Brittany & Normandy Biking
From Tranquil Farmland to Historic Coast
Broad beaches from which William the Conqueror set sail in 1066, and where the Allies landed nearly 900 years later. The mystical abbey of Mont-St-Michel, its battlements and golden spire soaring from the sea. The bunkers and bomb craters at Pointe du Hoc. Such iconic settings will undoubtedly stir your emotions, while the sheer beauty - and bounty - of your surroundings will spark your joie de vivre. Lush orchards and crashing surf. Windswept plateaus and storybook villages. Rounds of pungent Camembert, bottles of locally brewed apple cider, just-churned Isigny butter and delectable seafood. Brittany and Normandy are a rare blend of history and natural splendor. And bound to make an impression on you.
- 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
Day 1 A journey through two of France's most intriguing regions 
Enjoy a typical Breton lunch before heading out on your first ride Get to know the famed Côte d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast) of Brittany, lined with enchanting fishing villages and striking sandstone cliffs.
Day 2 Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
Stunning coastal views are a highlight of our ride from Cancale to St-Malo Crêpes anyone? A stop in a Breton crêperie is a must Á votre santé! 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 The magical island monastery and cathedral 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.
Day 4 Visit D-Day landmarks and memorials Join a local historian for a private tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery Past and present collide in the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux, home to the impressive 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry.
Days 5-6 Outstanding regional cuisine - seafood lovers rejoice! A ride to the coast provides breathtaking views of hallowed beaches and rugged shoreline on our way to Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches At the award-winning Caen Memorial, a "Museum for Peace," view thought-provoking displays that blend history with hope for the future.
- 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:
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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
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. (golf)
Domaine de l'Hostreiere
Colleville-sur-Mer (1 night) A charming hotel situated next to the American Cemetery and landing beaches. (pool)
Le Lion d'or
Bayeux (2 nights) Located in the old city, just steps from the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
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
- 17 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 32, 54 miles
- 330 - 1480 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 21, 35 miles
- 430 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 22, 40 miles
- 330 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 9, 22, 42 miles
- 70 - 430 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Conclusion of Trip