Brittany Normandy Biking

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.

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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.

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!
Tina Arechiga - Long Beach, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews

For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.

Brittany & Normandy Biking

IDEAL SETTINGS: Casual Inns

Saint-Malo Hotel, Golf & Country Club
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
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
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

RESERVE THIS TRIP!

Casual Inns Trip Price:
  • $2,998 to $3,098 pp dbl. occ.
  • (+$590 for sgl. occ.)
Trip Notes

All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner.

Cancellation Policy

View cancellation policy

Meet / Depart

Rennes, France/Caen, France

Special Interest

Culture & History, Romance &/or Honeymoon

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading

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