- Tour the 12th-century seaside fortifications in Saint-Malo
- Enjoy oyster tasting in Cancale, a renowned destination for shellfish
- Visit the floating abbey on Mont Saint-Michel island
- Relive the D-Day Landings with a visit to Omaha Beach
- Take in the poignant Normandy American Cemetery
![Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,c_lfill,x_w_mul_0.5,y_h_mul_0.34,g_xy_center,w_360,h_270/exodus-web/2023/05/GettyImages-1368241625-St-Malo.jpg)
Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy
Reviews
Add your own reviewCycle Brittany to Normandy
This trip was a very pleasant excursion across the French country side. We started riding just outside of Rennes where we followed paved and stone dust paths along a canal to the coast. We had a short ferry ride from Dinard to St. Malo and continued cycling north. The majority of our cycling was on quiet country roads through fields of wheat, corn and other crops. The trip notes do a reasonable overview of the trip suitable for planning purposes. The hotels were conveniently located near areas of interest and were comfortable. Some of these required substantial stair climbing. Hotel food was very good overall and of course, the coffee. Restaurant food – to die for.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our guide took us to several medieval churches at various locations along our route which were definitely worth the time. We also had an excellent guided historical tour at one of our stops. The American Military Cemetery at Omaha Beach and the Canadian museum at Juno Beach and environs were worth the trip by themselves.
Thoughts on Group Leader
This was our fourth trip with Exodus. We have come to expect a certain level of expertise from our guides. Not only local knowledge, but also dealing with issues of group travel that invariably come up. Like the time I had a serious crash in India. We felt very fortunate that our trip leader - Yanni Brousset and his father mapped out and planned this trip. Nothing was over looked and attention was paid to the smallest detail. We had no problems whatsoever. We were also lucky that we had a small group. There were just 4 of us under Yanni's guidance. I feel we really got a lot of extra attention that we would not have had in a larger group. He helped us with menus, asking questions for us, answering our endless questions, his local and historical knowledge was extensive and he was just an absolute pleasure to be with. He also arranged our transportation back to the airport. We didn't have to deal with any of this. I think while Yanni was an excellent group leader that went above and beyond our expectations, he was really more of a host and ambassador. He provided a personal touch with so much that made this trip certainly one of the best we have been on.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was difficult to figure out, but you can go by train direct to Rennes from de Gaulle airport. Book early! Months early. Trains fill up quick. The trains are a challenge. Small narrow stairs and doors. Many hotels have limited elevator access to rooms. Don't fall into the 40 year tipping mindset. You will spent 50 plus euros for a nice meal for two. Tip like you would here. Don't be cheap. It's appreciated by them as our service workers do as well. Leave it on the table. And tip your group leader handsomely. They earn every penny. Most of all, have fun. It's a great experience.
andrew sale
I went with my Brother for our first cycling trip. We have done little cycling so we were apprehensive but we thoroughly enjoyed the trip, food, wine, cycling, sites and the accommodation was good. We eventually found some good French beer!
Everything was well organised, well lead and we had great fun with everybody.
We were lucky with the weather which help make the trip.
The transfers were however quite long, which maybe needs looking at.
Also maybe look at having additional guides at some of the other main sites which were not guided. This could be added as option.
Most Inspirational Moment
For us, the cycling in Normandy was the highligh, however we believe this could have been extended a to include Pegasus bridge and the British cemeteries in that area.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Celine our leader was fantastic who is very good cyclist and guide spoke excellent English and had good sense of humour which made all our trip most enjoyable, please pass on our thanks
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't wear underpants under your cycling shorts! The bikes we had were hybrid with no suspension so gel seat would be good or ask for upgrade of bike.
Brittany and Normandy explored
Good cycling on varied terrain; canal path for first day; country roads, cycling by the sea, dirt tracks, sandy tracks, woodland paths, all doable and fun. Lovely scenery, lots of history, beautiful old buildings and D-Day beaches Omaha and Juno and the museums to bring it to life. Very moving.
Most Inspirational Moment
All of it really, as so varied. Most moving moment was walking through the American cemetery and seeing Omaha beach, and then walking through the British cemetery at Bayeux. Enjoyable, cycling beside the canal with the flower strewn locks, cycling by the sea, cycling towards Mont saint Michel, walking tour of St Malo. Lots of history. Loved seeing the Bayeux tapestry with the amusing audio guide.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Celine was great. Her first lead, and did well. Managed the different speeds of the 4 guests, keeping us all happy. Excellent English, and organised and led us so all we had to do was follow and enjoy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We had ordinary bikes, but there were some climbs, and a couple of times we got off and pushed. But definitely doable on a non ebike, as none of us were really “cyclists” and all coped fine. Remember this is a level 1 and it’s okay to do 9 miles a hour, even if some guests want to go faster, the timings are for the slower speed! Gel saddles help! The bikes have a pannier, so a small bag with your things in that you can easily take out for the stops is useful. There’s a small bag on the front for your phone. If you’ve not seen the Bayeux tapestry, well worth the visit. Audio guide is half an hour, and very amusing guiding you through what the tapestry is portraying. It’s 10 minutes from hotel, so easily fitted in before cycling starts for that day.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Sunday
15 Sep 2024 15 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price USD 3,450
Optional Single Supplement
+USD 870
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
18 May 2025 18 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
24 May 2025 24 May 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3,300 Book with USD 825 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 893
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
22 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
28 Jun 2025 28 Jun 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3,600 Book with USD 900 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 893
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
06 Jul 2025 06 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
12 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3,600 Book with USD 900 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 893
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
17 Aug 2025 17 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 3,600 Book with USD 900 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 893
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.