Bretagne Classic Ouest-France
The great Breton classic of world professional cycling
About Bretagne Classic
The Bretagne Classic Ouest-France is a one-day professional cycling race on the UCI WorldTour calendar, held annually in late August starting from Plouay, in the Morbihan region. Organized since 1931 by the Comité des Fêtes and then by Plouay Cyclisme Organisation, this Breton classic is one of the oldest cycling races in France. Part of the "4 Jours CIC de Plouay", it features a hilly course of over 250 km that challenges the best riders in the world peloton.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Bretagne Classic at the best price.
Sponsored link
A Centenary Classic of Breton Cycling
The history of the Bretagne Classic dates back to 1931, when the Comité des Fêtes de Plouay organized the first edition of what would become one of the greatest cycling races in France. First known as the Grand Prix de Plouay, then as GP Ouest-France, the race took its current name in 2016. With nearly a century of history, it is part of Brittany's sporting heritage and is a must-see event on the global cycling calendar.
A UCI WorldTour Event
The Bretagne Classic is part of the UCI WorldTour calendar, the highest level of professional cycling worldwide. This prestigious status allows it to attract the best teams and riders from the international peloton each year. The greatest champions have had their names etched on the winner's list: Laurent Jalabert, Sean Kelly, Alejandro Valverde, and most recently Arnaud De Lie, the winner in 2025.
A Hilly Course of Over 250 km
The Bretagne Classic course, over 250 km long with nearly 4,750 meters of elevation gain, passes through about thirty towns in the Morbihan and Finistère regions. The winding roads, short climbs, and technical descents of inland Brittany offer an ideal playground for punchers and breakaway riders. The one-day race format, adopted since 2016, replaced the circuits around Plouay to offer a more spectacular course.
The 4 Jours CIC de Plouay
The Bretagne Classic is part of a larger program: the 4 Jours CIC de Plouay, which combines professional men's and women's races, para-cycling events, and public activities. This event makes Plouay, a small town in inland Morbihan, a major hub for international cycling for several days, mobilizing thousands of volunteers and attracting tens of thousands of spectators along the route.
Plouay, Land of Cycling
Plouay is a town deeply rooted in cycling culture. In addition to the Bretagne Classic, it hosted the UCI Road World Championships in 2000 and regularly hosts World Cup rounds. The Plouay Cyclisme Organisation (PCO), the association that organizes the event, is recognized for its expertise in organizing high-level cycling competitions.
Bretagne Classic — edition 2026
95th edition of the Bretagne Classic Ouest-France on Sunday, August 30, 2026, starting from Plouay. One-day UCI WorldTour race, course of over 250 km through Morbihan. Live broadcast on France 3 and Eurosport.
Prices Bretagne Classic 2026
Practical information — Bretagne Classic
Date
The Bretagne Classic takes place every year on the last Sunday of August.
Route
The start is given in Plouay (56770). The course of over 250 km passes through about thirty towns in the Morbihan region. The finish is also in Plouay. The detailed route is announced on the official website.
Spectator Access
By car: Plouay is located 20 km north of Lorient via the D769. Free parking in the town center. The entire route is freely accessible along the roads.
Prices
Free access along the entire route and at the finish area.
Schedule
The race starts around 10:30 AM. Estimated finish in the late afternoon (between 4 PM and 5 PM depending on race conditions). Live broadcast on France 3 and Eurosport.
Contact
Spectator Tips
The best place to watch the race is the finish area in Plouay, where the atmosphere is most festive. However, as the course is entirely open to the public, you can set up anywhere along the 250 km. The climbs (ascents) are the best strategic points to see the riders slow down and appreciate the effort. Bring a picnic, folding chairs, and protection from the sun or rain.
TV Broadcast
The race is broadcast live on France 3 Bretagne and Eurosport, allowing spectators to follow the race's progress while being on the course (via their smartphone). The finish area has a giant screen.
Safety
The roads on the course are closed to traffic on race day. Marshals and law enforcement officers monitor the entire route. It is imperative to stay behind the safety barriers in the finish area and not to encroach on the road when riders pass. Drones are prohibited above the course.
Ancillary Program
The Bretagne Classic is part of the 4 Jours CIC de Plouay, which also includes women's races, para-cycling, and entertainment. An entertainment village is set up in Plouay with partner stands, a food court, and a signing area.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Bretagne Classic at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Bretagne Classic
Plouay et communes du Morbihan
Plouay, 56770 Plouay