Brittany & Normandy Family Biking
From Tranquil Farmland to Historic Coast
The stories are epic. Action-packed. Exciting. Sprung from a quiet corner of France. So unassuming. Yet the scene of some of history’s most heroic acts. Think Vikings. William the Conqueror. Faithful pilgrims. Allies landing. These stories really happened. And you’ll know it. When you stand on windswept beaches by abandoned gun posts. Gaze at the spire of Mont-St-Michel’s cathedral. You may be speechless. But not the kids. Biking. Horseback riding. Glass blowing. Devouring crêpes, caramels and oysters. (Okay, not oysters.) Clearly "action-packed" is not a thing of the past.
- Discover the rich history and culture of two of France's most fascinating regions
- Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
- Awe-inspiring architecture of Mont-St-Michel
- World War II battle sights and memorials
- Kids explore the beautiful Normandy countryside on horseback
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 Kids are sure to love the tasty local apple cider 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 The youngsters can try their hand at glass blowing.
Day 3 The magical island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel, an iconic European pilgrimage site Explore this island monastery and cathedral - built out of the rocks, towering above the bay and bound to impress everyone in the family Say adieu to the Breton coast and shuttle into Normandy and the département of Calvados, known for its excellent cider and flavorful cheeses Kids visit a local stable to participate in Normandy's popular pastime - horseback riding Join a local historian for a private tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery.
Days 4-6 Visit D-Day landmarks and memorials Past and present collide in the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux Be sure not to miss the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long embroidered "storybook" depicting the Norman invasion of England Savor views of isolated beaches and rugged shoreline as you ride to the coast At the award-winning Caen Memorial, a "Museum for Peace," view thought-provoking displays that blend history with hope for the future.
Adult Route Rating What's this?
- 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 new!- Long Beach, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Brittany & Normandy Family 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.
Domaine de l'Hostréière
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 Family 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 |
Kid-Friendly Routes
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
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 1 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
Please note: On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.