Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy

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Description

Summary

Starts
Rennes
Duration
7 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating seven-day cycling tour across the picturesque landscapes of Northern France. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, taking you through charming towns, historic sites, and stunning coastlines. From the vibrant city of Rennes to the medieval port town of Dinan, the seaside town of Dinard, and the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, the rich heritage of the towns, and the mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.

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Included

All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners are included .

There is a wealth of local cuisine to explore too, including: agneau de pré sale, a salty lamb dish from Mont Saint-Michel; marmite dieppoise, a creamy seafood dish from Dieppe but served across northern France; and poulet au cidre, a creamy chicken dish made with local cider.

Vegetarians can be fairly easily accommodated in this area of France; however, vegans may find the variety of dishes available is rather limited.

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All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional excursions. Airport transfers and transfers during the week will be by private, air-conditioned minibus. There will be vehicle assistance available during the cycling in case of bike issues and luggage will be transferred between hotels.

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Each hotel has a unique character, with many close to historic town centres and local landmarks. The accommodations we usually use are listed below.

Rennes: Hotel le Nemours (night 1)

Immerse yourself in Rennes at Hotel le Nemours. Near the historic centre, this 41-room, nine-apartment hotel occupies a traditional townhouse and provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.

Dinan: Hotel du Château (night 2)

Experience the medieval beauty of Dinan with a stay at Hotel du Château, which is just a two-minute walk from the historic centre and pedestrian streets. Post-exploration, head to the bar-lounge for a nightcap and a chance to sample Breton aperitifs.

St Malo: Hotel de l’Univers or Hotel Maison des Amateurs  (night 3)

Discover the captivating coastal town of St Malo from the comfort of Hotel de l'Univers (above) or Hotel Maison des Amateurs. Both provide a delightful stay near the picturesque old town and beaches.

Pontorson, near Mont Saint-Michel: Hotel Victor Hugo (night 4)

Just 6mi (9.5km) from the Unesco-listed Mont St-Michel, Hotel Victor Hugo offers a tranquil retreat in the picturesque town of Pontorson. Here, 15 traditionally styled rooms occupy a 17th-century residence plus there's a bar and gardens should you wish to relax.

Bayeux: Hotel de Brunville & Spa (night 5)

Immerse yourself in stories of old with a stay in the heart of this historic town. It is the perfect base for exploring the rich heritage of the region while providing an opportunity to relax and unwind in the hotel spa, including an outdoor pool, hot tub and steam room.

Houlgate, near Cabourg: Hotel les Cabines (night 6)

In the scenic coastal town of Houlgate, which is 2.5mi (4km) from Cabourg, Hotel les Cabines offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere. It's just 330ft (100m) from the sea, taking over a 1900s building on the shopping street of Houlgate. There's also a French brasserie-styled bar and living room with a fireplace.

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We are accompanied by a local cycling guide for the duration of the adventure.

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Included activities

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Map

Attractions

Normandy American CemeteryNormandy American Cemetery
photo of Normandy German defense artillery guns in Longues-sur-Mer, France.Longues-sur-Mer battery
The cathedral Notre-Dame de Bayeux. Antique Norman-Romanesque cathedral is located in the Bayeux, Calvados department of Normandy, France.Bayeux Cathedral
Omaha Beach Golf, Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, Bayeux, Calvados, Normandy, Metropolitan France, FranceOmaha Beach Golf
Corbières Park
Saint-Malo Intra-Muros

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Rennes

  • Rennes - Arrival day
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  • Cathédrale Saint-Samson
  • Orangerie du Thabor
  • More

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Explore the charming old town with its 15th-century half-timbered houses and the magnificent 17th-century Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. In the evening, join a welcome briefing followed by a group dinner featuring local Breton specialties. Overnight stay in Rennes (or similar).

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Rennes to Dinan

  • Rennes
  • Dinan
  • More
  • Villa Les Roches Brunes
  • Le Train Marin
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Leave Rennes and head to the town of St Germain to start your cycling adventure. Ride along the serene Ille et Rance canal, passing through quaint villages and towns, including Léhon, where you'll visit the ancient abbey. End your day in the medieval port town of Dinan, where you'll enjoy a shellfish-tasting session. Overnight stay in Dinan (or similar).

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Dinan to Saint-Malo

  • Saint-Malo
  • Dinard
  • Dinan
  • More
  • Corbières Park
  • Saint-Malo Intra-Muros
  • More

Start your day with a leisurely walk around Dinan before setting off on your bike towards the coast. Follow the tranquil River Rance estuary, passing granite cliffs and sandy beaches, to reach the seaside town of Dinard. Take a shuttle boat across the estuary to Saint-Malo, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the historic port city. Overnight stay in Saint-Malo (or similar).

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Saint-Malo to Pontorson

  • Saint-Lunaire
  • More

Start your day with a short transfer before cycling along the stunning Emerald Coast. Stop for a seaside picnic and visit the harbor town of Cancale, famous for its oysters. Continue your ride to the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO-listed island crowned by a magnificent abbey. Overnight stay in Pontorson (or similar), near Mont Saint-Michel.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Pontorson to Bayeux

  • Bayeux
  • More
  • Normandy American Cemetery
  • Bayeux Cathedral
  • Omaha Beach Golf
  • More

Leave Mont-Saint-Michel early and head to the medieval town of Bayeux. Explore the architectural wonders of the town before cycling through the countryside to Omaha Beach, a significant site from the Second World War. Visit the moving Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer before returning to Bayeux. Overnight stay in Bayeux (or similar).

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Bayeux to Cabourg

  • Longues-sur-Mer
  • Bayeux
  • More
  • Longues-sur-Mer battery
  • Bayeux Cathedral
  • Parc Ornavik
  • Jetée de Courseulles Sur Mer
  • More

Start your day with an optional visit to the Bayeux Tapestry before cycling across the Normandy countryside. Visit Longues-sur-Mer, Arromanches, and Courseulles-sur-Mer, each with its unique historical significance. In the late afternoon, transfer to Cabourg, home to Europe's longest beach, for your final group dinner. Overnight stay in Cabourg (or similar).

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Departure

Day 7: Departure

Your memorable cycling adventure across northern France concludes after breakfast. If you wish to extend your stay and explore more of this beautiful region, please speak to your sales representative.

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