France’s northwest coast with its rocky cliffs and sandy beaches is widely known for its pivotal role in WWII, but the region’s strong cultural identity and historic significance dates back to ancient Celtic roots. Just a couple hundred miles south of English Westcountry, Brittany and Normandy are geographically similar, though warmer, sunnier and less populated, compared with coastal England, and share a history of war, commerce, migration and cultural exchange that predates the Roman Empire. This trip is perfect for anyone who wants to…
cross a drawbridge and emerge from a dungeon,
imbibe local calvados, chouchenn and pommeau,
traverse a causeway to the world’s most famous tidal island fortress,
watch a giant church bell made by “deaf” artisans, or
touch history at Normandy’s beaches.
***If this sounds great but you don’t have time for the full 11-days check out our 7-day Bicycling Brittany and Normandy tour.***
Highlights
Saint-Malo, Port town of Cancale, Fort la Latte, Dinan – one of Brittany’s best-preserved Medieval towns, 13th-century Château de la Hunaudaye, Mont Saint-Michel, Hambye Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery, D-Day Beaches, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Bayeux, home to the famed Medieval tapestry commemorating the Norman Conquest of England in 1066
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Air Conditioning is not common at hotels and is rarely needed in Brittany and Normandy.
As you approach the walled city of Saint-Malo, pause to appreciate its tactical position near the mouth of the English Channel, its sheer, fortified walls, and its vast tidal beaches. Saint-Malo is notorious for its independent streak, having harbored corsairs-French privateers and pirates-who acquired fortunes from passing ships. Tonight enjoy a walk of the ramparts, and the opportunity to explore the old town’s citadel and cobbled streets before enjoying a sumptuous welcome dinner. Bike Fitting and Test Ride this afternoon.
Inland Brittany is a secret world of winding paths, walled villages, granite cottages and serene churches. Our first stop will be the Ferme marine where we will learn all about oyster farming. Pedal leisurely through this storybook countryside, or crank up your cadence to spend more time exploring the colorful port town of Cancale and its many culinary delights from the sea. Treat yourself to a lunch of oysters, langoustines, crabs, or clams as you watch the sailboats. Or perhaps you’ll head north to Pointe du Grouin, which marks the entrance into the Bay of Mont Saint Michel, before turning back toward Saint-Malo along rocky coastline and sandy beaches.
Just when you thought Brittany’s shoreline couldn’t get more picturesque, you arrive at the breathtaking blue-green waters of the Côte d’ Eméraude west of Saint-Malo. Here you’ll ferry across the broad estuary of the Rance River to the charming resort town of Dinard, where generations of wealthy British vacationers have built magnificent villas. The ocean breeze is fresh and strong as you ride Cap Fréhel’s soaring cliffs to the 14th-century Fort la Latte castle stronghold. This iconic fortress-complete with drawbridge, dungeons, turrets and sheer drop to the breaking waves-is fully restored and has been used in films including The Vikings (1958) starring Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis.
Highlights: La Hunaudaye Forest, Château de la Hunaudaye, Dinan
With the coast at your back, today’s ride guides you south through Brittany’s patchwork of farms, forests and rivers-home to the region’s rich cultural heritage that tourists seldom experience. At the edge of La Hunaudaye Forest, you’ll cross an impressive moat to explore the worn walls and secret corners of 13th-century Château de la Hunaudaye, a key example of Medieval architecture. We’ll then continue on to Dinan, one of Brittany’s best-preserved Medieval towns
We’ll have a guided tour of Dinan and explore its half-timbered homes, cobbled streets, ramparts and an attractive port on the Rance River, Dinan beckons visitors to shop its local craft boutiques, art galleries, workshops and cafés. You may wish to set out on foot, boat up the Rance Valley, or mount your bike and take a loop ride north along the Rance River estuary to Saint-Suliac and back. Riding from village to village, you’ll see fishermen at work, and children at play.
