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
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~82 km
- DAY 3: ~63 km or ~82 km
- DAY 4: ~35 km
- DAY 5: ~85 km or ~90 km
- DAY 6: ~65 km or ~70 km
- DAY 7: Farewells
France: Brittany and Normandy Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
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).
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Rendezvous in Rennes at 16:00 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. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only).
Hotel le D’Avaugour, Dinan
Dinan Loop 82 km
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. BL
Same lodging
Dinan to Cancale 63 - 82 km
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. BD
Les Maisons de Bricourt, or Le Pointe du Grouin Hotel, Cancale
Cancale to Normandy 35 km
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. B
Domaine des Chevaliers de Malte, or Le Fruitier Hotel, Villedieu-les-Poeles
Villedieu to Bayeux 85-90 km
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. BL
Château de Sully, or Château d’Audrieu, Bayeux
WWII Beaches and Bayeux Loop 65-70 km
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. BLD
Same lodging
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. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- May 14-20
- Aug 20-26
- Sep 10-16
2024 Guided:
- May 12-18
- Aug 18-24
- Sep 8-14
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4965 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, guide and van support, route instructions, maps, luggage handling, 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 4445 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, route instructins, maps, on-call emergency support, 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: 1245
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: 265
Carbon Racing: 455
Electric-Assist: 395
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 date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
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.
