Brittany & Normandy Biking
Behind northwestern France’s understated beauty lie innumerable stories from its past. Fortified medieval cities, battlefields and ancient monasteries are all testament to the many chapters that make up the fascinating history of Brittany and Normandy. Join us to pedal across this timeless landscape, with its undulating pastureland, intriguing rural villages, sun-splashed orchards and dramatic windswept coastline. Explore colorful towns, visit stunning Mont-St-Michel, pay homage to heroism at inspiring World War II memorials and experience its regional cuisine and charming inns.
Days 1-2 le tronchet
Meet in Rennes 
We start our adventure with a typical Breton lunch As you pedal over rolling terrain to the Côte d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast), seaside villages tempt you with friendly cafés and crêperies 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 colleville-sur-mer
Stroll up the bustling cobblestone avenue lined with stores and bistros to the hallowed walls 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 15th-century manor, pedal to Pointe du Hoc Visit D-Day landmarks and memorials such as Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery, fascinating places to learn about World War II.
Days 4-6 bayeux
In medieval Bayeux, view the exquisite 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry The town has much to see, including the open market and Cathédral Notre-Dame, with origins dating from 1077 A ride to the coast provides breathtaking views of hallowed beaches and rugged shoreline en route to Mulberry harbor at Arromanches Visit the Caen Memorial, a "Museum for Peace," which documents the events of World Wars I and II Enjoy one more picnic lunch before shuttling to Caen.
IDEAL SETTINGS: Casual Inns
Saint-Malo Hotel, Golf & Country Club (2 nights): Set in the heart of Brittany and offering easy access to the region’s best sights.
Domaine de l'Hostreiere (1 night): A charming hotel situated next to the American Cemetery and landing beaches.
Le Lion d'or (2 nights): Located in the old city, just steps from the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 17 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 32, 54 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 24, 39 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 22, 40 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 9, 25, 42 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Conclusion of Trip
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 |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/5-10Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $640 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/20-25Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $640 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.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
Just got back last night, and I couldn't wait to fill out my evaluation form...I just wanted to tell someone how great the entire trip was. The trip went by so fast! I was very sad when it ended. Both our leaders were extraordinary.(Backroads must be doing something right with its selection process, because you couldn't have asked for anything more from either of these two women.) I was waiting to see how I would like this trip before I booked any others...but now I think I will make all my vacation plans through Backroads. Thank you again for the trip of a lifetime!!!!- Culver City, CA
As has always been my experience on a Backroads trip, I couldn't have asked for more of the leaders. I particularly appreciate the way they saw to my dietary needs. They were extremely flexible regarding the group's needs both on the bike and off. Rearrange a morning to get us to a cash machine? No problem! Swing by a drugstore when I came down with a cold? No problem! They are hard-working and cheerful and just a pleasure to travel with.- New York, NY
History buffs will love our newest Casual Inn biking itinerary in Brittany and Normandy! Pedal along the stunning Emerald Coast, stopping to explore famous sites such as Bayeux and Omaha Beach. We are fortunate to have two passionate local guides on this trip, who share their insight and knowledge of this region, which is steeped in World War II history. An unforgettable presentation by a French resistance fighter and a visit to the famous pilgrimage site of Mont-St-Michel bring the past to life and are certain to be highlights of the week.- Trip Development Coordinator, Europe & France