Reaching the Veloscenic cycle route by train

Train + Bike Journey Planner Train stations map FAQ Paris region

5 railway lines for easy access by train

How do I leave Mont Saint-Michel by train with my bike? Which are the departure and arrival stations? Simplify your search with our map showing all the railway lines and their transport options.

Search train journeys in just a few clicks

Our journey planner is now enhanced with a new feature that allows you to search for different travel options between railway stations. 

Click on the By Train and Bike, enter your departure and arrival stations and your travel date. You'll get different journey options with clear information on bike boarding conditions. 

Search for a train journey

Railway routes map around the Veloscenic route

Numerous stations are located along the cycle route, allowing you to start and finish your journey at different points. Some are situated 20 km or more away but are connected to the Veloscenic route by greenways or marked roads (see "cycle links" on the map).

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 Our ideas for short breaks station to station along the Veloscenic route
With friends, as a family, or on your own—we've put together several itinerary suggestions with all the essential information to hit the road for a weekend getaway. This way! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the bike boarding conditions on French trains?

  • Paris - Pontorson and Paris - Granville: free bike boarding with reservation
  • Paris - Chartres - Le Mans: free bike boarding without reservation.
  • Caen - Le Mans - Tours: free bike boarding without reservation.
  • Caen - Pontorson - Rennes: free bike boarding without reservation.
  • Paris - Rennes - St-Malo:
    • on TGV Inoui: bikes are charged if not disassembled. 💡 Free boarding if your bike is disassembled and packed in a luggage-sized bag (130x90 cm)!
    • on TGV OuiGO: disassembled bikes in a travel bag are required.

 Important: Not all bike types are permitted on French trains
✔ Standard bicycles, folding bikes, hand-powered bikes (for disabled cyclists), and child bike trailers (if they fold to fit a luggage size of 130x90 cm) are accepted. 
❌ Tandems, non-folding child trailers, tricycles, cargo bikes, and other oversized equipment cannot be transported.

Recommended cycle links to reach off-route stations

Some stations outside the main route are connected via other cycling itineraries and provide convenient departure or arrival points.

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

Can't find train tickets for your return date? It's possible that ticket sales haven't opened yet if you booked well in advance. Different train routes in France open their ticket sales at different times depending on the operator.
  • Paris - Pontorson:  ticket sales open approximately 3 months in advance.
  • Paris - Chartres - Le Mans: 5 months before your travel date
  • Caen - Le Mans - Tours: 3 months before your travel date
  • Caen - Pontorson - Rennes: 3 months before your travel date
  • Paris - Le Mans - Rennes - St-Malo: see this page

 Help page on ticket sales opening by route type on SNCF Connect.

 

Are there dedicated bike racks or facilities for boarding bikes on Veloscenic area trains?

  • Launch of the Paris - Pontorson line:
    • Year-round: one return trip daily on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
    • From March 30 to October 11, 2026: one return trip daily every day of the week. 
      Free bike reservation is mandatory.
  • Enhanced bike boarding facilities on the Caen - Pontorson - Rennes and Caen - Le Mans - Tours lines with 16 dedicated bike spaces and on-site SNCF staff to assist with loading—ideal for cyclists unfamiliar with French trains.

Closer look at the Île-de-France region

Train stations map for Île-de-France: showing RER and Transiliens suburban rail access to the Veloscenic cycle route from Paris

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Bikes are permitted on Paris area suburban trains (RER and Transiliens regional services) on weekends and public holidays, and during off-peak hours on weekdays (*before 6:30 AM, between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM, and after 7:00 PM). 

Learn how to disassemble your bike to board any train

For those comfortable taking their bike apart, here's a clever workaround to board trains with restricted bike spaces: disassemble your bike and improvise a transport bag using a large waterproof cover. This solution gives you access to trains without dedicated bike compartments. Watch this video tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

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