Brittany to Normandy
Cycle along some of the most famous and beautiful beaches of France from Brittany to Normandy.
Starting in the fortified city of St Malo, you will ride to the famous Mont Saint Michel and visit its beautiful Abbey. Cycling along the scenic Bay of the Mont Saint Michel and in the inlands, you will arrive to the Normandy beaches, charged with history. Visit Utah Beach, Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc where museums and memorials will give you insight on the WW2 landings.
This Brittany to Normandy tour finishes in Bayeux where you can admire the famous 11th century tapestry, but also taste the delicious Normandy gastronomy products, such as Camembert cheese and Calvados.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Brittany
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in St Malo
Arrive in Saint Malo. The town is easily accessible from Paris by TGV. You stay in a beautiful hotel in the center of Saint Malo. Orientation in the evening. To visit in Saint Malo: the walled city, the chateau of Saint-Malo with the Solidor Tower of Saint-Servan.
Accommodation : Hotel de l'Univers - "Saint Malo"
Accommodation : Maison des Armateurs - "St Malo"
Day 2 : St Malo to Mont St Michel
Option 1 : 34 Miles - 54 Km
Option 2 : 40 Miles - 65 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 143 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 143 Meters
Cycle from Saint Malo towards Cancale. Here you reach the coast and see all the oyster farms that make Cancale famous. You ride through the fisherman village of Saint Benoit des Ondes, as well as the Mont Dol, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view. On a clear day from here you can also see the Mont Saint Michel - Unesco World Heritage site and architectural marvel. Once there, you will stay in a beautiful hotel. Leave time to explore the Mont and walk around its tiny streets!
Accommodation : Relais Saint Michel - "Le Mont Saint Michel"
Accommodation : Relais Saint Michel - "Le Mont Saint Michel"
Day 3 : CYCLE AROUND THE BAY OF MONT SAINT MICHEL TO GRANVILLE
Distance 1 : 38 Miles - 61 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 328 Meters
Ride along the cost in the Bay of Mont Saint Michel to Avranches. There are several worthwhile sites to visit this town dating back to the Roman era. Continue on the coast to Granville and stay in a nice hotel overlooking the beach.
Accommodation : Mercure Le Grand Large - "Granville"
Accommodation : Mercure Le Grand Large - "Granville"
Day 4 : Ride to St Lo
Distance 1 : 39 Miles - 62 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 720 Meters
Cut across the Normandy countryside to reach the Landing Beaches. You will stop in St Lo today. Along the way you will pass the town of Coutances where you must stop to visit the Cathedral of Coutances, which is visible from the sourrinding villages. In St Lo you stay in a very nice hotel. In St Lo you will find a virtually newly rebuilt city. The town was almost totally destroyed during the Battle of Normandy as it lies on an important crossroads and was a German stronghold. The city is however rich in history and WWII is part of it.
Accommodation : Mercure Saint Lo - "Saint Lo"
Accommodation : Mercure Saint Lo - "Saint Lo"
Day 5 : Ride to Sainte Marie du Mont via Sainte Mere Eglise
Distance 1 : 37 Miles - 59 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 505 Meters
This ride is mostly flat to rolling coming up to the Normandy coast where the D-Day landings took place. Sainte Mere Eglise is an old settlement dating back to the 12th century, but it is most famous for its role during the Allied landing. Paratroopers famously landed here and fought some decisive battles that made this town the first one to be liberated. The movie "The Longest Day" depicts many events in Sainte Mere Eglise. Your hotel is nearby in Sainte Marie du Mont.
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Day 6 : Loop Ride to Utah Beach
Option 1 : 30 Miles - 49 Km
Option 2 : 27 Miles - 44 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 272 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 272 Meters
A loop tour from your hotel will first focus on Utah Beach close to your hotel, then move North along the coast to Saint Vaast. Return by the inland or by the same route. You can also opt for a shorter ride and take some time to visit Sainte Mere Eglise.
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Day 7 : Ride to Bayeux
Distance 1 : 44 Miles - 70 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 396 Meters
A slightly longer route, you need to leave early to have enough time to stop at the different sites along your itinerary. We suggest you to ride all the way to the Point du Hoc, immortalized in The Longest Day, and then leave time to visit the most famous WWII sites in the area: Colleville-sur-Mer and Omaha beach. Once in Colleville, take some time to visit the US Military cemetery, (172.5 acres). Continue to Bayeux.
Accommodation : Le Lion D'or - "Bayeux"
Accommodation : Villa Lara - "Bayeux"
Day 8 : Departure Day
Departure at your leisure after breakfast.
