Brittany & Normandy Family Biking
- Discover the rich history and culture of two of France's most intriguing 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 beautiful Normandy countryside on horseback
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. Clearly "action-packed" is not a thing of the past.
Day 1 Journey through two of France's most intriguing regions, starting in Brittany 
Enjoy a typical Breton lunch before biking along the famed Emerald Coast, lined with enchanting fishing villages and striking sandstone cliffs Kids are sure to love the tasty local apple cider.
Day 2 Rolling country roads along must-see beaches Vistas of La Rance Estuary highlight your ride from the coast to Dinan Pass through picturesque villages such as St-Suliac Sweet or savory? A stop in a crêperie is a must Meander through medieval fortified Dinan, and discover what's behind those half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets Youngsters give glass blowing a try.
Day 3 The magical island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel, an iconic European pilgrimage site Head into Normandy's Calvados département, known for its cider and cheeses Kids saddle up for the 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, including the award-winning Caen Memorial, a "Museum for Peace" Past and present collide in the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux Don't 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 pedal to the coast.
Guests Reviews 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
Best trip I have ever been on. The balance between biking and sight seeing was excellent.- Montclair, NJ
Our biking trip was first rate in every aspect. The shuttle buses were top of the line, the daily biking excursions were well thought out and the scenery was breath-taking, the food was authentic and delicious, the guides were knowledgeable and kind, and the activities were suited to each person's needs. I can hardly wait to book another trip with Backroads!- Othello, WA
Casual Inns
Hôtel la Villefromoy
St-Malo (2 nights) A Second Empire villa set in the heart of Brittany with ocean views and easy access to the region’s best sights.
Château de Sully
Sully (1 night) Not far from the landing beaches, a charming 18th-century castle-turned-hotel surrounded by sprawling formal gardens. (pool, spa, tennis)
Le Lion d'Or
Bayeux (2 nights) Dating from 1770, a former coaching inn located in the old city, just steps from the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
Alsace & the Black Forest Biking
France's Wine-Rich Valley & Germany's Fabled Woodland
Family:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
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
- 14 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 3 Route Options Available
- 9, 22, 40 miles
- 330 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 14, 23, 39 miles
- 70 - 430 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Conclusion of Trip
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Brittany & Normandy tour experts. See our award-winning Europe France biking tours, Europe France walking and hiking tours and Europe France multisport tours.
