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.
Walking & Hiking
See all photos
Brittany & Normandy Family Walking & Hiking Tour - 20s & Beyond
France's D-Day Beaches to St-Malo
Family — 20s & Beyond
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
Sandy beaches and pretty seaside villages. A mystical island monastery and towns that spirit your family back to the days of William the Conqueror. This is Brittany and Normandy. A region so steeped in history you can feel it. Walk it. Hike it. From Omaha Beach and D-Day memorials to St-Malo, Mont-St-Michel and the windswept Emerald Coast. This landscape will transport you.
Contact Us
Share this trip:
France Brittany & Normandy Walking & Hiking
France
Start Caen / End Rennes
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Hike trails among wildflower-carpeted hills atop the dramatic cliffs of Brittany’s celebrated Emerald Coast
- Reflect on the past as you stroll through seaside villages and along D-Day beaches and iconic World War II historic sites
- Discover medieval treasures and the famous eponymous tapestry in the beautifully preserved Norman town of Bayeux
- Savor fresh-caught seafood and regional specialties like apple cider, crêpes, delectable oysters and classic moules-frites
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-3
Description
Embark on a family hike through Normandy's idyllic bocage countryside | Following a path along the Aure River, arrive in beautiful Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated after D-Day | Stroll the length of the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, a stunningly detailed 203-foot-long embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England | Experience the splendor of Normandy's coast, with its unique arch formations and panoramic vistas | Walk along the now tranquil Omaha Beach on your own and with our local guide | Visit the American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and the German stronghold Pointe du Hoc | Taste farm-fresh cider, apple brandy and Pommeau de Normandie | Discover the village of Arromanches, famous for the artificial port constructed to aid in the D-Day Invasion | Walk to the clifftops for a breathtaking look over town and across the Channel.
Accommodations
Villa Lara
Bayeux
| Premiere Hotel An elegantly appointed and family-owned boutique hotel just steps from Bayeux Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Days 4-6
Description
Revel in the luminous color of the Côte d’Emeraude (Emerald Coast) | Journey to the island monastery of Mont-St-Michel, one of Europe’s most hallowed pilgrimage destinations and a World Heritage site | Witness Europe's most extreme tides in the bay of Mont-St-Michel | Pause in Cancale, the oyster capital of France | Meander through St-Malo, a fortified city with unparalleled sea views.
Accommodations
Grand Hôtel Barrière
Dinard
| Premiere Hotel 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.
From our Guests
Share your adventure
#MyBackroadsTrip
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Activity Level: 1-3
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.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip includes forest trails, rocky coastal dirt paths and some paved roads.
Daily Route Options
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
- 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
Featured article
Read More