Highlights: Dol de Bretagne, First views of Mont Saint-Michel
The ride to Mont Saint-Michel awaits, but there’s a lot to see and do before reaching the kilometer-long bridge to the island tomorrow. On the way to Normandy, stop for lunch in Dol de Bretagne and explore its Abbey, formerly the seat of one of nine ancient bishoprics of Brittany. Later in the day, notice the abrupt hill rising from the flat countryside surrounding the village of Mont-Dol-a geological twin to Saint-Michel to further whet your appetite. Finally, chalk arrows point your route along the edge of the bay, and your first views of the world-famous island abbey can be seen! The site was first chosen as a stronghold during the 6th century for its proximity to the mainland, its low-tide accessibility, and natural defensive features during high tide. It has been a monastery since the 8th century and is the subject of a 164 million euro project to remove accumulated silt and restore it to an island.
Highlights: Guided visit Mont Saint-Michel, bell factory
Though Mont Saint-Michel falls into the modern political region of Normandy, both Normans and Bretons have claimed it as their own. This and the island’s other fascinating history is yours to savor this morning on a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mont Saint-Michel village and abbey. A historic town in interior Normandy with a fascinating and surprising history, Villedieu-les-Pôeles became a center of metal-work, having imported advanced coppersmithing techniques from the Middle East toward the end of the Crusades. Its inhabitants, still known as Sourdins (because repeated hammering of copper caused them to become deaf, or in French, sourd), were strong supporters of the French Revolution, and are still well known for the artisanal manufacture of large church bells at factories like the one you’ll visit this afternoon. No cycling today as we shuttle to Villedieu-les-Pôeles.
The landscape in Normandy is impressively diverse, and today’s ride gives you a little taste of everything. A warm-up on rolling hills and hedge-lined roads. Next, Normandy’s swampy plains and vast bocage grazing lands dotted with the happy livestock and burgeoning produce behind the region’s culinary specialties: Camembert cheese, brioche, calvados, cider, lamb, succulent chicken and duckling! Finally, the stately town of Carentan, ravaged by battle during WWII, was a strategic early goal in the Allied landings at Utah and Omaha beaches. Capture of Carentan was a key accomplishment in staging troops and establishing a continuous defensive line against expected German counterattacks.
Highlights: Point du Hoc, Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, Bayeux
Allied Forces invaded German-occupied France on June 6, 1944 on the beaches just east of Carentan, and today you’ll visit several sites and museums dedicated to honoring the memory of those who served. Regardless of your appreciation of military tactical history, chances are you’ll find yourself moved by witnessing the landing sites, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, and by observing the German defenses still visible along the roadside. The day’s ride ends in Bayeux, home to the famed Medieval tapestry commemorating the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Legend has it that the tapestry was designed and woven in England by Reine Mathilde, William the Conquerer’s wife herself.
Highlights: Cider and calvados tasting, Arromanches artificial harbor, Longues German battery
Your first stop will be at one of the local producers of cider and calvados. After the visit you will taste some of their specialties. Then pedal onto Arromanches, where the allies built a temporary harbor so that heavy equipment could be unloaded prior to conquering a deep water port. In the final part of the loop you’ll see the remaining of the impressive German defensive batteries in Longues. Save some time in the afternoon to view the incredible craftsmanship at the Musée de la Tapisserie in Bayeux.
Surcharge: for 6 to 8 day tours the fee is $250 and for tours that are 9-15 days the fee is $300.
Frame : Aluminum frame with front suspension
Type : E-Hybrid
Surcharge: for 6-8 day tours the fee is $300 and for tours that are 9-15 days the fee is $375.
Frame : Alloy with carbon fork
Type : E-Road
Arrival & departure
Meeting time 2 p.m. – on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note: As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are – in rare cases – subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Rennes (RNS) Airport. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is also a good option, with a 3-4.15 hour train ride away.
Flying into RNS:
Taxi from the Rennes Airport to Rennes. (15 min/EUR 20)
Train from Rennes to Saint-Malo. (less than 1 hour/fares vary)
Either walk along a main avenue with a bit of traffic but with a good sidewalk. – Hotel Chateaubriand for August 20 (see map) – Hotel La Maison des Armateurs for August 27 (see map)
or take Bus No. 1 (direction Moulin) from Saint-Malo Train Station to Intra-Muros stop (6 min/EUR 2, purchase ticket on bus). Walk remaining distance to Day 1 Hotel. See map.
