Cycling holidays in Brittany and Normandy
Galettes, Calvados and endless coastal views - cycling vacations in the wild north-west of France
Brittany and Normandy are France's rugged, romantic heart. Here, where the Atlantic thunders against mighty cliffs, lighthouses watch lonely over the sea and medieval fortified towns breathe history, France reveals its most original side. Explore this extraordinary north-west at your own pace by bike - along cliffs and through the gentle, hedge-lined hills, past millennia-old menhirs, sleepy fishing ports and world-class sights.
Brittany, proudly called Breizh by the Bretons, has a diversity that is second to none. Bizarre granite rocks in bright pink characterize the Côte de Granit Rose, the car-free flower island Île de Bréhat enchants with an almost Mediterranean flair, and the Gulf of Morbihan - an inland sea with over 40 small islands - is one of the most beautiful cycling regions in Europe. In the hinterland, rows of Celtic stones rise from the ground: The menhirs of Carnac are the most important megalithic monument in the world and are still shrouded in mystery.
And the cuisine? Simply magnificent! Crispy galettes de sarrasin (buckwheat crêpes) with ham, egg and Emmental cheese, airy crêpes with salted caramel butter and the sparkling Cidre breton are typically Breton and will accompany you on every stage. In Normandy, the world-famous Camembert de Normandie, the spicy Pont-l'Évêque, tender Moules de la Baie du Mont-Saint-Michel and a well-earned sip of golden Calvados after a long bike ride will tempt you. Fresh fruits de mer are omnipresent anyway - bon appétit!
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From the stone rows of Brittany to the cliffs of Normandy - your cycle route in the northwest
Our tours explore the northwest of France from west to east, from the coast to the interior and back to the sea. If you want to get to know Brittany from its wildest side, start with the circular cycle tour from Brest: between the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, you cycle along the westernmost tip of France along a coastline of lighthouses, cliffs and tranquil Abers landscapes. Further east, the granite coast of Brittany awaits with the spectacular Côte de Granit Rose, the charming ports of Paimpol and Tréguier and the car-free Île de Bréhat - a natural gem that you will never want to leave.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, our cycle tour in South Brittany is the perfect choice: around the Gulf of Morbihan and up to the impressive stone rows of Carnac, you can explore one of the oldest cultural landscapes in Europe - on short daily stages and with plenty of time for breaks in small fishing ports along the way. A little further north, the cycle tour in northern Brittany connects the fortified town of Saint-Malo with the medieval town of Fougères and inevitably leads past one of the most impressive buildings in the world: Mont-Saint-Michel, which seems to emerge from the Wadden Sea like a dream castle at high tide.
Finally, our cycle tour from Versailles to Normandy bridges the gap between Paris and the rugged northwest: from the most magnificent palace complex in Europe, you cycle through the green bocage meadows of Normandy to Mont-Saint-Michel and on to Saint-Malo - an unforgettable experience that combines the splendor and originality of France over ten stages. As on all our tours, we take care of the daily luggage transportation and provide carefully selected accommodation - so that you can concentrate fully on the essentials: the landscape, the sea and the next galette.
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Frequently asked questions
How challenging are your cycle tours in Brittany and Normandy?
The offer ranges from very relaxed to sporty - there is something for everyone. Our cycle tour in southern Brittany around the Gulf of Morbihan offers the gentlest introduction: with around 30 kilometers per day on largely flat coastal paths, it is ideal for beginners and anyone who wants to enjoy themselves first and foremost. With around 45 kilometers a day and a slightly hilly route profile, the circular cycle tour from Brest and the cycle tour along the Granite Coast are well suited to experienced occasional cyclists. The most challenging tour is our cycle tour from Versailles to Normandy with up to 60 kilometers per stage and some more strenuous climbs - it is aimed at cyclists in good physical condition who are in the mood for a long route.
Which tour suits me best - Brittany or Normandy?
If you love wild coastal landscapes, Celtic culture and the feeling of cycling at the end of the world, Brittany is the right place for you. Our tours from Brest, along the Granite Coast or around the Gulf of Morbihan are designed for those who are looking for unspoiled nature.
For those who want to focus on history and cultural heritage - from the Palace of Versailles to the Norman Bocage and Mont-Saint-Michel - our cycle tour from Versailles to Normandy is the perfect choice. And for those who don't want to miss out on either: the cycle tour in northern Brittany combines the best of both regions - from Saint-Malo to Fougères and Mont-Saint-Michel.
What are the scenic highlights on your tours in Brittany?
Each of our Brittany tours has its very own highlights. On the circular cycle tour from Brest, you cycle along the wildest coast of Brittany - past lighthouses, rugged cliffs and the quiet Abers, the inlets that cut deep into the land.
Cycling along the granite coast takes you to the spectacular Côte de Granit Rose with its pink-colored rock formations and the car-free Île de Bréhat, which almost looks like a Mediterranean island with its lush vegetation. On the cycle tour in southern Brittany, the picturesque Gulf of Morbihan with its small islands and tidal currents and the enigmatic stone rows of Carnac - over 3,000 upright menhirs that have captivated visitors for thousands of years - are a delight.
Are there cycle tours in Brittany that are also suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, our cycle tour in southern Brittany from Vannes via the Rhuys peninsula to Arzon and Auray is our most family-friendly Brittany tour: six days, around 30 kilometers per day and a flat route profile make it the ideal choice for children and cyclists without much experience. The stages leave plenty of time to stroll around the small harbor towns, taste fresh oysters or simply pause by the water.
As with all our tours, we take care of the daily luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation - no heavy bikes, no stress, just the joy of riding. Children's bikes and trailers can be organized on request.
