Brittany & Normandy Biking
Tranquil Farmland & Historic Coast
These places will move you. They already have. You're reading this because you need to know more. Not just by what a book or the latest Hollywood epic can tell you, but by witnessing them for yourself. France is full of significant spots, but Brittany and Normandy are heroic. And you may know the history, but biking along the coastline and standing next to the bunkers and gun posts at Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc make everything you've heard real. Brittany and Normandy are that rare blend of history and natural beauty. They're full of stories and emotions. Feel free to take some back with you.
- A journey through two of France's most intriguing regions
- Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
- World War II battle sights and memorials
- A private tour of the American Military Cemetery with a local historian
- The magical island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Explore World War II battle sights and memorials, including the shattered bunkers of the German stronghold, Pointe du Hoc 
Spin through the gently cultivated Calvados département past rugged cliffs and iconic beaches À votre santé! Cider replaces wine in your Kir Normand, an apertif unique to the region Join a local historian for a private tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery, where 9,386 white marble markers stand in perfect rows.
Day 3 Bike rolling country roads along dramatic windswept coastline Discover Arromanches and the remains of a port built for the D-Day Invasion Past and present collide in the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux, home to the impressive 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry.
Day 4 The island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel Lively shops and cafés at the base of the isle invite you in before you retrace the final steps of the centuries-old pilgrimage to the majestic summit Stroll the ramparts of St-Malo for stellar views of the coast.
Days 5-6 A journey through two of France's most intriguing regions Leaving Normandy behind, get to know the famed Emerald Coast of Brittany, lined with enchanting fishing villages and striking sandstone cliffs Crêpes anyone? A stop in a Breton crêperie is a must Visit Dinan, a walled medieval port town perched above the Rance River.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Loire Valley Biking Dordogne/Bordeaux Biking Provence BikingOther France Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The itinerary was awesome and so meaningful and touching with all that we saw of the Normandy Invasion....It made history come alive for us, even though it was at times heart wrenching to think about all that happened there. The local guides were EXCELLENT! We wish we could have had more time with Andre Heinz! The Bayeaux Tapestry was another highlight!!!! Mont-St-Michel was awesome to see....Our family all had such a great time and can't wait to go on another Backroads trip.- Brawley, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Brittany & Normandy Biking
Premiere Inns
La Cheneviere
Port-en-Bessin (2 nights) A "relaxing 18th-century honey-colored château-hotel surrounded by rose gardens minutes from Omaha Beach," according to Andrew Harper. (pool)
Château d'Audrieu
Audrieu (1 night) Set amid exquisite gardens, this grand 18th-century estate is enhanced by Michelin-starred cuisine and period furnishings. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool)
Château Richeux
Cancale (2 nights) Quiet elegance reigns at this lovely, historic 1920s stone mansion with gardens, an orchard and breathtaking views of the Bay of Mont-St-Michel. A Relais & Châteaux member.
Brittany & Normandy Biking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 18 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 36, 46 miles
- 200 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 27, 43 miles
- 260 - 350 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 27, 40 miles
- 200 - 250 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 27, 55 miles
- 350 - 380 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 18 miles
- 200 foot elevation gain