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Brittany & Normandy Family Biking

Brittany & Normandy Family Biking

Behind northwestern France's understated beauty lie innumerable stories from its historic past. Ancient monasteries and wartime battlefields are all visual testaments to the many chapters that make up the fascinating history of Brittany and Normandy - and are just some of the reasons why these two destinations are so perfect for families. Join us for a pedal across this timeless landscape, with its dramatic windswept coastline, undulating pastureland, sleepy rural villages and sun-splashed orchards. Explore colorful towns and vibrant marketplaces, visit stunning Mont-St-Michel, and pay homage to heroism at inspiring World War II memorials. Adults will delight in the region's penchant for luxury with its decadent cuisine and elegant inns. And for kids, a visit here is a history lesson come to life, a unique experience that simply can't be duplicated. in any classroom.

Days 1-2 Port-en-Bessin

Meet in Caen Enjoy lunch in a lovely setting in the town of Balleroy (once known for its hot-air balloon events) and then bike to the site of a working water mill Pedal through hedgerow-lined fields, farms and forests  A ride along the coast provides breathtaking views of historic beaches and rugged shoreline Kids visit a local stable to participate in Normandy's popular pastime - horseback riding  Visit D-Day landmarks and memorials such as Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc for insight into World War II.

Day 3 Audrieu

In medieval Bayeux, view the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long embroidered "storybook" that depicts the Norman invasion of England Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, where the tapestry was first hung in 1077 Kids are in store for a fun afternoon of kart sailing on the beach (weather permitting) Savor the perfect Breton crêpe.

Days 4-6 Cancale

Rise with the sun for an early-morning exploration of Mont-St-Michel Guests of all ages will marvel at this fairy-tale-like island monastery and cathedral, built out of the rocks and towering above the tides of the bay Inhale the bracing salt air as you pedal the rolling terrain of the Côte d'émeraude (Emerald Coast) to Cancale Picnic at an 18th century farm house and cider museum  Enjoy the quintessential Breton town of Dinard Kids try their hand at the art of glass blowing.

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THE GOOD LIFE: Premiere Inns

La Cheneviere (2 nights): Classically elegant, this four-star Normandy 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 18th-century estate, a Relais & Châteaux member, is enhanced by period furnishings and  Michelin-starred cuisine.

Le Grand Hotel Barriere (2 nights): With warm, inviting décor and mesmerizing coastal views, this hotel pampers guests with a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Turkish baths and a casino.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

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.


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
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
2010 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum Ages:

Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years

Minimum age restriction for kart sailing: 7 years

Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 7 years

General Info on Minimum Ages:

We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:

Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.

Guest Trip Reviews

It's the unexpected, the shared moving moment, the "you had to be there" story that makes a Backroads family vacation such an unforgettable experience. The fabulous locations, well-planned routes and superb guides don't hurt - but you'll go home remembering the time we all played foosball soaking wet.
Janis Hashe - United Parenting Publications