Luxury Brittany & Normandy Bike 6D5N (D-Day Landmarks & Mont-St-Michel), Fully Guided

Level 2, Approx. 37 km (23 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 250 m (800 ft)

This morning, you will meet up with your trip leaders by 11 am at the St-Malo train station in St-Malo, France. Please arrive dressed in your biking attire and Come along with your luggage, rain gear, and anything you will need for this trip in your daypack (All luggage will be transferred to our first night’s accommodation)

After meeting with your trip leaders, we will shuttle on from here as we hit our first milestone. We arrive at the mediaeval town of Dinan radiantly nestled on the banks of the Rance River. Revel in the unique houses styled in half-timber and 13th-century cobblestone. We will convene here for lunch as you try out local specialties made from fresh, organic scented ingredients. Get ready to hop on your bike as your trip leaders have your bike fitted while giving you a brief talk on safety and techniques.

Your adventure starts here as we set out on two wheels for your enchanting adventure in Brittany. We will follow a very exciting biking route through the Rance estuary. Take in every unfolding scenery with every metre covered on your bike through the twist and turns of the Rance estuary amid ravishing riverbanks and small ports.

Feel a surge of an enigma as you marvel at legendary Breton architectures, high, wide, and shallow structures that feature thick masonry walls in mostly white and cream render. Continue on two wheels as you bike through a hilly route; notice how the winds roughly glide beside your ears as you descend this gentle hill. We’re headed to the elegant seaside town of Dinard, a favourite resort among Parisians and Tourists alike laced with fascinating villas and picturesque sandy beaches.

Feast your eyes on the local casinos as they evoke fascinating memories of the town’s belle and epoque period that featured the building of fabulous villas by wealthy Parisians.

Take a final ride for the day back to the 5-star luxury Grand Hôtel Barrière, located in Dinard. This premier hotel boasts of astounding elegant quarters amidst an overlooking sea view. Spend time unwinding at the indoor pool or enjoy a drink on the terrace before indulging in a refreshing dinner at the Le bleu restaurant of delicious classic French cuisine.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 16 km ( 10 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 92 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 50 km (29 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 275 m (900 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 60 km (38 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 81 km (50 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 520 m (1700 ft)

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at your luxury accommodation before hitting the ferry with your bike for a quick cross to St-Malo, an old city surrounded by high granite walls as means of fortification. This iconic city once served as a stronghold for Corsairs (Pirates who had the king's approval). Get on your bike as we journey along the pristine boundless fields littered with heather as you bike through breezy headlands.

As you continue on your bike halfway between St-Malo and Dinan, we will take a turn south where you will be met by the welcoming presence of St-Suliac, a fishing port overlooking the turquoise waters of La Rance estuary and one of Les Plus Beaux (most beautiful) villages in France. After, we head to our lunch spot for a refuel before continuing. When you’re done with your delectable lunch, you can hop on your bike or catch a shuttle to Cancale, an old-fashioned fishing village with a jetty-lined port and rhythmic tides that grace the port. This village is known to be the oyster capital of Brittany.

Get to try out a taste of the town’s staple. With fresh oysters and shellfish brought from the market at the riverfront. Feed your palates as you slurp these tasty mollusks prepared simply with organic ingredients and a wedge of lemon. This cuisine becomes even more satisfying as you enjoy a raunchy view of Mont-St-Michel situated in the middle of the bay. We set out again on this route and ride across the captivating coastal areas as we bike a little towards Mont-St-Michel, a fascinating tidal island and commune in Normandy.

Take in the alluring scenery of the Emerald Coast as you explore an exceptional vantage point overlooking the stunning coast before catching a final ferry for the day across the La Rance estuary to your accommodation in Dinard.

Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Where you are treated to a typical French dining specialty with options spanning a regionally-inspired seafood menu.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 50 km (31 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 60 km (37 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

Today starts with a ferry ride to Mont-St-Michel Monastery, one of the three main pilgrimage sites in Europe that have attracted the Christian faithful worldwide. We will arrive early at this world heritage site as you feed your senses to the powers of this revered grounds.

Shuttling from Mont-St-Michel, we will head to the Norman countryside as you relish the uniqueness of culture through every bend. Sight rambling scenery of captivating villages and inland towns. Explore the historical merits of this location as you enjoy views of rugged landscapes, authentic, lively markets and shops along the island routes.

