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 sea fare 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 tour provides a relatively easy cycling, with level and lightly rolling coastal roads. You can visit the Bayeux tapestry, D-day beaches, and the coastal castle village of Mont St. Michel with a walk across the sand flats. Tour starts: Rennes, hour by train from Paris. Tour finish: Caen, hour by train from Paris. Route Notes: Easy to Moderate cycling approx 25-90 km a day with longer options available.
Sept 9 - 15 2009. New Dates can be added or start a group. Call to request a 2010 date. Custom groups and self guided departures available any time.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Rendezvous in Rennes 1500. 1 hour transfer to Dinan to meet your companions (guided trips) and bicycles. Bicycle adjustment and preparation. Introductory dinner on guided tour only. Lodging: L'Hotel d'Avaugour, Dinan.
Day 2: 82km. Loop from Dinan including central Brittany, the forests of Dom de st Aubin-la Hunaudaye and the lakes of Jugon. We will have time to explore this interesting little town and its medieval architecture. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch included on guided tours. Lodging: Same as last night.
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 ride takes you along the Emerald Coast and scenic cliffs of northern Brittany, where the oysters are world famous and the views over Bay Mont St Michel outstanding. Breakfast Included. Dinner at les Maisons de Bricourt in Cancale, famous for the oysters grown there on guided tours only. Lodging: Les Maisons Bricourt, Cancale.
Day 4: 36 km. Ride along the coast to Mont St Michel, or a wonderful alternative - walking across the sands if the tide is at the right level (low!). The abbey at the centre of the town of Mont St.Michel was built in the 8th century, and stands 150m. ASL. 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 our guides. In the afternoon, we will transfer into Normandy and the town of Villedieu-les-Poeles, where the copper works can be seen if time allows. Breakfast included. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Le Fruitier or Hotel St-Pierre & St. Michael, Villedieu-les-poeles.
Day 5: 90km (van support available). Ride from Villedieu to Bayeux along quiet, hedgerow-lined roads of Normandy countryside. Visit Chateaux 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. Breakfast Included. Picnic lunch included on guided trips. Lodging: Chateau de Sully, Bayeux or Château d’Audrieu, Bayeux.
Day 6: 70km. Loop ride through dairy farm country and along the coast of Normandy for a guided visit to WWII landing beaches and cemeteries. Breakfast included. Dinner at your chateau included on guided trips. Lodging: Same as last night.
Day 7: Morning visit to Bayeux Cathedral and Tapestry Museum. The tapestry records events of 1066 and William the Conqueror’s invasion of England. Transfer to Caen for a farewell lunch (guided tour only). Breakfast included. Lunch included on guided trips.
Testimonials:
"We still talk about some of the lovely little places we’ve stayed on your trips.:
(J&J Schulman)
"...just great!! The route was fantastic; every day something different...accommodations were superb."
(Southcott family, NY)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 3795 (US$ 3455) pp. dbl. (7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 3 lunches. Guide and van support. Route notes and maps. Luggage handling. Taxes. Light snacks usually available from the support vehicle)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 3195 (US$ 2895) pp. dbl. (7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts. Route notes and maps. Luggage handling. Taxes)
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid - $195; racing - $275
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Military History
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
