The stories are epic. Action-packed. Exciting. Sprung from a quiet corner of France. So unassuming. Yet the scene of some of history's most heroic acts. Think Vikings. William the Conqueror. Faithful pilgrims. Allies landing. These stories really happened. And you'll know it. When you stand on windswept beaches by abandoned gun posts. Gaze at the spire of Mont-St-Michel's cathedral. You may be speechless. But not the kids. Biking. Horseback riding. Glass blowing. Clearly "action-packed" is not a thing of the past.
Day 1 Journey through two of France's most intriguing regions,
starting in Brittany 
Enjoy a typical Breton lunch before biking along the famed Emerald Coast, lined with enchanting fishing villages and striking sandstone cliffs Kids are sure to love the tasty local apple cider.
Day 2 Rolling country roads along must-see beaches
Vistas of La Rance Estuary highlight your ride from the coast to Dinan Pass through picturesque villages such as St-Suliac Sweet or savory? A stop in a crêperie is a must Meander through medieval fortified Dinan, and discover what's behind those half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets Youngsters give glass blowing a try.
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 Kids saddle up for the popular pastime: horseback riding Join a local historian for a private tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery.
Days 4-6 Visit D-Day landmarks and memorials
Savor views of isolated beaches and rugged shoreline as you pedal to the coast Past and present collide in the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux Don't miss the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long embroidered "storybook" depicting the Norman invasion of England At the award-winning Caen Memorial, a "Museum for Peace," view thought-provoking displays that blend history with hope for the future.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the rich history and culture of two of France's most intriguing regions
- Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
- Awe-inspiring architecture of Mont-St-Michel
- World War II battle sights and memorials
- Kids explore beautiful Normandy countryside on horseback
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 | ||
| Kids: Glassblowing (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 18 | 400 | 28 | 400 | ||||||
| 4 | 20* | 300 | 35* | 300 | 42 | 300 | ||||
| 26* | 300 | |||||||||
| 5 | 11* | 100 | 34 | 400 | ||||||
| 21 | 400 | |||||||||
| Kids: Horseback riding (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | Caen Memorial tour (2 hours) | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/23-28 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/14-19 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/28-8/2 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-16 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $740 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 7 years
- Minimum age restriction to horseback ride: 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:- 12+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
A totally awesome experience. Each individual detail of the trip, ranging from snacks for biking, the routes chosen, lodging, food, route support, equipment, sights encountered, guides and leaders were all first class making the sum of the trip an excellent experience. I cannot say enough good things about this trip...taking three children ages 6, 12 and 15 along with their parents and all having a blast well that says a lot in and of itself. We learned a lot of history and culture, made new friends, had fantastic food and got some exercise riding through the beautiful pastoral countryside of Normandy.- Cheyenne, WY
Our biking trip was first rate in every aspect. The shuttle buses were top of the line, the daily biking excursions were well thought out and the scenery was breath-taking, the food was authentic and delicious, the guides were knowledgeable and kind, and the activities were suited to each person's needs. I can hardly wait to book another trip with Backroads!- Othello, WA
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 new!- Long Beach, CA
Best trip I have ever been on. The balance between biking and sight seeing was excellent.- Montclair, NJ