Current as of: April 23, 2024 - 17:48
Current as of: April 23, 2024 - 17:48
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
With D-Day beaches, the floating abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, and a coastal-countryside terrain, the neighbouring regions of Brittany and Normandy are seemingly tailormade for a culture-filled cycling adventure. This easy-going route tracks the essential stops in northern France, encompassing medieval villages and pretty port towns, moving Second World War history, and a host of standout landmarks, including the 12th-century seaside fortifications of Saint-Malo.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). The cycling is designed to be gentle; as such, the distances and elevations tackled are modest. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
The countryside here is rolling and the roads are not busy. We stick mainly to smaller country roads and towpaths, all covering an average of 25mi (46km) each day with a maximum of 200m (650ft) of ascent. The ascents will typically be steady with no sharp climbs. The weather in this part of France can be changeable with wind coming off the English Channel.
We are accompanied by a local cycling guide for the duration of the adventure.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
The adventure starts in Rennes, the beautiful capital of Brittany. If you have time, make sure to explore the old town, home to pretty half-timbered houses from the 15th century and the 17th-century Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
Our hotel rooms are available from 3pm and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening, where we meet each other for the first time. The day ends with a group dinner of Breton specialities: crêpes and cider.
We stay overnight in Rennes.
The adventure starts in Rennes, the beautiful capital of Brittany. If you have time, make sure to explore the old town, home to pretty half-timbered houses from the 15th century and the 17th-century Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
Our hotel rooms are available from 3pm and there will be a welcome briefing in the evening, where we meet each other for the first time. The day ends with a group dinner of Breton specialities: crêpes and cider.
We stay overnight in Rennes.
Leaving Rennes, we transfer to the town of St Germain to pick up our bikes. We then descend to the first lock of the Ille et Rance canal to begin cycling along the towpath, taking the flat route through an otherwise hilly landscape.
Our ride takes us through villages and towns, including peaceful Léhon where we visit the ancient abbey, and past a series of 11 flower-decorated locks. These villages, along with their unique characteristics and attractions, provide a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of northern France. We end at the medieval port town of Dinan, where we enjoy a shellfish-tasting session at the port with a local supplier.
We stay overnight in Dinan.
We enjoy a little walk around Dinan this morning. Nestled along the River Rance, Dinan features well-preserved medieval architecture, including ramparts, half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, plus a delightful blend of art galleries, boutiques and cafes.
We then collect our bikes and set off, following the River Rance estuary, a greenery-lined waterway, towards the coast. On our gentle cycle, we can admire the boats sailing along the river and the tranquillity of the landscape. We pass granite cliffs and sandy beaches punctuated by traditional fishing ports and villages, before arriving in the pretty seaside town of Dinard. Here we catch the shuttle boat across the Rance estuary to Saint-Malo.
We then have time for a guided tour of this spectacular historic port city, taking in the expansive 12th-century fortified ramparts and a statue of local maritime explorer Jacques Cartier.
Overnight in Saint-Malo.
We begin with a short transfer, before hopping on our bikes for a day exploring the best of the Emerald Coast – a beautiful mix of classic European shorelines and Breton countryside.
Along the way, we stop for a seaside picnic and to visit the harbour town of Cancale, where shellfish has been a delicacy since the Roman age. We take the opportunity to try some oysters .
After Cancale, it’s an easy, flat ride. We pass Mont-Dol, a 215ft (65m) high rock in the middle of the marshes where, legend has it, Saint Michael met the devil. We finish in Mont Saint-Michel, where a Unesco-listed island is crowned by a magnificent Benedictine abbey, which appears to float when the highest tides surround the island with seawater.
Overnight in Pontorson, near Mont Saint-Michel.
We leave Mont-Saint-Michel early, taking a minibus transfer to medieval Bayeux. There is time to see the architectural wonders of the town, including the 11th-century cathedral, narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.
It’s then back on the bikes as we cycle through the countryside to Omaha Beach, one of the five beaches on which Allied forces landed during the D-Day invasions of the Second World War. That is followed by a moving visit to the clifftop Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where more than 9,300 American soldiers were laid to rest. After, we head back to Bayeux .
Overnight in Bayeux.
Before we get back on the bike, we have the option to visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a 230ft (70m) long embroidery depicting the Norman victory over Harold’s English army in 1066 (entrance fee not included).
We then cycle across the Normandy countryside to Longues-sur-Mer, where we can see an imposing German artillery battery from the Second World War, and Arromanches, where we see the remains of an artificial port commissioned by Winston Churchill.
