French Brittany and the Normandy Landings
From Rennes to Caen – History and Nature
9 days – €4900 /Person
The Normandy Landings by Bike: A Unique Adventure
Embark on a legendary journey with MTB SPAIN, where history comes alive with every pedal stroke. Following in the footsteps of the Allied soldiers, you’ll ride through the key D-Day locations, from the landing beaches to the villages that marked the start of the liberation of Europe. You’ll also discover the medieval beauty of Brittany, with stops in Rennes, Saint-Malo and Mont Saint-Michel.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rennes, the capital of Brittany
On arrival in Rennes, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore this vibrant city full of history. Its cobbled streets and timber-framed façades will transport you to another era.
Highlights of the day:
- Stroll through Place des Lices, one of the city’s most iconic squares.
- Relaxing walk through Parc du Thabor, a beautiful landscaped garden with a rose garden and aviary.
- Visit to Rennes Cathedral, a jewel of the city’s religious heritage.
- Dinner at a traditional crêperie, tasting the best Breton galettes and local cider.
Day 2: Rennes – Tinténiac (50 km) | Between Canals and Nature
The cycling adventure begins riding alongside the Ille-et-Rance canal, enjoying a bucolic landscape of locks and barges.
Destacados del día:
- Quiet, scenic route in the shade of leafy trees.
- Picturesque villages along the largo del canal.
- Arrival in Tinténiac, where the rural charm of Brittany awaits with cosy accommodation.
Day 3: Tinténiac – Dinan – Saint-Malo (60 km) | Medieval History and Seafood Delights
A day full of history and flavours. The first stop is Dinan, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France.
Destacados del día:
- Cobbled streets and timber-framed houses in Dinan.
- Panoramic views from the town walls.
- Ride to Dinard, then a boat crossing to Saint-Malo.
- Dinner with fresh oysters and seafood overlooking the bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
- Overnight at a charming hotel in Saint-Malo.
Day 4: Saint-Malo – Cancale – Mont Saint-Michel (70 km) | A Journey Into the Magical
A spectacular coastal ride will take you to the iconic silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel, one of the most impressive sights in France.
Destacados del día:
- Impressive views of the bay and its tides.
- Exploration of the historic centre and its cobbled streets.
- Accommodation in a peaceful setting near Mont Saint-Michel.
Day 5: Saint-Lô – Carentan – Sainte-Mère-Église – Domaine Airborne (65 km) | History of the Landings
1-hour transfer from Mont Saint-Michel to Saint-Lô.
A day dedicated to the history of D-Day, with a route through some of the most iconic sites of the Normandy Landings.
Destacados del día:
- Visit to the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, an architectural marvel (in the morning).
- Ride to Carentan, a key town in the Battle of Normandy.
- End of the stage at the Domaine Airborne Hotel, themed around the Second World War.
Day 6: Sainte-Mère-Église – Azeville – Utah Beach (55 km) | Memories of War
Following the route of the Landings, you’ll ride through the sites where some of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War were fought.
Destacados del día:
- Tour and visit in a 1943 Jeep.
- Visit to Sainte-Mère-Église, where a paratrooper was left hanging from the church tower in 1944.
- The Airborne Museum, which tells the story of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.
- D-Day Experience Museum.
- Overnight at Domaine Airborne.
Day 7: Carentan – Pointe du Hoc – Omaha Beach – Bayeux (80 km) | In the Footsteps of D-Day
A day to discover the remains of the Mulberry artificial harbours and continue exploring the history of the Landings.
Highlights of the day:
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Visit to La Cambe German Cemetery.
- Visit to the Normandy American Cemetery, a place of reflection and remembrance.
- Ride along Omaha Beach, the bloodiest beach of June 6, 1944.
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Visit to Juno Beach, where Canadian troops landed.
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End of the day in Bayeux.
Day 8: Bayeux – Courseulles-sur-Mer – Sword Beach – Caen (66 km) | End of the Route in Normandy
The last day of cycling passes through Sword Beach, one of the British landing zones, and ends in the historic city of Caen.
Destacados del día:
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Stop in Arromanches-les-Bains, where remains of the British artificial harbour are preserved.
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Visit to the remains of the landings at Sword Beach.
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Arrival in Caen, a city rebuilt after the war, with a historic centre of great interest.
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Optional: visit to the Caen Memorial, a must-see museum about the Second World War and the Cold War.
Day 9: End of the Trip and Return
Breakfast in Caen and transfer back. Until the next adventure!
Included Services
Accommodation in 4-5* hotels, double room
Single room accommodation: €6125.
Daily breakfast and lunch.
Luggage transfer between stages.
24h roadside assistance and guide.
E-bike included
Live the history of D-Day, pedalling through its key locations!
Worry-Free Experience
We take care of everything so you can enjoy the trip without distractions. Our support vehicle will always be available, whether to fix a breakdown or to help you access museums, memorials and other places of interest.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
To confirm the trip booking, payment will be made in three instalments:
- 25% at the time of booking.
- 50% due 2 months before the trip.
- Final 25% due during the last month before departure.
Cancellation Policy
- Up to 60 days before the trip: full refund of amounts paid.
- Between 59 and 31 days before: 50% refund.
- With less than 30 days before the trip: no refunds will be issued.
Customise Your Adventure
With MTB SPAIN, you can customise the difficulty of your route to suit your level, choosing from different options that will let you discover Normandy in a unique way and at your own pace.
Bring just your sense of adventure, we’ll take care of the rest. Find out more now and start your journey!