France: Biking Brittany and Normandy
7 days. Moderately easy cycling on level and lightly rolling coastal roads. Visit the Bayeux tapestry, D-day beaches, and the coastal castle village of Mont St. Michel with a walk across the sand flats.
Gliding along quiet, hedgerow-lined roads of Normandy and along the emerald coastline of Brittany, this memorable ride 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.
The Plan:
Day 1:
Rendezvous in Rennes at 15:00 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).
L'Hotel d'Avaugour, Dinan, www.avaugourhotel.com
Day 2: 82km
A pleasant loop ride from Dinan through central Brittany, including the forests of Dom de st Aubin-la Hunaudaye and the lakes of Jugon. You will have time to explore interesting little towns full of the medieval architecture that gives the area some of its unique character. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: 63-83km
Ride from Dinan to Cancale via La Rance river valley northward to St Malo and the Pointe des Grands Nez (the big noses point). This 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 Bricourt, Cancale, www.maisons-de-bricourt.com
Day 4: 36 km
Follow the coast and ride across 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 cyclists, 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, transfer into Normandy and the town of Villedieu-les-Poeles, where the copper works can be seen. BD
Le Fruitier, Villedieu-les-Poeles, www.le-fruitier.com
Day 5: 90km
Ride from Villedieu to Bayeux along quiet, hedgerow-lined roads of Normandy countryside. Visit Chateau de Balleroy and the incredible Abbey of Cerisy. Bayeux was the first town liberated by the allies after World War Two. Finish riding in the nearby village of Sully, where your opulent chateau awaits your arrival. BL
Château de Sully, Bayeux, www.chateau-de-sully.com; or
Château d’Audrieu, Bayeux, www.chateaudaudrieu.com
Day 6: 70km
A loop ride through farm country that produces Normandy’s world-famous dairy products, and along the coast of Normandy, including a visit to 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. BD
Same lodging
Day 7:
Morning visit to Bayeux Cathedral and Tapestry Museum. The tapestry records events of 1066 and William the Conqueror’s invasion of England – another of history’s pivotal moments. Finish after lunch with a short transfer to Caen. Frequent trains are available to Paris. BL
The Details:
| Start: | Rennes Train Terminal, 15:00 day one (2 hours by train from Paris). |
| Finish: | Caen Train Terminal, 15:00 day seven (2 hours by train from Paris). |
| Guided Cost: | $3795 per person (7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners, guide and van support, route notes and maps, luggage handling, taxes) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2995 per person (7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, route notes and maps, luggage handling, taxes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $940 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $195; Racing: $275 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 27-Jul 3. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are May to October, excluding July and August. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