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1
L'Univers is situated in the town centre, at the Chateaubriand place and in front of the castle, close by the seaside. The hotel has a special atmosphere with a coziness aspect, and is also an historic place. Located in intra muros in front of the castle, the Hôtel de l'Univers with its 64 rooms welcomes you all year round within the refuge of the ramparts of Saint Malo.Ideally situated within reach of beaches and the piers for Dinard, Dinan via the river Rance, Cézembre and the Channel Islands Guernsey and Chausey.Its terrace invites you to make the most of the summer entertainment on the square and in the Mecca of the local navy, the Univers bar is an incontrovertible place to meet with friends and to get the nostalgic adventure boat stories...
Day : 2
Overlooking the Mont Saint Michel Bay, with an unforgettable view of the world's most spectacular tidal phenomenon, in the heart of a landscaped park and flower-filled gardens, awaits the Relais Saint Michel hotel. The hotel is tastefully decorated and equipped with the most modern facilities for your comfort. There is also a lounge bar and terrace to relax over a cocktail and take in the amazing panoramic views.
Day : 3
The Mercure Granville Le Grand Large 3-star hotel is located on a quiet cliff-top facing the Chausey Islands. It is close to the city center, the casino, the Christian Dior museum, Mont Saint Michel and the port for crossings to the Chausey Islands, Jersey and Guernsey. The hotel has a solarium, a lounge bar and a panoramic terrace with direct access to the beach. Paying enclosed car park. No pets.
Day : 4
Situated in the heart of the town and within walking distance of the station, the Mercure Saint Lô hotel offers wonderful, unobstructed views over the ramparts. This cosy and modern hotel offers comfortable rooms which are perfect for relaxing in after a busy day of sightseeing.
Day : 5, 6
Welcome to Le Grand Hard, recreational resort for young and old in the bocage of the Cotentin peninsula, a few kilometers from D-Day 'Utah Beach'. Our hotel has 11 double rooms, one of which is fit for disabled people, and 5 duplex residences for 4 people. No matter which of our rooms you choose, all are cozy, tasteful and authentic. Our snug bar invites you either to relax in front of the open fire or to play a game of snooker. In the library you can loose track of time while reading one of the books from our collection. In the restaurant you will be indulged by the creativity of our chefs : each day a delicious 'Menu du chef' or offer you the daily fresh oysters from Utah Beach.
Day : 7
The 3-star hotel Le Lion d'Or, member of Relais du Silence and Logis de France, is located in Bayeux town centre and boasts an elegant, family ambiance.This welcoming hotel, steeped in history and formerly the headquarters of the English press during the last World War, is situated a stone's throw away from the Musée de la Tapisserie (Tapestry Museum) and not far from the landing beaches.For your comfort our reception staff are at your service to ensure you enjoy a pleasant stay. We offer excellent hotel services, a full balanced breakfast, a lounge bar where you can relax and a gourmet restaurant which serves refined cuisine... We strive to ensure that our guests' stay in Normandy is one to remember.
Day : 1
Located in the heart of St Malo, La Maison des Armateurs is the only 4 star hotel in St Malo Intra Muros. Choose a Sailor's Cabin, Major's or Lieutenant 's Room, Captain's or Admiral's Suite. Centrally located, all of Saint Malo is within a 5 minute walk, the Saint-Malo ramparts, the Beaches, the Casino, Restaurants and shop.
Day : 2
Overlooking the Mont Saint Michel Bay, with an unforgettable view of the world's most spectacular tidal phenomenon, in the heart of a landscaped park and flower-filled gardens, awaits the Relais Saint Michel hotel. The hotel is tastefully decorated and equipped with the most modern facilities for your comfort. There is also a lounge bar and terrace to relax over a cocktail and take in the amazing panoramic views.
Day : 3
The Mercure Granville Le Grand Large 3-star hotel is located on a quiet cliff-top facing the Chausey Islands. It is close to the city center, the casino, the Christian Dior museum, Mont Saint Michel and the port for crossings to the Chausey Islands, Jersey and Guernsey. The hotel has a solarium, a lounge bar and a panoramic terrace with direct access to the beach. Paying enclosed car park. No pets.
Day : 4
Situated in the heart of the town and within walking distance of the station, the Mercure Saint Lô hotel offers wonderful, unobstructed views over the ramparts. This cosy and modern hotel offers comfortable rooms which are perfect for relaxing in after a busy day of sightseeing.
Day : 5, 6
Welcome to Le Grand Hard, recreational resort for young and old in the bocage of the Cotentin peninsula, a few kilometers from D-Day 'Utah Beach'. Our hotel has 11 double rooms, one of which is fit for disabled people, and 5 duplex residences for 4 people. No matter which of our rooms you choose, all are cozy, tasteful and authentic. Our snug bar invites you either to relax in front of the open fire or to play a game of snooker. In the library you can loose track of time while reading one of the books from our collection. In the restaurant you will be indulged by the creativity of our chefs : each day a delicious 'Menu du chef' or offer you the daily fresh oysters from Utah Beach.
