Brittany Walled Towns
Brittany Walled Towns
Brittany Walled Towns
8 Days Starting in Saint Malo and ending in St Malo
Visiting: France
Tour Overview
Jutting into the Atlantic, Brittany sets itself apart from the rest of France in more ways than one. Strong Celtic traditions and rites of worship are evident in the prehistoric monuments and vestiges explored on this itinerary. The indigenous language of Breton, discernible on signs and buildings, conveys the proud sense of identity found within this region. Brittany's 1100km of wild coastline is home to spectacular walled villages that are best explored on foot and by bike. There is plenty of time to take in the breathtaking wonder of Mont St Michel, along with the 'pirate's town' of St Malo, quaint seaside villages and oyster and mussel farms along the way. Following canal towpaths into Brittany's interior of Argoat (meaning 'Land of the Woods') you can discover the ancient fairyland of Dinan and the picturesque fortress of Combourg, complete with the Lac Tranquille. An option to extend your cycle journey to the island of Jersey for the day, being only 80 minutes by ferry from St Malo, is highly recommended.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive St Malo
St Malo is a remarkable site, built at the mouth of the river Rance. It has been the subject of many disputes in the past due to its access to the sea and its position at the frontier between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France. In the 16th century the port grew incredibly fast with the development of its fishing fleet and the discovery of Canada. Your hotel is situated a short walk from the fortifications.
Day 2 : Cycle The Coast To Cancale, Continue To Dol De Bretagne (52Km/32Mi)
Meals Included: B
If you were not able to explore the fortifications and the old town of St Malo yesterday then you should take the opportunity this morning. When you commence cycling you will follow the coast road between Saint Malo and the Pointe de Grouin, with fine views of the Isles of Chaussey and of the open sea. You may spot dolphins in this area where the Cote d'Emeraude and the Bay of Mont St Michel meet. The port of Cancale is at the entrance of the Bay and is the oyster capital of France. A great spot to stop for lunch or afternoon snack! You will leave the Bay and head inland on quiet, country roads. Overnight The standard hotel is in the centre of the pretty town of Dol de Bretagne while the upgrade hotel is about 3km to the south. This is a genuine manor house which dates from the beginning of the 18th Century and was once the base of the famous Saint Malo corsair, Robert Surcouff. Ascent/descent: +392m/-383m
Day 3 : Cycle To The Magical Island Monastery Of Mont St Michel, Continue To Pontorson (28 Or 48Km/17.5 Or 30Mi)
Meals Included: B, D
You should spend a little time wandering round the old town of Dol and visit its cathedral before setting off this morning. Travelling to the north and towards the Bay of Mont Saint Michel you will pass Mont Dol. Once an island, today this rocky outcrop is a fascinating archaeological site. From Cherrueix you will follow the Bay towards the east. At low tide you will see the shell-fish producers out on the sand with their tractors tending to their oyster parks and mussel beds. Once you have crossed the Polders you will arrive at Mont Saint Michel. It will take you about 3 hours to walk around the ramparts and visit the Abbey at the top, before you wander back down through the village. From here you join the cycling path along the Couesnon towards the authentic town of Pontorson. Ascent/descent: +71/-86m or +241m/-258m
Day 4 : Pedal South To Saint James Enroute To Fougeres (58Km/36Mi)
Meals Included: B
After a visit to the German War Cemetery at Mont d'Huisme, you will cycle towards the eastern side of the Bay and the estuary of the Salune, one of three tidal rivers which flow into the bay. You then head inland alongside the 'herbus' (pastures occasionally covered by exceptionally high tides) right to the end of the funnel-shaped estuary. Before leaving the Bay you might be lucky enough to see the tidal bore known here as the 'Mascaret', which is caused by the strong tidal currents. Pedalling south, you'll pass the Montmorel Abbey at Polley and arrive at Saint James, famous for the Normandy striped sports shirts. After leaving Saint James you will see the American cemetery, a reminder of the Battle of Normandy, which included action round the Bay of Mont Saint Michel. Your route then takes you on to Fougères. Look out for dolmens (stone tombs) along the way. Your hotel is perfectly placed in the heart of this walled town, allowing you to visit the biggest fortifications in the region on foot. Ascent/descent: +534m/-398m
Day 5 : Through Woods And Classic Brittany Countryside To Combourg (52Km/32Mi)
Meals Included: B
Your journey today and tomorrow will take you deeper into the Brittany countryside. Far from the tourist routes and travelling west on small country lanes, you will pass isolated farms and granite manor houses and cycle through beautiful, leafy woods. The terrain is varied and the villages authentic. Combourg will be your overnight stop. The 18th century Romantic writer François René de Châteaubriand found his inspiration here, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of Lac Tranquille and the imposing castle. Ascent/descent: +424m/-505m
Day 6 : Through The Rance River Valley To Dinan (34Km/21Mi)
Meals Included: B
You'll continue heading west today, joining the Rance valley at Evran. You will travel along the valley as far as the village of Léhon, where you cross to the other bank of the Rance and reach the walled town of Dinan. This remarkable medieval town is one of the finest examples of Brittany architecture and has a large number of granite buildings with upper storeys built in timber. Your hotel itself was a convent in the 16th century. We recommend eating out tonight at one of the many creperies in town. Ascent/descent: +345m/-315m
Day 7 : Return To St Malo (34Km Or 65Km/21 Or 40Mi)
Meals Included: B
If you're choosing the shorter route today we recommend having a thorough visit of Dinan before leaving. You'll then head off by bike from the port, following the left bank of the Rance before crossing the river to the north of Plouër-sur-Rance. Whilst pedaling alongside the estuary as far as Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets you will be treated to some quite remarkable scenery. This is a true inland sea where boats sail right up to the artichoke fields and farmers' villages have become ports. Head back to St Malo and the beautiful beaches of the Sillon. Or the longer route will take in the Cote d'Emeraude and the town of Dinard. Ascent/descent: +353m/-419m or +604m/-674m
Day 8 : Trip Concludes Or Optional Extension To Jersey
Meals Included: B
The trip concludes after breakfast, or you can add an optional trip to the Channel island of Jersey (subject to the ferry schedules, Ferry each way takes approx 1hr 10mins).
In July and August and at some other times the ferry leaves from St Malo between 8-9am, and you can spend a full day on the island with (or without) the bikes before returning sometime between 5 and 8pm. The full island circuit is 60km or there are shorter circuits. Return to St Malo for an extra night. Please contact us for more details - supplement applies.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels or upgrade to 3 star hotels -
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner (2 dinners with upgrade option) - breakfasts will be continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee and juice
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7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star accommodation - supplement applies)
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21 speed mens or ladies bike equipped with two panniers, helmet, anti-theft device, map holder and repair kit, (electric bike available - supplement applies)
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Luggage transfers
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Information pack including route notes, maps and tourist information per room (GPS data files available on request)
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Emergency hotline
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7 breakfasts, 1 dinner - breakfasts will be continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee and juice
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7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3 star accommodation - supplement applies)
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21 speed mens or ladies bike equipped with two panniers, helmet, anti-theft device, map holder and repair kit, (e-bike available - supplement applies)
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
What's Not Included
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Drinks, lunches and most dinners
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Items of a personal nature.
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Entrance fees
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Tour guide - this is a self guided cycle
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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Travel to and from St Malo
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GPS device rental - optional, additional cost applies
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Optional excursion to Jersey - with or without bike rental - includes return ferry. An extra night in St Malo is required.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
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E-bike, road or gravel bike hire, supplement applies
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Excess luggage
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
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Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
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Items of a personal nature
Grading
This trip involves 6 days cycling between 28 and 65km (17 and 40mi) per day over a mix of flat and undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic. When entering and leaving towns you will be on roads with more traffic where care needs to be taken. We recommend that you undertake some pre trip training to ensure you get the most out of your cycle trip and are comfortable cycling in areas of medium traffic. During the cycle you need only carry your camera and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn – these will be provided to you with your bike.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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