One of France's most rugged regions, Brittany is a fascinating mix of spectacular coastline, ancient towns, magical islands and inland woods. A Celtic duchy for more than one thousand years before its annexation to France in 1532, it is a land rich in culture, tradition and history. This cycling tour starts in Saint Malo and will lead you to the Mont Saint Michel, site of the spectacular and well-preserved Norman Benedictine Abbey of St Michel at the peak of the rocky island, surrounded by the winding streets and convoluted
architecture of the medieval town.The coastal region includes a line of fine sandy beaches interspersed with rocks, reefs, granite headlands and sheer cliffs which are dappled pink and gray in the sun. Brittany is famous for a rich cultural heritage and its architecture: castles, feudal fortresses, and abbeys which are open to visit.
In Brittany, there is a saying that it is sunny many times per day! Yes, it can rain, but often not sustained. Bring a rain jacket, but don't miss unique and beautiful Brittany!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival day in St Malo, the "city of the sea". St. Malo is a famous seaside resort town and a famous sailing city as it is connected to many major sailing events. Stay in a beautiful 3* hotel in the center of Saint Malo. Orientation at 6pm and dinner on your own.
To visit in Saint Malo: The walled city (La Ville Intra-Muros); The château of Saint-Malo with The Solidor tower of Saint-Servan. (D)
Day 2 | Saint Malo-Cancale 30 km: For your first riding day, you'll cycle along the Emerald Coast up to La Pointe du Grouin, where you will have a stunning viewpoint on the ocean. On a clear day, you can even see the outline of the Mont Saint Michel! Your destination today is Cancale, a picturesque fishing village famous for its oysters. History has it that Louis XIV had his oysters brought to Versailles from Cancale. Centuries later, the farming of oysters is still a major activity in the port and there are oyster beds covering about 7.3 square kilometres easily seen from the pier at the harbour. You'll stay in a lovely 3* hotel. Dinner on your own.(B)
Day 3 | Cancale-Mont Saint Michel 54km. Today, youwill cycle to the Mont Saint Michel. Before reaching the Mont, you will stop at the charming town of Dol de Bretagne, one of the oldest towns in Brittany. From its ecclesiastical supremacy, Dol-de-Bretagne has kept its cathedral. A masterpiece of Gothic Norman art in Brittany, it is one of the most important religious buildings in Brittany. You will spend the night in a 3* hotel located on the Mont Saint Michel itself! Dinner is included.50 km. (B,D)
Day 4 | Mont Saint Michel 28 km option: You have two options today. You can either take the whole day to visit the Mont Saint Michel, or you can go cycle around the Mont. If you choose to ride, today's itinerary will take you to the Mont Saint Michel's bay. Return to your hotel on the Mont. Dinner included. (B,D)
Day 5 | Departure after breakfast. You can take your time with breakfast and catch a bus that will
bring you back to Rennes, from where you can catch a TGV to Paris. You have a bus at
9:30am that will allow you to catch a 11:05am train to Paris. (B)
Details
The trip includes: [Virtual Hotel Tour] 3 star superior hotels of charm with private shower and bathroom, 2 dinners, and breakfast daily, baggage transfer from hotel to hotel, detailed guide maps and cue sheets, orientation and bike setup at first hotel, tourist information, and local emergency support. We also provide travel planning services to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers.
Hotels include: St Malo- hotel Elizabeth or Beaufort* or Alba*, Cancale- Le Querrien, Mont St Michel- Terrasses du Poulard. (*+supplement)
Bike Rentals: [Click for image] 90 euros: Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included.
Scott Sporters P3 hybrid rentals - brand new - AGAIN - and the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!
Additional Night Saint Malo: TBA euros/double room including breakfast.
You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!
Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!
Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.
Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.
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