Cycle through the heart of Brittany and Normandy, where storybook villages, sweeping coastal views, world-class seafood, and historic treasures like Mont St-Michel and the D-Day beaches come together for an unforgettable taste of northwestern France.
Start - End: St-Malo - Bayeux
Total trip: 8 days
Average group size: 12 people
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Emotions run high on this spectacular visit to Brittany and Normandy. Our easy-going route leads to a string of seaside ports and resorts, rich with mariners' tales and world-famous local seafood. Take time to wander through picturesque traditional villages, enjoy sweeping coastal views, and have fun on the beach. Visit historic gems like the storybook island abbey of Mont St-Michel — only accessible by land when the tide goes out — the D-Day beaches, and other war memorials. This region offers a rare look at traditional France, in early times, during WWII and today. Don't miss it!
Famous sights, renowned resorts and peaceful rural routes blend together here for some of the best cycling in all of France. Ride along the rugged shores of Brittany and along the gently rolling Normandy coast to sleepy fishing harbors, sandy beach resorts and D-Day sites. Learn (and taste) the difference between the various choices and sizes of oysters. This is northwestern France in all its glory.
Surfaces for this tour: 98% Paved and 2% Gravel.
We'll meet and spend the afternoon exploring St-Malo’s ramparts and castle. If time permits, head over to glamorous Dinard, with its beach, promenade, and casino. Tonight, join your guides and fellow travelers for a grand welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Saint Malo front de Mer, St Malo
Meals: Dinner
Walking tour: 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8 kilometers)
Today's glorious ride follows the coast past rocky promontories and sandy beaches, with views that go on forever. You get to stop to taste the sweet oysters farmed off the shores of Cancale, and visit the home of French explorer Jacques Cartier — one of the first European explorers in Canada. Head back to St-Malo for dinner on your own, and a walk around town if you’re up for exploring more.
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure Saint Malo front de Mer, St Malo
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 21.8 miles (35.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,130 feet (344 meters) ascent, 1,129 feet (344 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat, with some moderate hills each day
Transfer to Dol de Bretagne and visit its historic cathedral before cycling to the base of the incredible village of Mont St-Michel. What a thrill to see the island grow larger as you cycle toward it, until finally it towers above you. Take a break from your exhilarating ride and enjoy a fresh picnic together. Walk up to tour the abbey at the top of Mont St-Michel, then transfer by van into Normandy and your hotel in the picturesque harbor town, St-Vaast. Indulge in a delicious meal at France et Fuchsia before retiring to your room for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel France et Fuchsia, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 22.8 miles (36.7 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 673 feet (205 meters) ascent, 838 feet (255 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat, with some moderate hills each day
Today's loop takes you to Barfleur, a charming fishing port with granite houses dating back to the 17th century. Earn some great views by climbing 233 feet to the top of the lighthouse at Pointe de Barfleur, it's one of the tallest in France. Make your way back to St-Vaast on a spectacular route through rolling woodlands and pastures. Spend the evening strolling around St-Vaast and dining at one of the many amazing restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel France et Fuchsia, Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: 28.1 miles (45.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 952 feet (290 meters) ascent, 953 feet (290 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat, with some moderate hills each day
Fuel up with a warm breakfast before saddling up for another breathtaking ride. Visit the seaside resort at Quinéville en route to WWII sights at Ste-Mère Église and Utah Beach. There's ample time to visit memorials, museums and D-Day beaches before heading to Sully, the chateau district of neighboring Bayeux. Stay three nights in an elegant chateau turned into a 4-star hotel.
Accommodation: Château de Sully, Sully
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Biking: 31.2 miles (50.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 957 feet (292 meters) ascent, 955 feet (291 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat, with some moderate hills each day
A short transfer takes you from Bayeux to La Cambe, where you begin your ride. Today's loop stops at the military cemetery at Omaha Beach and the German military battery at Pointe du Hoc. Stop for a delicious meal at Omaha Beach before finishing the rest of your beautiful ride. End the day visiting Notre-Dame de Bayeux, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is at the heart of the old town's conservation area. Tonight, stroll in the lovely old town of Bayeux, with its half-timber houses and fine shops before investigating some of this town’s amazing restaurants for dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Château de Sully, Sully
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Biking: 29.7 miles (47.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,138 feet (347 meters) ascent, 1,126 feet (343 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat, with some moderate hills each day
Get ready for a day of rich history as you head out for a loop ride to nearby WWII sights and experience a 360-degree war documentary. The route includes Gold Beach, the "artificial invasion harbor" at Arromanches, and the German observation post at Longues sur Mer. Later, spend more time in Bayeux and visit the many interesting shops and museums. Enjoy a marvelous farewell dinner, indulging in the region's fine “surf & turf” specialties.
Accommodation: Château de Sully, Sully
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Biking: 26.4 miles (42.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,260 feet (384 meters) ascent, 1,260 feet (384 meters) descent
Terrain: Mostly flat, with some moderate hills each day
After breakfast, be dropped at the Bayeux train station for early departure, or continue with the group to visit the Caen Peace Museum and be dropped at the train station in Caen by noon.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Inns
Château de Sully
Step back in time as you enter the gates of this historic French chateau. The beautiful gardens and classic architecture are a perfect complement to the luxurious and relaxing rooms overlooking the beautiful property. Soak in the Jacuzzi, pamper yourself with a massage, indulge in some of the exquisite cuisine, or enjoy one of the many other amenities that Chateau de Sully offers.
Hôtel de France et des Fuchsias
Located in the center of a small fishing port, Hotel France et Fuschsia is a delightful hotel surrounded by the lush Normandy countryside. The local oysters are reputed to be some of the finest in France, and the sheltered location encourages almost tropical vegetation. The hotel has a friendly owner, charming bedrooms, a garden terrace, plenty of attractions, and nearby sightseeing.
Hotel Mercure Saint-Malo Front de Mer
Wake up to sweeping views of the sea at this waterfront hotel along Saint-Malo’s iconic promenade. You’ll enjoy fresh ocean air, modern comforts, and easy access to the historic old town. After cycling Brittany’s scenic shores, you'll enjoy a relaxing coastal stay.
From where the trip starts to what to pack, check out our Frequently Asked Questions about this tour.
On the first day of the tour please meet in the lobby of the Hotel Mercure Saint Malo front de Mer at 2pm. You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at any hotel in Saint Malo, though you must make your own way to the pick-up point at the pre-designated time.
Your tour ends with a drop-off at the Bayeux Train Station at 9am.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Paris the day before the tour starts, to allow time to train to Saint Malo. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your tour start.
Departure: Departing on the last day of the tour, we recommend departing from Bayeux after 10am. Earlier departure times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
You are allowed one piece of luggage on your tour, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You may also like to bring along a small camelbak to carry your water in and a layer of clothing for when you're on the bike trail.
You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this tour. By far the best way to get in shape for riding a bicycle is by riding a bicycle! Build up gradually by riding more each time and be regular in your schedule. Practice using the low (easiest pedalling) gears on your bicycle and keep your legs moving quickly (a pace of 70-90 rpm is recommended). This is called “spinning,” and it takes much of the pressure off your knees, while still being the best exercise for conditioning and strengthening. Stationary bikes, rowing machines, NordicTrack-type exercisers, aerobics, and jogging are all excellent ways to get in condition as well. And don’t forget to stretch before and after your workouts.
Limited time offer: Book with flexible dates and save 10% on your trip. Use code: FLEX10 Learn more
