France: Brittany & Normandy Bike Tour
Six nights; six days. A moderately easy bike tour on level and lightly rolling coastal roads in the north west of France, with visits to D-Day beaches and the Bayeux tapestry.
“Amazing food. Tour de fromage. World class cycling. I loved everything about the route. What is there not to like? Food for the body, mind, and soul… the history was the icing on the cake…” - M. K.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Visit Normandy D-Day Beaches and Memorials.
- Quiet roads that crisscross farmers’ fields and wildflower-rich grasslands.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Mont St. Michel.
- The ancient fortified town on Dinan.
- The Bayeux Tapestry - a unique record of the invasion of England by William the Conqueror, including the Battle of Hastings, and events of 1066.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain. Cycling is primarily on quiet paved roads and dedicated bike paths, especially along the D-day beaches.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions.
- 2: Dinan Loop ~80km.
- 3: Dinan to Cancale ~59km.
- 4: Cancale to Normandy ~37km.
- 5: Villedieu to Bayeux ~89km.
- 6: WWII Beaches and Bayeux Loop ~50km or ~70km.
- 7: Bayeux to Caen and Farewell.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Rennes Train Terminal, North entrance drop off lane, 16:00, day one (2 hours by train from Paris; 3 hours from CDG).
Finish: Caen Train Terminal, 12:00, day seven (3-4 hours by train from Paris).
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions.
Rendezvous in Rennes for a one hour transfer to Dinan where you will spend the night at the first of several charming inns. You will meet any traveling companions, and become acquainted with your bicycles.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
La Maison Pavie, or; Hotel du Château , Dinan. DAY 2:
Dinan Loop ~80km.
Enjoy a pleasant loop ride from Dinan through central Brittany including the forests of Dom de St Aubin-la Hunaudaye, and the lakes of Jugon. As you cycle along you will have time to explore several interesting towns and villages filled with the medieval architecture that gives the area some of its unique character.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 3:
Dinan to Cancale ~59km.
Spend your day touring by bike from Dinan to Cancale via La Rance river valley northward to St Malo and the Pointe des Grands Nez (the big noses point). This route takes you along the scenic cliffs of northern Brittany, reminiscent of some of the Irish coast, where the oysters are world famous and the views over Bay Mont St Michel outstanding. Dinner (included on guided trips) is usually at les Maisons de Bricourt in Cancale, famous for its oysters.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Château Richeux, Les Maisons de Bricourt, Cancale.DAY 4:
Cancale to Normandy ~37km.
Follow the coast and cross the causeway to Mont St Michel, or approach with a wonderful alternative - walking across the sands - if the tide is low. The abbey at the centre of Mont St. Michel was built in the 8th century and perches at the top of the village, which rises dramatically 150 meters above the tidal flats below – a perfectly-fortified village commanding expansive views of approaching sailors, marauders, and bicyclists, from any direction. The town is full of boutiques and places for lunch; the most famous of which is “La Mere Poulard”, where the secret omelette recipe is ancient and the clientele has included Queen Elizabeth, the Rockefellers, and Freewheeling guests. In the afternoon you’ll transfer into Normandy and the town of Villedieu-les-Poeles, where the copper works can be seen.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
Domaine des Chevaliers de Malte, or Le Fruitier Hotel, Villedieu-les-Poeles.DAY 5:
Villedieu to Bayeux ~89km.
Bike from Villedieu to Bayeux along quiet, hedgerow-lined roads of the Normandy countryside. Visit Chateaux de Balleroy and the incredible Abbey of Cerisy. Then head for Bayeux, the first town liberated by the allies during World War Two. Finish riding in the nearby village of Sully where your luxurious chateau awaits.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel Tardif, or Château de Bellfontaine, Bayeux.DAY 6:
WWII Beaches and Bayeux Loop ~50km or ~70km.
Ride a leisurely loop through the farm country that produces Normandy’s world-famous dairy products and along the coast of Normandy including visits to some of the WWII landing beaches and cemeteries. This is a poignant experience based on the shocking reality of one of our history’s most pivotal moments. We recognize preferences for Canadian and American landing beach visit; please identify your preference as you reserve. Consider staying for an extra day of sightseeing, and plan accordingly.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 7:
Bayeux to Caen and Farewell.
Spend the morning visiting the Bayeux Cathedral and Tapestry Museum. The tapestry records the events of 1066 and William the Conqueror’s invasion of England – another of history’s pivotal moments. Just before noon you will be transferred about 30 minutes to Caen where there are frequent trains to Paris and other destinations throughout France.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
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(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 5695 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, guide and van support, route instructions, maps, luggage handling, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, route instructions, maps, on-call emergency support, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1575
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Change to Road: C 250
Change to E-bike: C 250
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is mid-May to mid-September.
With warm, temperate climates and regular rainfall Brittany and Normandy are particularly green and lush, though sunny, cloudless days are also common. Pack good rain gear and hope not to use it!
- Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F) by mid June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 20 to 25 °C (70 to 80 °F).
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 10 to 20 °C range (50 to 70 °F). Nights can be chilly, but rarely down to freezing.
GET TO THE START
By air: A popular access point for this tour is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris. Flights between Paris and Rennes (Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport) are available through Air France.
By train: The TGV is a high-speed rail network that connects Paris with many cities throughout France. Charles de Gaulle Airport has a TGV terminal and many guests will board the train immediately upon arrival in France and travel directly to Rennes; the train takes about 2 ½ hours.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
Visiting Rennes
Walking through Brittany’s capital, especially along rue du Chapitre, you will see many ancient timber-framed houses, which survived the massive 1720 fire that destroyed more than 900 homes and 33 streets in Rennes. The historic homes that still stand today date from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Contemporary eras, from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
Since 1622, Rennes has been home to France’s second largest market, the Lices Market. Every Saturday morning, roughly 300 producers, artisans, craftsmen and vendors amalgamate at the Lices square to sell their local produce and goods to over 10,000 marketgoers.
We recommend the following accommodations in Rennes for before your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
• Mercure Centre Gare
• Hotel Le Coq-Gadby
Visiting Caen
Noted for its historic architecture built under the rule of William the Conqueror, Caen is the second largest city in Normandy and a good starting point for further exploration of the region. Tour the impressive Le Château de Caen or nearby Musée de Normandie. The Ferry from Ouistreham to Portsmouth would make an excellent start to your next adventure in England.
We recommend the following accommodation in Caen for before your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
If you have several days:
Visiting France
France is a large and extremely varied country that is, thankfully, easily explored by a reliable rail network. Extend your trip on any one of our other tours in France, or go independently; the resources below might help!
• Lonely Planet’s “things-to-do” in France
• City guides for some of the best metropolitan areas in the country
• NY Times’ 36 Hours in Paris
MORE READING
Gliding along quiet, hedgerow-lined roads of Normandy and along the emerald coastline of Brittany, this memorable bicycle tour takes you into the heart of rural and beachside France, where the pulse includes fabulous French gastronomy and some very civilized notions of European holidaying. Bicycle paths and coastal roads link the ancient fortified town of Dinan to the fairytale world heritage site of Mont St. Michel – one of the veritable marvels of the western world. You will be able to sample the shellfish and seafare in Cancale, and the farm and orchard fare in Calvados and Normandy. You will appreciate the historical significance of the area first as you visit the beaches, military sites, and cemeteries of WWII, and even more when you see the Bayeux Tapestry - a unique record of the invasion of England by William the Conqueror, including the Battle of Hastings, and events of 1066. One of the biggest thrills is understanding how customs originating here in medieval times have survived to influence the modern western world. This is both a simply lovely and a thoroughly thought-provoking cycling holiday.