Brittany & Normandy Family Biking
Tranquil Farmland & Historic Coast
Behind northwestern France’s understated beauty lie innumerable stories from its historic past. Ancient monasteries and wartime battlefields are all visual testaments to the many chapters that make up the fascinating history of Brittany and Normandy - and are just some of the reasons why these two destinations are so perfect for families. Join us for a pedal across this timeless landscape, with its dramatic windswept coastline, undulating pastureland, sleepy rural villages and sun-splashed orchards. Explore colorful towns and vibrant marketplaces, visit stunning Mont-St-Michel, and pay homage to heroism at inspiring World War II memorials. Adults will delight in the region’s penchant for luxury with its decadent cuisine and elegant inns. And for kids, a visit here is a history lesson come to life, a unique experience that simply can’t be duplicated. in any classroom.
- A journey through two of France's most intriguing regions
- Bike rolling country roads along must-see beaches
- Kids get a hands-on lesson in the art of glass blowing
- A private tour of the American Military Cemetery with a 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 
Enjoy lunch in a lovely setting in the town of Balleroy (once known for its hot-air balloon events) and then bike to the site of a working water mill Pedal through hedgerow-lined fields, farms and forests A ride along the coast provides breathtaking views of historic beaches and rugged shoreline Kids visit a local stable to participate in Normandy's popular pastime - horseback riding Visit D-Day landmarks and memorials such as Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and Pointe du Hoc for insight into World War II.
Day 3 Audrieu
In medieval Bayeux, view the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long embroidered "storybook" that depicts the Norman invasion of England Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, where the tapestry was first hung in 1077 Kids are in store for a fun afternoon of kart sailing on the beach (weather permitting) Savor the perfect Breton crêpe.
Days 4-6 Cancale
Rise with the sun for an early-morning exploration of Mont-St-Michel Guests of all ages will marvel at this fairy-tale-like island monastery and cathedral, built out of the rocks and towering above the tides of the bay Inhale the bracing salt air as you pedal the rolling terrain of the Côte d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast) to Cancale Picnic at an 18th century farm house and cider museum Enjoy the quintessential Breton town of Dinard Kids try their hand at the art of glass blowing.
- 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 Biking Alsace/Black Forest BikingOther France Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
It's the unexpected, the shared moving moment, the "you had to be there" story that makes a Backroads family vacation such an unforgettable experience. The fabulous locations, well-planned routes and superb guides don't hurt - but you'll go home remembering the time we all played foosball soaking wet.- United Parenting Publications All Guest Reviews
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Brittany & Normandy Family Biking
THE GOOD LIFE: Premiere Inns
La Cheneviere
Port-en-Bessin (2 nights) Classically elegant, this four-star Normandy château, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is in a tranquil setting close to the beaches of Normandy.
Chateau d'Audrieu
Audrieu (1 night) Set amid exquisite gardens and parkland, this 18th-century estate, a Relais & Châteaux member, is enhanced by period furnishings and Michelin-starred cuisine.
Le Grand Hotel Barriere
Dinard (2 nights) With warm, inviting décor and mesmerizing coastal views, this hotel pampers guests with a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Turkish baths and a casino.
Brittany & Normandy Family 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 1 Route Option Available
- 18 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 36, 46 miles
- 200 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 27, 43 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 28, 34 miles
- 300 - 400 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 14, 24, 39 miles
- 800 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 11 miles
On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.