Day : 7
The Villa Lara is a 4 star brand new boutique hotel in the historic centre of Bayeux, nested in a very quiet and arbored square facing the 11th century majestuous cathedral and along the Aure River, the famous Bayeux Tapestry is 2 minutes away.The 28 elegantly appointed rooms in a French style with 8 different colour schemes, all the furniture is made by Moissonnier a well known company founded in 1885, its French cabinetmaking skills have been passed on down the generations, bringing the past to life with light touches... suggesting without imposing... breathing new life into traditions to make the present feel magical again, and creating jewellery for the hotel while cultivating an offbeat style: such is the spirit of Moissonnier today.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (145€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (145€) 
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise. Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Road bike - Performance
TREK EMONDA SLR7 - ( or equivalent) with supplement 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Premium
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 34 Miles - 54 Km Elevation gain 1 : 143 Meters
Option 2: 40 Miles - 65 Km Elevation gain 2 : 143 Meters
Option 1: 38 Miles - 61 Km Elevation gain 1 : 328 Meters
Option 1: 39 Miles - 62 Km Elevation gain 1 : 720 Meters
Option 1: 37 Miles - 59 Km Elevation gain 1 : 505 Meters
Option 1: 30 Miles - 49 Km Elevation gain 1 : 272 Meters
Option 2: 27 Miles - 44 Km Elevation gain 2 : 272 Meters
Option 1: 44 Miles - 70 Km Elevation gain 1 : 396 Meters
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 3 dinners included (2 dinners on upgraded version)
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Arrival city is St Malo, which is accessible from Paris Montparnasse by train, 3 hours.
Depart from Bayeux. Direct trains to Paris-Gare-St-Lazare in 2h20m.
**We do not recommend taking this tour around the anniversary of D-Day, June 6th. Hotels fill up very far in advance, there is more traffic on the roads and some of the routes may be closed.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1750 € | 370 € | 2810 € |
| Upgraded | 2190 € | 530 € | 3310 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 145 € |
| Premium | 300 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 145 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 50 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
United States
Overall, exceptional trip -- great itinerary, routes, GPS directions, hotels, bikes, etc. Will definitely be spreading the word on this one -- ditto for my posse. They really were blown away by the experience. If I could offer a couple of suggestions for further improvement: * Purchase footpumps with pressure gauge and both schrader/presta valves for hotels in MSM, Granville, and St. Lo, and advertise availability in provided roadbooks. Add to road book translation between US psi and European bars (e.g. 7 bars = 100 psi). Hotels St. Malo substitute one was OK, rest were really good, though the one in Bayeux was a little on the snooty side, and out of character with the others somewhat. The included dinner was really good, but the waiter was noticeably disappointed that we weren't "paying" customers. As mentioned, this was a 10 out of 10 rating. thanks for everything.
United States
We had an amazing time on our ride, and appreciate everything you did for us. The hotels were nice. In particular, we enjoyed Hotel de l’Univers in St. Malo (lovely town, would have liked to have had time to see more of it), Relais Saint Michel (had a large room with view of the abbey from our balcony), and we LOVED Le Grand Hard in Ste. Marie du Mont. What a wonderful surprise to ride in to that property and know that we would get to be there for TWO nights! And though we didn’t get to stay and Le Lion d’Or in Bayeux because of our travel plans, it looked beautiful. The bikes (Scott carbon frame road bikes) were excellent quality and comfortable. The distances were perfect. There were some challenging hills, particularly riding into and out of Granville and St. Lo, so we did end up walking a few long, steep climbs. Our friends had e-bikes and had no trouble at all with the climbs (and they are not cyclists). We had unexpectedly beautiful weather, and I didn’t take the advice of bringing sunscreen - not easy to find in rural Normandy! All in all, the trip exceeded our expectations! We already thinking the next travel for the next year!
Puckett
United States
It was a wonderful tour! Great weather, hotels, meals, stories.
Australia
Le grand hard is wonderful! No problems with the bikes, they have been very comfortable & the garmin has worked well.
Davidson
United States
Just a quick note to say how much Theresa and I enjoyed the trip you put together for us last week. We both would like to say thank you for your hard work. The hotels were fantastic. Our luggage was always at the next hotel. It was just a fantastic trip. Everyone we encountered was helpful and kind. The scenery was gorgeous. Thank you again
Reid
United States
We had a great time. It was great to experience the TdF departure village then to ride a lot of the route for the first 3 days. We felt as if we were being cheered on by the roadside
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions