Easygoing Walking Tour Brittany & Normandy
Dolce Tempo Journey from France's D-Day Beaches to St-Malo
This land is steeped in history, from William the Conqueror to World War II. It tells a story with every crash of the waves and every gust of wind. Brittany and Normandy: land of the Celts, the Britons, the French. Now it’s your home for a week. Come indulge in oysters and apple cider. Walk these ancient trails. Visit Omaha beach and Mont-St-Michel. Hear what these landscapes have to say.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
France
Start Caen / End Rennes
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Refreshingly Active Adventures
Walk the dramatic cliffside trails of Brittany’s Emerald Coast, with views of the English Channel on one side and fields of wildflowers on the other. And enjoy tranquil beaches and lush countryside in Normandy.
Immersive Travel
Discover the compelling history of this region, from D-Day beaches to medieval treasures, and explore its vibrant contemporary culture.
Unique Hotels & Delectable Dining
Savor the natural bounty of this region with fresh oysters, famous local apple cider and specialties like moules-frites and Normandy’s famous Camembert cheese.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on a quaint cider farm outside of Bayeux | Explore the iconic Norman countryside on foot, passing bucolic villages and lush green pastures | Walk along the Aure River | Arrive to Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated after D-Day | Wander the town’s cobbled streets and join its vibrant street life, from terraced cafés to boutique shops | See the iconic Bayeux Tapestry, a stunningly detailed 11th-century embroidery that depicts the Norman conquest of England | Continue to the coast, where stunning vistas await | Experience World War II history firsthand at Omaha Beach, the ruins of German bunkers, and the American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer | Taste classic Norman cuisine and sip farm-fresh apple cider.
An elegantly appointed and family-owned boutique hotel just steps from the Bayeux Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Explore the village of Arromanches and its artificial port, constructed to support the D-Day invasion | Take in the vista of the town and the English Channel from the clifftops above | Visit the Pointe du Hoc, replete with history and featuring stunning sea views | See the vestiges of Germany’s coastal fortifications | Luxuriate in the aristocratic ambience of our home for tonight, an 18th-century manor turned hotel.
A "relaxing 18th-century honey-colored château-hotel surrounded by rose gardens... minutes from Omaha Beach," according to Andrew Harper. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool)
See how the Côte d’Emeraude (Emerald Coast) earned its name | Explore Mont-St-Michel, the island monastery and World Heritage Site that has become a destination for pilgrims from around the world | Enjoy a visit to Cancale, the home of Louis XIV’s favorite oysters | Take in the incredible views of the Bay of Mont-St-Michel from our hotel | Meander through the fortified city of St-Malo with time for a coffee or some shopping | Walk along the hills through quaint villages and past dramatic cliffs.
This hotel, built in 1859, welcomes you with warm décor and mesmerizing views overlooking the coast and St-Malo. (pool, spa)
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.
Dolce Tempo: What to Expect
Our walking activities allow you to leisurely explore local footpaths and paved walking paths, exploring authentic, local hidden gems. Get away from the crowds to experience the essence of your location, taking time to explore and experience your region on your own terms. Your day unfolds according to your agenda, not someone else's. Easygoing daily routes typically 2-3 hours of walking per day, approximately 2-7 miles. Fully supported with dedicated Trip Leaders, support vans and meticulously selected routes and a Backroads navigation app to offer guidance on the route.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip includes forest trails, rocky coastal dirt paths and some paved roads.
What's 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
While biking and hiking and kayaking trips are at the core of popular adventure travel offerings, they are not for everyone. So Backroads, a company that has long been the leader in active travel trips, has come up with an array of softer adventures for 2021.
