Brittany & Normandy Biking
From Tranquil Farmland to Historic Coasts
Behind northwestern France’s understated beauty lie innumerable stories from its past. Fortified medieval cities, battlefields and ancient monasteries are all testament to the many chapters that make up the fascinating history of Brittany and Normandy. Join Backroads on a two-wheeled journey across this timeless landscape, with its undulating pastureland, intriguing rural villages, sun-splashed orchards and dramatic windswept coastline. Explore colorful towns, visit stunning Mont-St-Michel, pay homage to heroism at inspiring World War II memorials and experience the region's cuisine and charming inns.
- A journey through two of France's most intriguing regions
- Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
- The magical island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel
- World War II battle sights and memorials
- A private tour of the American Military Cemetery with a local historian
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 le tronchet
Meet in Rennes 
Enjoy a typical Breton lunch before heading out on your first ride, over rolling terrain to the Côte d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast) 
Along the way, seaside villages tempt you with friendly cafés and crêperies Taste a Kir Breton (apple cider and cassis), an authentic Brittany aperitif Dine in Dinan, a fortified medieval port town with half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets Catch the sunset on our private guided tour of the Old Town.
Day 3 colleville-sur-mer
Stroll up the bustling cobblestone avenue lined with stores and bistros to the hallowed walls of Mont-St-Michel, an iconic European pilgrimage site Say goodbye to the Breton coast and shuttle into the département of Calvados in Normandy, known for its cider and cheeses After enjoying lunch at a private 16th-century chateau atop the Normandy cliffs, pedal to Pointe du Hoc Visit D-Day landmarks and memorials such as Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery, fascinating places to learn about World War II.
Days 4-6 bayeux
In medieval Bayeux, view the exquisite 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry A ride to the coast provides breathtaking views of hallowed beaches and rugged shoreline on our way to Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches At the Caen Memorial, a "Museum for Peace," we're treated to the riveting stories of André Heintz, a World War II historian.
- 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.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I thoroughly enjoyed this Backroads trip. The region, leaders and mix of families on the trip were all wonderful. It was an excellent mix of physical activity, historical and cultural learning and fun. My entire family had a great experience. We're ready to do it again somewhere else!- Long Beach, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Brittany & Normandy Biking
IDEAL SETTINGS: Casual Inns
Saint-Malo Hotel, Golf & Country Club
Le Tronchet (2 nights) Set in the heart of Brittany and offering easy access to the region’s best sights.
Domaine de l'Hostreiere
Colleville-sur-Mer (1 night) A charming hotel situated next to the American Cemetery and landing beaches.
Le Lion d'or
Bayeux (2 nights) Located in the old city, just steps from the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
Brittany & Normandy Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 17 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 32, 54 miles
- 300 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 21, 35 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 22, 40 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 9, 22, 42 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Conclusion of Trip