Brittany & Normandy Biking
Tranquil Farmland & Historic Coast
On a windswept plateau above France's northwest coast, prepare yourself for more than the sound of the crashing surf below. Memories of battles waged long ago remain as powerful as the breathtaking views. This Backroads journey combines exhilarating bike rides through undulating pastureland and along picturesque coastline with moments of reflection at historic landmarks. Medieval fortresses and towns spirit you back to the days of William the Conqueror, while bunkers and gun posts at Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc offer a glimpse of Normandy's more recent past. At day's end, savor the local flavors of Camembert, seafood crêpes and locally brewed cider, and relax in the region's most elegant accommodations.
Trip Planning Links
- A journey through two of France's most intriguing regions
- Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
- World War II battle sights and memorials
- A private tour of the American Military Cemetery with local historian
- The magical island monastery and cathedral of Mont-St-Michel
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 port-en-bessin
Meet in Caen 
Warm up with a spin through the gently cultivated département of Calvados in Normandy Sample Kir Normand, an authentic aperitif Rugged cliffs and historic beaches provide the backdrop for the next day's ride down the coast Tour Omaha Beach with a local historian and guide, visit the American Military Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer and walk amid the shattered bunkers of the old German stronghold, Pointe du Hoc.
Day 3 audrieu
Continue pedaling along the dramatic windswept coastline Explore Arromanches and the remains of one of the artificial ports constructed to aid in the D-Day Invasion In the beautifully preserved town of Bayeux, view the exquisite 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry The impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux is worth a visit.
Days 4-6 cancale
Climb the narrow walkway to the majestic island monastery of Mont-St-Michel and roam within the hallowed walls of the iconic pilgrimage site Follow a challenging route past enchanting fishing villages and impressive sandstone cliffs along the Emerald Coast of Brittany A stop in a Breton crêperie is a must Visit Dinan, a walled medieval port town perched above the Rance River.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Loire Valley Biking Dordogne/Bordeaux Biking Provence BikingOther France Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The itinerary was awesome and so meaningful and touching with all that we saw of the Normandy Invasion....It made history come alive for us, even though it was at times heart wrenching to think about all that happened there. The local guides were EXCELLENT! We wish we could have had more time with Andre Heinz! The Bayeaux Tapestry was another highlight!!!! Mont-St-Michel was awesome to see....Our family all had such a great time and can't wait to go on another Backroads trip.- Brawley, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Brittany & Normandy tour experts. For biking tours in Europe France, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Europe France biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe France walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe France multisport tours click here.
Brittany & Normandy Biking
CHATEAUX INDULGENCES: Premiere Inns
La Cheneviere
Port-en-Bessin (2 nights) Classically elegant, this four-star château, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, lies in a tranquil setting close to the beaches of Normandy.
Chateau d'Audrieu
Audrieu (1 night) Set amid exquisite gardens and parkland, this grand 18th-century estate, a Relais & Châteaux member, is enhanced by Michelin-starred cuisine, period furnishings and an outdoor pool.
Chateau Richeux
Cancale (2 nights) Quiet elegance reigns at this lovely Relais & Châteaux hotel, a historic 1920s stone mansion with gardens, an orchard and breathtaking views of the Bay of Mont-St-Michel.
Brittany & Normandy Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 6, 18 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 30, 44 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 26, 45 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 29, 47 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 13, 18, 58 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 13 miles