Treat yourself to a refreshing taste of typical French specialties topped with Camembert and Pont I’Evêque cheese wheels. When you’re done, hop on your bike as we set off with sights of green rolling hills spewing raw vistas in view. Our destination this time is Bayeux, a town on the Aure River in the Normandy

A visit to the mediaeval coast promises historical structures, half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and the iconic Norman-Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame dating back to 1077. Spend some time exploring the famed 68-metre Tapisserie de Bayeux, an 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion of England led by William the conqueror. Take a memorable stroll through the long tapestry while feasting your eyes on the stunning detail and colour on display.

When you’re ready, we will take a short stroll arriving at Villa Lara, an opulent boutique hotel situated at the very heart of the Bayeux mediaeval centre overlooking the cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Villa Lara’s luxury amenities from unwinding in its elegant lounge to a refreshing dip in the pool. Or spend some quality time exploring Bayeux town if you wish. As the evening draws near, the towns’ restaurants are always available to serve you the best dishes for dinner. A glass or two of Calvados should draw the curtain for a perfect night.

Level 2, Approx. 31 km (19 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 335 m (200 ft)

As we set off for today’s epic adventure, it is only normal if you’re awed by the historic events that have unfolded on this route over the years. Enjoy the charming backdrop view of lush pastures, stony cliffs, almost noiseless villages, and rambling beaches as we head to Bessin for our ride today.

You will be accompanied by a local historian as we pay a memorable visit to Omaha beach, an iconic landmark with cascades of historical archives grossly plastered on its grounds. It may be saddening to know that over 3000 American troops were either killed or wounded in an attempt to reach the shores. The brutal history is what has earned this dreadful site its nickname, Bloody Omaha.

Be amazed by the perfectly lined 9,387 white marble markers in a row located just high above the beach on the American military cemetery at Colleville-Sur-Mer.

Look at the Displays markers arranged in a series of columns that account for the landings on D-Day. To further complement this dreadful event are the names of 1,557 soldiers inscribed on a wall at the back of the memorial. The list shows the names of soldiers whose remains were never accounted for. After sulking in all the grim memories, hop on your bike as we pedal through the lush countryside along the rambling beaches. We’re headed to our lunch spot this afternoon.

Once you’re done with lunch, we visit the war-torn bunkers of the German stronghold, Pointe du Hoc.

Get back on the biking route as you sight views of green rolling hills on your way back to your elegant accommodation in Bayeux in time for dinner featuring exquisite gourmet dishes.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 31 km (19 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 182 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 44 km (27 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 58 km (36 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 84 km (52 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 579 m (1900 ft)

This morning paves the way for a more exciting exploration as we set off to Arromanches through the original German batteries at the Longues-sur-Mer. As we calmly process to the end of this route, it’s all downhill on a calm and quiet countryside road as we make our way to seaside Arromanches and Gold beach. Get ready to explore and learn about the historical D-Day event.

While at this location, gaze at the remains of Mulberry Harbor, a short-lived port constructed just after the D-Day invasion. Next, we forge ahead on two wheels to Courseulles-sur-Mer, a commune in Normandy's Calvados department, where you’ll enjoy lunch on your own.

Take a relaxing time off with a meal from the local fare, and while this lasts, there's still ample time left to visit Juno Beach, one of five beaches of the Allied invasion where the Canadian troops landed. We continue on a bike ride taking a graceful route amidst stately castles and grand manors. We are led to Pegasus Bridge, a historical landmark that holds one of the triumphs of the British troops on D-Day.

You’ll stay at the elegant Grand Hôtel Cabourg. An ultra-chic hotel nestled close to the beach along the English channel and is just 2 km away from Dives river and Église Notre Dame. Bask in the surreal scenery of the seas overlooking this fascinating accommodation, or take some time for yourself in their luxury spa.

Tonight, we convene for a toast to our successful expedition beofre a fine dining affair at the hotel’s waterfront restaurant.

Level 1, Approx. 27 km (17 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)

Savour a delightful breakfast before a final exploration of the town on a scenic route. Explore inland as you find enchanting villages or take your time on this final stroll while grabbing café au lait. Don’t forget to complement this drink with some tasty pain au chocolat before returning to Cabourg, through a stress-free rural route.

There’s still enough time to freshen up at the hotel before your shuttle to a train station in Caen, where your trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.