Broad beaches from which William the Conqueror set sail in 1066, and where the Allies landed nearly 900 years later. The mystical abbey of Mont-St-Michel, its battlements and golden spire soaring from the sea. The bunkers and bomb craters at Pointe du Hoc. Such iconic settings will undoubtedly stir your emotions, while the sheer beauty - and bounty - of your surroundings will spark your joie de vivre. Lush orchards and crashing surf. Windswept plateaus and storybook villages. Rounds of pungent Camembert, bottles of locally brewed apple cider, just-churned Isigny butter and delectable seafood. Brittany and Normandy are a rare blend of history and natural splendor. And bound to make an impression on you.
Day 1 Journey through two of France's most intriguing regions,
starting in Brittany 
Enjoy a typical Breton lunch before pedaling along the famed Côte d'Émeraude (Emerald Coast), lined with enchanting fishing villages and striking sandstone cliffs.
Day 2 Rolling country roads and traditional Breton towns
From St-Malo, spin through peaceful countryside, past typical Breton villages such as St. Suliac and along the Rance river Sweet or savory? A stop in a crêperie is a must Á votre santé! Taste a Kir Breton (apple cider and cassis), an authentic local aperitif Stroll through Dinan, a charming fortified medieval port town with half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets.
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 After lunch at a private 16th-century château atop Norman cliffs, pedal to Pointe du Hoc.
Day 4 Bike to D-Day landmarks and memorials
Join a local historian for an exclusive tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery Past and present collide in the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux, home to the impressive 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry.
Days 5-6 Outstanding regional cuisine - seafood lovers rejoice!
Savor breathtaking vistas of hallowed beaches and rugged shoreline as you ride to Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches At the award-winning Caen Memorial, a "Museum for Peace," view thought-provoking displays that blend history with hope for the future.
Trip Highlights
- A journey through two of France's most intriguing regions
- Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
- The magical island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel
- World War II battle sights and memorials
- A private tour of the American Military Cemetery with a local historian
Casual Inns
Hôtel La Villefromoy (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 (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 (2 nights): Dating from 1770, a former coaching inn located in the old city, just steps from the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 19 | 500 | ||||||||
| 2 | 18* | 300 | 23* | 1200 | 35* | 1200 | 44 | 1500 | ||
| 3 | 18 | 400 | 28 | 400 | ||||||
| 4 | 20* | 300 | 35* | 300 | 42 | 300 | ||||
| 26* | 300 | |||||||||
| 5 | 11* | 100 | 34 | 400 | ||||||
| 21 | 400 | |||||||||
| 6 | Caen Memorial museum visit (2 hours) | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/2-7 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/18-23 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/25-30 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/23-28 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/25-30 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Thank you for a wonderful trip. It was my first backroads trip and I was not sure what to expect, but the experience clearly exceeded my expectations. The guides were wonderful with a terrific connection making for an easy ride. The mix of activities with the riding really gave me a flavor for Normandy and Brittany. I can't think of a better way to tour France! Thanks for a once in a lifetime vacation!- New York, NY
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
We loved all the rides - gorgeous routes and great service from all three leaders. Really couldn't have asked for more. They shared their expertise of the history, had snacks ready at every turn, great enthusiasm and overall wonderful hosts and great company. We appreciated all of it.- Westport, CT
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