Region Overviews: France Travel Guide: Overview
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
These places will make an impression on you. From D-Day beaches to bountiful orchards, windswept plateaus and storybook villages. Iconic settings will stir your emotions, while the sheer beauty of your surroundings will spark your joie de vivre. Brittany and Normandy are a rare blend of history and natural splendor.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual Hotels*
Start Caen / End Rennes
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Start your journey along the coast in an area of Normandy beloved for its elegant manors and delicious cider and cheeses | Ride along quiet roads through green forest | Step back in time during a visit to the splendid 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry | Bike alongside apple orchards, open pastures and peaceful woodland | Cycle past splendid estates en route to the shattered bunkers of the German stronghold Pointe du Hoc, set atop a cliff | A local historian leads us on a private tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer | Stroll through exquisite Bayeux, a great spot for an afternoon café.
A gracious 18th-century château nestled amid the trees just outside the historic center of Bayeux.
Traverse Normandy's scenic waves of country roads | Explore the preserved seaside battery at Longues-sur-Mer | In coastal Arromanches, behold the ruins of artificial ports constructed to aid in the D-Day invasion | Check out the remains of the Mulberry harbor and take a moment to pause at Juno beach | Wander a maze of meticulously manicured gardens at Château de Brécy | Our welcoming castle-hotel provides an idyllic setting for a post-ride aperitif.
Not far from the landing beaches, a charming 18th-century castle turned hotel surrounded by sprawling formal gardens and featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant. (pool)
Discover the magical island monastery and cathedral of World Heritage Mont-St-Michel, a classic European pilgrimage center and home to Europe's most dramatic tides | Follow cycling routes with vistas of the rugged and magnificent Emerald Coast | The fortified city of St-Malo greets you with unparalleled sea views | As you enjoy smooth rural rides and traditional Breton towns, a stop at a crêperie is a must | Pass through St-Suliac, one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages | In the must-see harbor town of Dinan, explore a lovely maze of cobblestone lanes, 13th-century half-timbered houses, art galleries and shops featuring handmade lace | Celebrate your final morning with one last ride to Cancale, the oyster capital of Brittany.
A Second Empire villa set in the heart of Brittany with easy access to the beach and to the region's best sights.
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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. LEARN MORE.
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders.
$400 rental fee
This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee
Long considered a global center of art, science, philosophy and sophistication, France boasts incredible diversity in its offerings to travelers.
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