We then take small country roads through typical Norman villages to the pretty port town of Courseulles-sur-Mer. In the late afternoon, we have a 20-minute transfer to Cabourg, home to the longest beach in Europe, where we enjoy our final dinner as a group.
Overnight in Cabourg.
Our cycling adventure across northern France ends after breakfast. We catch our transfer to the airport for our flight home. However, if you’d like to spend more time exploring this beautiful part of Europe, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Our cycling adventure across northern France ends after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time exploring this beautiful part of Europe, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Each hotel has a unique character, with many close to historic town centres and local landmarks. The accommodations we usually use are listed below.
Rennes: Hotel le Nemours (night 1)
Immerse yourself in Rennes at Hotel le Nemours. Near the historic centre, this 41-room, nine-apartment hotel occupies a traditional townhouse and provides a comfortable base for exploring the city.
Dinan: Hotel du Château (night 2)
Experience the medieval beauty of Dinan with a stay at Hotel du Château, which is just a two-minute walk from the historic centre and pedestrian streets. Post-exploration, head to the bar-lounge for a nightcap and a chance to sample Breton aperitifs.
St Malo: Hotel de l’Univers or Hotel Maison des Amateurs (night 3)
Discover the captivating coastal town of St Malo from the comfort of Hotel de l’Univers (above) or Hotel Maison des Amateurs. Both provide a delightful stay near the picturesque old town and beaches.
Pontorson, near Mont Saint-Michel: Hotel Victor Hugo (night 4)
Just 6mi (9.5km) from the Unesco-listed Mont St-Michel, Hotel Victor Hugo offers a tranquil retreat in the picturesque town of Pontorson. Here, 15 traditionally styled rooms occupy a 17th-century residence plus there’s a bar and gardens should you wish to relax.
Bayeux: Hotel de Brunville & Spa (night 5)
Immerse yourself in stories of old with a stay in the heart of this historic town. It is the perfect base for exploring the rich heritage of the region while providing an opportunity to relax and unwind in the hotel spa, including an outdoor pool, hot tub and steam room.
Houlgate, near Cabourg: Hotel les Cabines (night 6)
In the scenic coastal town of Houlgate, which is 2.5mi (4km) from Cabourg, Hotel les Cabines offers a serene and relaxing atmosphere. It’s just 330ft (100m) from the sea, taking over a 1900s building on the shopping street of Houlgate. There’s also a French brasserie-styled bar and living room with a fireplace.
Single supplement from USD 870
All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners are included .
There is a wealth of local cuisine to explore too, including: agneau de pré sale, a salty lamb dish from Mont Saint-Michel; marmite dieppoise, a creamy seafood dish from Dieppe but served across northern France; and poulet au cidre, a creamy chicken dish made with local cider.
Vegetarians can be fairly easily accommodated in this area of France; however, vegans may find the variety of dishes available is rather limited.
All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional excursions. Airport transfers and transfers during the week will be by private, air-conditioned minibus. There will be vehicle assistance available during the cycling in case of bike issues and luggage will be transferred between hotels.
Brittany is known for its changeable weather conditions. It can be sunny and warm one moment, and then cool and rainy the next.
Summers are generally mild and pleasant. The average temperatures range from around 15C (59F) to 22C (72F) between June and August. It is the peak tourist season, with longer daylight hours and relatively low rainfall. However, it’s always a good idea to pack some layers and be prepared for occasional showers.
Start hotel: Hotel Le Nemours Rennes, 5 Rue de Nemours, 35000 Rennes
Phone: +33 2 99 78 26 26
Recommended arrival time: 5pm. There is a welcome briefing and dinner in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The start hotel is approximately a 3hr drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
If you are coming from the UK, you may prefer to take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, then meet the group transfer at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Rennes from some UK airports. From Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS), the start hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride (approximately €30), or we can arrange a private transfer – please speak to your sales representative for more details.
The cost of a taxi from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to the start hotel can be upwards of €350 one way, so we advise joining the group transfer if possible.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Rennes
Location end: Cabourg
We also advise using dry flow wicking clothing rather than cotton as it dries much more quickly and is more comfortable when hiking.
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a custom Velo de Ville.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Electric bikes are available on this trip; prices from £155/US$217/294 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For this cycling trip we recommend:
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
We recommend you bring some spending money in cash (for use in smaller shops) but a credit or debit card will be useful for larger payments.
Although optional, a tip for the leader and driver at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution starting from €20 per person. It is customary to leave a small tip when eating/drinking in cafés and restaurants.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.