Look up French train schedules and book tickets, if necessary, at SNCF.com or Trainline.com. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.
Your tour ends on the final day after breakfast.
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
We recommend flying out of Paris de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
The closest airport to the tour end is Caen (CFR), but you will need to connect through Paris or another hub for international flights. Book your home-bound flight for the next day.
Flying out of CDG:
Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the Bayeux train station (5 min/EUR 10)
Train from Bayeux to Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. (4.5-6.5 hours/fares vary)
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Hard to say there were so many, the ride itself, the bell factory, seeing the D-day beaches.
Richard W., Davis, CA
Mont St. Michael”s was visually awesome and I really enjoyed Saint-Malo. But also enjoyed the road (chalk) arrows. Great idea! So much easier than the sheets of paper.
Karen F., Davis, CA
Great trip. Good team leaders, good route, food and wine were good.
Bill D., Austin, TX
It was a beautiful route and interesting towns. Lots of favorite spots. Very fond of ExperiencePlus! and the crew and the great trips.
Ken C., Fredericksburg, TX
LOVE THE ARROWS!
Lizz V., Sunnyvale, CA
Great combination of excellent biking, scenic and varied countryside and history.
Marc R., Seattle, WA – August 2018
A great adventure. The balance between bike riding, eating, drinking, meeting new friends and learning about the history of the area was perfect. The difficulty of the rides was a bit over my head, but it didn”t distract from my enjoying the full experience. Great way to see France.
Marianne W., South Strafford, VT – August 2018
We really enjoyed the trip, learned a lot about the region and were once again very satisfied with Experience Plus.
Keneva K., Kopavogur, Iceland – August 2018
Great riding in rolling countryside, interesting places to visit along the way.
Richard R., Charles Town, WV – August 2018
Great riding on quiet roads, good introduction to culture of the area (good cultural experiences provided), historical insights on both Brittany and Normandy, wonderful exposure to ancient towns, good food, good company, really good wine. Keep up the great work ! Love those arrows!
Jill W., Rochester, MN – August 2018
Beautiful scenery and great routes on many small roads. Plus the food for the most part was outstanding.
Dedrick B., Atlanta, GA – June 2019
Great scenery, wonderful biking, great food. A wonderful trip. I really loved Saint Malo and Dinan. But I was blown away by Bayeux and the tapestry. A true highlight for me.
Danielle R., Philadelphia, PA – June 2019
A wonderful mixture of lovely French countryside roads, history and culture.
Diane C., Gabriola, BC, Canada – August 2019
Beautiful coastal riding including outstanding historical locations, Mt St Michel, and crepes!!!
Sari R., Glastonbury, CT – August 2019
It is a comprehensive tour of both regions, which are gorgeous as well as historic. And of course the food is superb!
Nancy S., West Newton, MA – August 2019
Great scenery, D-day beaches and memorials were moving. Tapestry’s were incredible.
Rich V., Lincoln, MA – August 2019
Wonderful scenery on back roads with very little traffic. Lots of history, especially the D Day beaches and the Bayeux tapestry.
Marie K., Lincoln, MA – August 2019
A wonderful mixture of lovely French countryside roads, history and culture.
Diane C., Gabriola, BC, Canada – August 2019
Beautiful coastal riding including outstanding historical locations, Mt St Michel, and crepes!!!
Sari R., Glastonbury, CT – August 2019
It is a comprehensive tour of both regions, which are gorgeous as well as historic. And of course the food is superb!
Nancy S., West Newton, MA – August 2019
Great scenery, D-day beaches and memorials were moving. Tapestry’s were incredible.
Rich V., Lincoln, MA – August 2019
Wonderful scenery on back roads with very little traffic. Lots of history, especially the D Day beaches and the Bayeux tapestry.
Marie K., Lincoln, MA – August 2019
A beautiful ride through pastures and green tree tunnels in northern France. The cultural significance of the area in European history is substantial, and visiting the D-Day sites by bike is the perfect mode of transportation.
Kevin M., Salt Lake City, UT – June 2021
We learned so much about Brittany, history and current proud status of its people. The daily rides were each a bit different and we really felt we saw this part of France.
