Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy

Most Inspirational Moment

The guide and the scenery (and French food)

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very sociable and enthusiastic. Very accommodating to our needs and very understanding An excellent guide

Most Inspirational Moment

Mont Saint Micheal was the reason for booking so to see this was the big highlight. Glad we had enough time to go in and have a look around the church.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yannis was a great tour leader, he keep everything well organised, relaxed and interesting and managed our rides well. Was always very helpful and considerate. Also picked good restaurants with plenty of options to pick from. Brough great energy and joy to each day. Thank you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the beautiful countryside and villages

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thank you so much Yannis you made our trip so enjoyable and looked after us extremely well

Most Inspirational Moment

Seafood restaurant, Mont-Saint-Michel, Concale for oysters, Dinan, sea swimming, cidre tasting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yannis made the trip, great leader, calm efficient, sociable and fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful scenery and the challenging riding conditions.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jannis and Pascal were always friendly, calm, patient, helpful and fun. I felt like I was part of a family as we toured through Normandy and Brittany.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ridings along the canals of Brittany

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was superb in dealing with the range of ages in the group and health concerns

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.

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.

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.