Brittany & Normandy Biking
On a windswept plateau above France's northwest coast, prepare yourself for more than the sound of the crashing surf below. Memories of battles waged long ago remain as powerful as breathtaking views. This Backroads journey combines exhilarating bike rides through undulating pastureland and along picturesque coastline with moments of reflection at historic landmarks. Medieval fortresses and towns spirit you back to the days of William the Conqueror, while bunkers and gun posts at Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc offer a glimpse of Normandy's more recent past. Seaside villages tempt you with friendly cafés and crêperies, and elegant inns underscore the region's penchant for luxury.
Days 1-2 port-en-bessin
Meet in Caen 
Warm up with a spin through the gently cultivated département of Calvados in Normandy Sample Kir Normand, an authentic aperitif Rugged cliffs and historic beaches provide the backdrop for the next day's ride down the coast Tour Omaha Beach with a local historian and guide, visit the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer and walk amid the shattered bunkers of the old German stronghold, Pointe du Hoc.
Day 3 audrieu
Continue pedaling along the dramatic windswept coastline Explore Arromanches and the remains of one of the artificial ports constructed to aid in the D-Day Invasion Spend time with a World War II historian, who recounts his personal experiences as a resistance fighter In the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux, view the exquisite 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry The impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux is worth a visit.
Days 4-6 cancale
Climb the narrow walkway to the majestic island monastery of Mont-St-Michel and roam within the hallowed walls of the iconic pilgrimage site Follow a challenging route past enchanting fishing villages and impressive sandstone cliffs along the Emerald Coast of Brittany A stop in a Breton crêperie is a must Visit Dinan, a walled medieval port town perched above the Rance River.
CHATEAUX INDULGENCES : Premiere Inns
La Cheneviere (2 nights): Classically elegant, this four-star château, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is in a tranquil setting close to the beaches of Normandy.
Chateau d'Audrieu (1 night): Set amid exquisite gardens and parkland, this grand 18th-century estate, a Relais & Châteaux member, is enhanced by Michelin-starred cuisine, period furnishings and a pool.
Chateau Richeux (2 nights): Quiet elegance reigns in this lovely Relais & Châteaux hotel, an 18th-century estate with gardens, an orchard and views of the Bay of Mont-St-Michel.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 6, 18 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 30, 44 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 26, 45 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 29, 47 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 13, 18, 58 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/21-26Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1070 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/30-9/4Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1070 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/13-18Price: $4398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1070 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
The itinerary was awesome and so meaningful and touching with all that we saw of the Normandy Invasion....It made history come alive for us, even though it was at times heart wrenching to think about all that happened there. The local guides were EXCELLENT! We wish we could have had more time with Andre Heinz! The Bayeaux Tapestry was another highlight!!!! Mont-St-Michel was awesome to see....Our family all had such a great time and can't wait to go on another Backroads trip.- Brawley, CA
What a fantastic way to see Normandy! I came with my parents because we have long wanted to see the WWII invasion site, and Backroads delivered! Our trip leaders were wonderful about getting us as much information as they could and gearing that information toward our interests. Northern France is wonderfully charming, and I really enjoyed so many aspects of it: the history, the cuisine, the calvdos culture and the little towns. One thing I love about Backroads is the effort you all put into finding the little spots that I would never find on my own. You are indespensible in that regard, which is why my family calls your company "Crackroads."- Houston, TX
WOW! This was our first Backroads trip and all I can say is that it will not be our last. Just the combination of exercising, eating amazing food, staying in the best hotels and experiencing history all at the same time was heaven for me. I am not the strongest bike rider and was actually nervous about all the riding. But the van support was excellent and gave me the confidence to bike without worrying about getting too tired. The lodging and food were amazing - probably the best my husband and I have ever experienced. And the people we met on the trip were terrific. We will definitely stay in touch with many of the people from this trip. It's hard to come home but my memories of my Backroads trip will last for a long time.- Westport, CT