Custom Brittany & Normandy Self-Guided Bike Tour

Overview

This is the start of your adventure in Brittany and Normandy! Your host will meet you at Saint-Malo train station at 11:30 AM on the first day of the trip. After a 40-minute shuttle, you’ll arrive in Dinan, a fortified medieval village, with half-timbered houses, and cobbled streets set on a hill overlooking the Rance Valley. After a short round of introductions and the first of many delicious meals, your host will familiarize you with your Trek bike and ensure a perfect fit. You'll then be given specific cycling tips for riding in the region before you embark on the first meandering ride through this enchanting region, passing windmills and country homes as you follow the Rance river to the coast. You’ll ride to Dinard, a prestigious seaside resort with a charming architectural heritage that have inspired great artists like Picasso, Debussy, and Oscar Wilde. Tonight, we'll meet for drinks at the hotel before heading into town for dinner, toasting to a week of adventure ahead!

Overview

Wake up to freshly-baked pastries and a creamy café au lait that's so typically French. Today you’ll cycle to the city of Saint-Malo. Take the time to stroll along the ramparts which offer you great views that can change depending on the tides, the weather, and the light of the day. In the winding alleys within its walls, Saint-Malo tells the story of its glorious shipping past linked to the corsairs, the 17th-century privateers that served the king during this rich time of explorers and shipowners. This afternoon, choose to visit the WWII memorial or the Saint-Malo castle, or even both! You will then take the ferry back to Dinard on your own time. Tonight dinner is yours to discover in Dinard, where you can choose for yourself a truly French culinary experience to celebrate another special day in this charming region.

Overview

Today, you'll wind your way west toward the castle of Fort La Latte, also called the Castle of Roche Goyon, whose name comes from one of the oldest Breton families. After a few pedal strokes on the quiet countryside roads, your first stop will be at the peninsula of the Cap Fréhel which dominates the sea at over 230 feet (70 meters) high, offering one of the most beautiful views of Brittany. You will then have the opportunity to visit this impressive 14th century castle strategically built on a small piece of land that juts into the Bay of the Fresnaye. After lunch, your host will take you back to the hotel, where you can unwind and relax. Tonight, you are once again free to explore Dinard for dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants around town.

Overview

This morning you'll say goodbye to Brittany as you bike towards the unique and dramatic seascape of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. Cross to Saint-Malo by ferry and cycle to your first stop in the fishing village of Cancale, Brittany’s oyster capital, before making your way across the bay to Mont-Saint-Michel. This bay counts among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries, this island and its emblematic cathedral have been one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, and this holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to explore on your own, or choose to join a guided tour with a local historian (this requires booking in advance and is not included). Your Trek Travel host will then meet you to take you the rest of the way to your first Norman destination, your new home for the second part of the trip, the elegant Château La Chenevière. Take some time to acquaint yourself with the hotel’s exceptional gardens and tastefully decorated interiors. Then, enjoy dinner at the hotel, or take a taxi into the town of Port-au-Bessin or Bayeux to dine at one of the many restaurant options there.

Overview

Today will be among the most memorable history lessons of your life, as we meander along the coast focusing on the World War II sights. Start your morning in awe of the courageous sacrifice made by thousands of young soldiers and visit the rows upon rows of white crosses at the American war cemetery. You'll learn about the tragic events that took place at Omaha Beach, where more than 3,000 men were killed in a matter of hours. Through the stories and commentary told by our local WWII expert, you’ll learn first-hand about the amazing history of this important site. Post-lunch, you’ll make your way to La Pointe du Hoc, where large craters formed by the bombs during World War II and old bunkers are left intact. You will also visit the German Cemetery, which provides a dramatic and sombre contrast to the American Cemetery. Afterwards enjoy a scenic and rolling ride through the countryside or decide on a shuttle back to the hotel. This evening, you're free to explore your surroundings to find the perfect spot for dinner.

Overview

We'll continue our journey through D-Day history, this time focusing on Canada's significant role. Our knowledgeable local historian will meet you at the hotel, ready to guide you through another day of discovery. Begin your ride from the hotel passing the Longues sur Mer battery, a key German artillery position during the D-Day landings, towards Juno Beach, one of the main sites during the Normandy landings. You can choose to visit Juno Beach Centre and Canadian Underground Bunkers, where you'll learn about the 45,000 Canadians who served in World War II. You can then head to the nearby villages of Bernière and Saint Aubin, where La Chaudière Regiment landed, and discover the iconic “Canadian House,” the first French home liberated by Canadian troops. Finally, visit the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery, a moving site where over 2,000 Canadian soldiers are laid to rest. Your Trek Travel host will then bring you back to the hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s powerful experiences before heading out to dinner.

Overview

Following a delicious breakfast, you'll set out on another day of exploration in Normandy! Begin with a leisurely ride through the picturesque Normand countryside, and enjoy the quiet roads on your way to Bayeux to see the famed Bayeux Tapestry. Take your time to admire the remarkable 230-foot marvel that depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. Enjoy Bayeux over lunch, taking in the stunning historic center and its magnificent cathedral. If you prefer riding a bit more today, begin by making your way to Juaye-Mondaye, home to a beautiful abbey that has hosted the same religious order for over 900 years. After your visit to Bayeux, return to the hotel and prepare for an exceptional dinner at Le Botaniste, one of the hotel’s restaurants, capping off a fantastic week of discovery on a high note.

Overview

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Following this, your Trek Travel host will take you to the Bayeux train station in time to catch a late morning train to Paris. You’ll say farewell at 11:15 AM at Bayeux train station. Please do not schedule a train out of Bayeux before 11:30 PM on the last day of the trip to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays.