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.
Biking
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Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour
World War II Landmarks & Majestic Mont-St-Michel
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*
FROM:
$3,599 pp dbl occ
($500 for sgl occ)
France
Start Caen / End Rennes
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Travel from Normandy's castles and Côte Fleurie to Brittany's apple orchards and Emerald Coast
- Pause for reflection at World War II battle sites and join a local historian at the American Military Cemetery
- Bike rolling rural roads along legendary beaches and to the beautiful walled maritime city of St-Malo
- Marvel at the dreamlike island monastery and cathedral of Mont St-Michel, a World Heritage site
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
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.
Château de Bellefontaine
Bayeux
| Casual Hotel A gracious 18th-century château nestled amid the trees just outside the historic center of Bayeux.
Day 3
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.
Château de Sully
Sully
| Casual Plus Hotel 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)
Days 4-6
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.
Hôtel La Villefromoy
St-Malo
| Casual Hotel A Second Empire villa set in the heart of Brittany with easy access to the beach and to the region's best sights.
Dates & Prices
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 | Call us to book your Rendezvous.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Available to book
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Activity Level: 1-4
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.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
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.
Performance Road Bike
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.
Touring Bike
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.
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
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.
Carbon Bike
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
Tandem Bike
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
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
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