Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy

Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy

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7 Days From

$3300

Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy

7 Days Starting in Rennes and ending in Cabourg

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MBN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Leisurely

Age range:

16-99

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Beach Tours, History

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $3300

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

With D-Day beaches, the floating abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, and a coastal-countryside terrain, the neighbouring regions of Brittany and Normandy are seemingly tailormade for a culture-filled cycling adventure. This easy-going route tracks the essential stops in northern France, encompassing medieval villages and pretty port towns, moving Second World War history, and a host of standout landmarks, including the 12th-century seaside fortifications of Saint-Malo.

Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here.

Highlights

  • Tour the 12th-century seaside fortifications in Saint-Malo

  • Enjoy oyster tasting in Cancale, a renowned destination for shellfish

  • Relive the D-Day Landings with a visit to Omaha Beach

  • Visit the floating abbey on Mont Saint-Michel island

  • Take in the poignant Normandy American Cemetery

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start In Rennes; Welcome Dinner Of Breton Favourites

Meals Included: Dinner

The adventure starts in Rennes, the beautiful capital of Brittany. If you have time, make sure to explore the old town, home to pretty half-timbered houses from the 15th century and the 17th-century Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.



Our hotel rooms are available from 3pm and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening, where we meet each other for the first time. The day ends with a group dinner of Breton specialities: crêpes and cider.



We stay overnight in Rennes.

Day 2 : Cycle From St Germain To Dinan; Shellfish-Tasting Session In The Evening

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Rennes, we transfer to the town of St Germain to pick up our bikes. We then descend to the first lock of the Ille et Rance canal to begin cycling along the towpath, taking the flat route through an otherwise hilly landscape.



Our ride takes us through villages and towns, including peaceful Léhon where we visit the ancient abbey, and past a series of 11 flower-decorated locks. These villages, along with their unique characteristics and attractions, provide a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of northern France. We end at the medieval port town of Dinan, where we enjoy a shellfish-tasting session at the port with a local supplier.



We stay overnight in Dinan.

Day 3 : Ride From Dinan To Dinard, Shuttle Boat To Saint-Malo; City Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We enjoy a little walk around Dinan this morning. Nestled along the River Rance, Dinan features well-preserved medieval architecture, including ramparts, half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, plus a delightful blend of art galleries, boutiques and cafes.



We then collect our bikes and set off, following the River Rance estuary, a greenery-lined waterway, towards the coast. On our gentle cycle, we can admire the boats sailing along the river and the tranquillity of the landscape. We pass granite cliffs and sandy beaches punctuated by traditional fishing ports and villages, before arriving in the pretty seaside town of Dinard. Here we catch the shuttle boat across the Rance estuary to Saint-Malo.



We then have time for a guided tour of this spectacular historic port city, taking in the expansive 12th-century fortified ramparts and a statue of local maritime explorer Jacques Cartier.



Overnight in Saint-Malo.

Day 4 : Explore The Emerald Coast; Oyster Tasting In Cancale; End In Mont Saint-Michel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We begin with a short transfer, before hopping on our bikes for a day exploring the best of the Emerald Coast – a beautiful mix of classic European shorelines and Breton countryside.



Along the way, we stop for a seaside picnic and to visit the harbour town of Cancale, where shellfish has been a delicacy since the Roman age. We take the opportunity to try some oysters .



After Cancale, it’s an easy, flat ride. We pass Mont-Dol, a 215ft (65m) high rock in the middle of the marshes where, legend has it, Saint Michael met the devil. We finish in Mont Saint-Michel, where a Unesco-listed island is crowned by a magnificent Benedictine abbey, which appears to float when the highest tides surround the island with seawater.



Overnight in Pontorson, near Mont Saint-Michel.

Day 5 : Visit Bayeux; Cycle To Omaha Beach And Tour The American Cemetery In Colleville-Sur-Mer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We leave Mont-Saint-Michel early, taking a minibus transfer to medieval Bayeux. There is time to see the architectural wonders of the town, including the 11th-century cathedral, narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.



It’s then back on the bikes as we cycle through the countryside to Omaha Beach, one of the five beaches on which Allied forces landed during the D-Day invasions of the Second World War. That is followed by a moving visit to the clifftop Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where more than 9,300 American soldiers were laid to rest. After, we head back to Bayeux .



Overnight in Bayeux.

Day 6 : Option To See Bayeux Tapestry; Cycle Through Norman Countryside And Villages; Finish In Cabourg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Before we get back on the bike, we have the option to visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a 230ft (70m) long embroidery depicting the Norman victory over Harold’s English army in 1066 (entrance fee not included).



We then cycle across the Normandy countryside to Longues-sur-Mer, where we can see an imposing German artillery battery from the Second World War, and Arromanches, where we see the remains of an artificial port commissioned by Winston Churchill.



We then take small country roads through typical Norman villages to the pretty port town of Courseulles-sur-Mer. In the late afternoon, we have a 20-minute transfer to Cabourg, home to the longest beach in Europe, where we enjoy our final dinner as a group.



Overnight in Cabourg.

Day 7 : End In Cabourg

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our cycling adventure across northern France ends after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time exploring this beautiful part of Europe, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • Meals
    6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

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.

Accommodation

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Prices last published on 18-Sep-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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