St Malo to Mont St Michel Cycling

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8 Days from

USD 2,299

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

C07BR

Explore Brittany's spectacular Emerald Coast, with its pink granite cliffs and turquoise seas, wonderful white beaches and deserted little coves including the magnificent Mont St Michel.

It's almost impossible to resist the appeal of Brittany's spectacular Emerald Coast, with its pink granite cliffs and turquoise seas, wonderful white beaches and deserted little coves. Writers and artists, attracted by the stunning landscapes, dramatic views and vibrant Mediterranean-style colours, have been coming here for centuries, yet the region remains largely unspoilt with much of its original charm still intact.

So you'll see locals with shrimping buckets wading the beaches and fishermen cleaning out shells by hand. Be sure to sample the region's signature dish: the seafood platter, piled high with shiny pink lobster, king prawn, silver oysters, scallops and clams, all washed down with refreshingly cold Breton cider.

This itinerary, crowned by the 'Wonder of the West', Mont-Saint-Michel, and the Cite Corsaire of Saint Malo, will lead you through the different faces of Brittany with coast, land and sea panoramic views.

Highlights

Explore one of the marvels of the world: UNESCO Mont St Michel
Discover the historic walled town of St Malo and medieval Dinan
Wild coastlines, quiet riverbank paths, ancient chateaux, traditional fishing villages

Key Information

Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

Countries visited: France

What's Included

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 star hotels
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
GPS Route directions and maps
Bike Hire Included
Luggage transfers between hotels

What's Not Included

Optional electric bikes
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas & vaccinations

6 Days of Cycling

Day 2

35 km / 21.7 miles

Day 3

34 km / 21.1 miles

Day 4

53 km / 32.9 miles

Day 5

48 km / 29.8 miles

Day 6

33 km / 20.5 miles

Day 7

40 km / 24.9 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Explore this historic port town made rich by its infamous naval privateers. St Malo has always been the scene of great adventures throughout its long history and has managed to preserve its authentic atmosphere, characterised by ramparts, cobbled streets and old stone buildings.

Make your way through the tranquil Rance Valley following the cycling path along the riverbank with wonderful panoramic views before arriving to Dinan.

This beautifully preserved ancient walled town, with riverfront port and picturesque half-timbered buildings, is an absolute gem. Wander round the marvellously restored ancient squares and ramparts, visit the imposing 13th century castle (with dungeon), admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and stroll the lovely cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the peaceful cycling path at the rhythm of the Rance canal, locks and houseboat cruises, before arriving to Combourg with its impressive feudal castle. As soon as you arrive, you are bound to admire the 4 massive ‘pepperpot’ towers at the corners of the castle building. The powerful granite fortress, built in the 11th century and remodelled since, was responsible for defending Brittany’s borders.

Combourg remains closely linked to François René de Châteaubriand, the most famous of all French Romantic authors, who found his inspiration here, at the end of the 18th century, in this historic, leafy green setting. Follow in the poet’s footsteps, and enjoy the country atmosphere of Tranquille Lake, and the imposing castle.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover the heart of the inner land villages of Brittany. Then explore the mediaeval city of Fougeres overlooked by its imposing and magnificent castle, one of the finest fortresses in Europe. Tour the wall walk and enjoy beautiful views over the ramparts and the gardens And discover this little town with a lovely medieval district.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the quiet and easy riding former railway line converted today in a green way. This cycling path is going through quaint villages along the Couesnon river. Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the numerous lovely spots along your way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short ride will lead you to Mont St Michel. For 13 centuries, this rocky island, nestling in the heart of a huge, beautiful bay has been home to a magnificent abbey. Perched at the top of the islet, as if levitating, the building is like a mirage, always a mesmerising sight. From the top of the medieval ramparts, enjoy the wonderful view over the bay where the light reveals a different landscape every second.

Then, cycle past marshlands and fishermen along the Bay which is a wonderful birding place. Also, at low tide, you can spot an amazing forest of kinds out there. It consists of many hundreds of wooden posts (known as bouchots) planted after the war to encourage the cultivation of mussels. The quality of the bay’s moules de bouchots is renowned by the gourmets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Follow the coastline to Cancale, a quaint harbour known for its delicious oysters. Mention Cancale to a Frenchman or a foodie and the instant response will be 'oysters'; the magnificent molluscs have been cultivated in this attractive fishing village for hundreds of years.

Continue to Pointe du Grouin for spectacular sea views. Marking the westernmost tip of the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, this brilliantly located headland not only allows you to benefit from sublime views eastwards, but also splendid ones to the west. The island just offshore is off-limits though as it's the preserve of birds.

Make your way to St Malo and enjoy coastal views.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart St Malo after breakfast.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

France

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

Vaccination

France

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.

Eating and Drinking

Brittany’s fish and seafood is without doubt one of the region’s biggest draws. Platters stacked high with lobster, crab, oyster, shrimp and prawns grace the tables of the atmospheric restaurants. Huge bowls of fresh mussels, scallops and stuffed clams take their place alongside delicious sea bass and bream. The flat local ‘Belons’ oysters are delicious, fleshier than normal ones; they are renowned for their fine hazelnut flavour. Seafood will generally be served with the excellent Breton butter, which contains Guérande salt crystals, and plain bread. Many people also think of crêpes when they think of Brittany and indeed almost every little village or town has its own crêperie.

Weather

July is the hottest time to visit the Brittany coast, with an average temperature of 21 degrees C and August providing the most hours of sunshine (on average 7 hours). Those seeking for the best swimming opportunities will find the sea at an average of 18 degrees C in August. The wettest month is October.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance: 53km
No. of days cycling: 6
Terrain and route: The route takes you through quiet country lanes, through forest on well marked paths and sleepy villages. Well marked cycling paths are also used throughout.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and GPS route direction so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested the minimum age for this trip is 8yrs as we feel they will be able to ride the bikes we have to offer and complete the route. However our local partner is able to offer child seats for children aged 2-4yrs (max. weight 22 kg, hills will be tricky). These are all subject to availability, and therefore we ask that you enquire about these on booking. Please note due to the size of the bikes and distanced required to cycle, this trip is not appropriate for children aged from 5-7yrs (who are too big for the child seats, but not big enough to ride the children’s bike). As a guide we have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be very high in the middle of summer and the child seats provided do not have any shade. We therefore recommend going either earlier or later on in the season if you have young children.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.