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 - For Families with Older Teens & 20s
World War II Landmarks & Majestic Mont-St-Michel
One or more kids 17+ required (siblings 14+ ok) | Min age to ride e-bike 16+
Family — Older Teens & 20s
6 days 5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Hotels
From: $3,999 pp dbl occ
($1,100 for sgl occ)
These places will make an impression on your family. 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.
France Brittany & Normandy Biking Tour map
France
Start St-Malo / End Caen
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Travel with your family from Brittany's orchards and Emerald Coast to Normandy's castles and Côte Fleurie
- Pause for reflection at World War II battle sites and join a local historian at the American Military Cemetery
- Bike 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
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Casual Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Bike an unforgettable route with vistas of the magnificently wild Emerald Coast | Unparalleled sea views await in the fortified city of St-Malo | A stop at a crêperie is a must as you enjoy rural rides and traditional Breton towns | Spin through St-Suliac, one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages | Visit the elegant resort town of Dinard, once a favorite vacation destination for French aristocrats | Saunter along an attractive maze of cobblestone lanes, 13th-century half-timbered houses and art galleries in the charming harbor town of Dinan.
Accommodations
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.
Day 3
Description
Take a family ride to enchanting Dol-de-Bretagne | Linger in Cancale, the oyster capital of Brittany | Discover the magical island monastery and cathedral of World Heritage Mont-St-Michel, an important European pilgrimage center and home to Europe's most dramatic tide change | While away the afternoon by the pool or at the spa at our welcoming castle-hotel.
Accommodations
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, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
Ride Normandy's scenic waves of country roads | Explore the well-preserved battery at Longues-sur-Mer | Behold the ruins of artificial ports constructed to aid in the D-Day invasion in seaside Arromanches | Pause at Juno beach and check out the remains of the Mulberry harbor | Continue your family journey along the coast in an area of Normandy beloved for its grand manors and delicious cider and cheeses | Bike quiet roads through a chartreuse forest | Ride alongside rolling pastures, apple orchards and peaceful woodland | Cycle past elegant estates en route to the ruined clifftop bunkers of the German stronghold Pointe du Hoc | Join a local historian for a private tour of Omaha Beach and the American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer | Visit the gorgeously ornate 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry | Wander through lovely Bayeux, a great spot for an afternoon café.
Accommodations
Château de Bellefontaine
Bayeux
| Casual Hotel A gracious 18th-century château nestled amid the trees just outside the historic center of Bayeux.
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
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
June 2023
July 2023
From our Guests
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Activity Level: 1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Daily Route Options
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. (click the arrow to see all available options)
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike
Included in your trip price
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.
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike
Included in your trip price
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.
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
NEW! Electric-Assist Bike
Included in your trip price
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.
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
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
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
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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