel... the Rance teems with fish of all kinds and sizes. Note that the Rance is classified as freshwater between the Chatelier lock and Collinée, meaning fishing is strictly regulated. For carp fishing, head to Dinan.
The Rance Valley by boat
To experience the Breton landscape of the Rance Valley at its best, a boat trip is a must. Head to Dinan and board a boat for a cruise that promises to be spectacular. The round trip between Dinan and Dinard lasts three hours. A guide narrates the history of the scenery: Dinan Castle, the Clock Tower, locks, and picturesque fishing villages like Saint-Suliac. Other departure points include Saint-Malo and the port of La Hisse. If you prefer exploring the Rance on your own, you can rent a kayak and paddle at your own pace along this coastal river. The trip lasts about an hour and starts at Dinan port. Canoes and paddleboards are also available for rent.
The Rance Valley by bike
If getting wet isn’t your style, why not explore the Rance Valley by bike? The five-star Emeraude campsite in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer offers bike rentals. The numerous trails are ideal for hiking or mountain biking, offering an eco-friendly and unique way to visit Brittany! There are around 40 hiking trails totaling nearly 300 km. Discovering the natural and architectural heritage of the Rance Valley at your own pace is a true delight. Two greenways are particularly popular among cyclists: the V2, connecting Saint-Malo to Rennes, and the V3, linking Saint-Malo to Sarzeau. Every May, the Rance Valley hosts a cycling event: the Tour de Rance Vintage. If you’re staying at the Emeraude campsite in Ille-et-Vilaine during this time, be sure to bring a vintage outfit and your oldest bicycle.