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. Cycling Brittany and Normandy is perfect for anyone who wants to...
cross a drawbridge and emerge from a dungeon,
imbibe local calvados, chouchenn and pommeau,
traverse a bridge to the world's most famous tidal island fortress, Mont-Saint-Michel
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
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
Keep in Mind: 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.
Includes
7 days, 6 nights' accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; guided visits Dinan and Mont Saint-Michel and its abbey; 2 or 3 bilingual tour leaders; oyster tasting; van support
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
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.
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)
Taxi from Saint-Malo Train Station to Day 1 Hotel. (5-10 min/EUR 10) or walk along a main avenue with a bit of traffic but with a good sidewalk. 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.
Day 7: Departure Information
Guided visit Mont Saint-Michel
Your tour ends around 11:30am after guided tour of Mont Saint-Michel and its abbey
We recommend flying out of Paris de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
The closest airport to the tour end is Rennes (RNS), 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 Pontorson train station. (15 min/EUR 15)
OR Keolis shuttle bus from the Ending Hotel to the Pontorson train station. Bus stop is about 300 m from the hotel. (20 min/EUR 3)
Train from Pontorson to Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. (5 -7 hours/fares vary)
Keep in Mind
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.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Check the online itinerary of your trip and review the arrival and departure information under the "Travel Information" tab to see meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition, Spotlight and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your Getting To and Away information and one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
Cycling Corsica Plus! Beaches and Bonifacio
Cycling the Dordogne Plus! the Vineyards of Bordeaux
Cycling Champagne and Burgundy
