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 must-see beaches
Stunning coastal views highlight your ride from Cancale to St-Malo 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 A guided walk reveals Dinan, a 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.
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 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 22, 40 miles
- 330 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
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 |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/3-8 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/19-24 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/1-6 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/24-29 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/26-31 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/9-14 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/23-28 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. 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