The 'Coastal Classique' cycle tour
A self-guided, circular cycling tour of the northern coast of France's Brittany and Normandy
Total distance: 210kms (130 miles) or 250kms (155 miles)
Max. daily distance: 68kms (42 miles)
Grade: Easy (Assuming reasonable level of fitness)
This is a self-guided, circular cycle tour of the region with a total distance of either 210kms (130 miles) or 250kms (155 miles). The route, which follows a section of the beautiful northern Brittany coastline and the towpath beside the Ille-et-Rance canal, visits such picturesque and historic places as Saint-Malo, the Mont-St-Michel, Combourg, Dinard and Dinan, but also passes through some peaceful and scenic rural areas. We also offer a baggage transfer service on this tour. This tour is designed for individuals, couples, families and groups. 
"Thanks again for orchestrating such an outstanding trip. We really had a wonderful time" - Jamie, Ben & Joey, California, USA.
Starting Point
We would recommend starting and finishing the tour in the town of Pontorson. If you prefer, it is also possible to start the tour in Combourg or Dinan, which have railway stations, at Dinard Airport or Saint-Malo, which has both a railway station and is a cross-channel ferry port.
"John and Veronica: Thank you for putting together such a great trip for us. It was a terrific seven days and your support was fabulous" - Bob & Myra, Arizona, USA.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Distance: 40kms (25 miles)
Cycle from Pontorson to the attractive town of Combourg following quiet lanes through rural Brittany via the small town of Bazouges-la-Pérouse, which is popular with artists. Combourg is in a picturesque setting by a lake and is dominated by its mediaeval chateau, built between the 11th and 15th centuries. Stay overnight in Combourg.
Day 2 - Distance: 55kms (35 miles)
Cycle from Combourg to Dinan. The first stage of the ride to Hédé follows quiet roads through meadows and woodland. The last 40kms (25 miles) of the route is on a dedicated cycle track along the towpath of the Ille-et-Rance canal, and also following the banks of the river Rance. The ride passes through the lovely canalside and riverside towns of Tinténiac, Trévérien, Evran and Léhon. Stay for two nights in Dinan.
Day 3 - Non-cycling day
A non-cycling day to explore Dinan. Dinan is the best-preserved, mediaeval walled town in Brittany, perched high above the valley of the river Rance. There are many 15th century half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, attractive squares and a chateau.
Day 4 - Distance: 25kms (15 miles)
From Dinan take the dedicated cycle path to the coastal resort of Dinard. Dinard has a beautiful curved bay with a large sheltered beach, and stunning views across the estuary to St Malo. Take the ferry boat from Dinard on the short crossing (10 minutes) to St Malo. (This passenger ferry also carries bicycles). Stay for two nights in St Malo.
Day 5 - Non-cycling day
A non-cycling day to explore St Malo. St Malo is the gateway to the northern Brittany coast on the beautiful Cote d'Emeraude, with many beaches, peninsulas and rugged promontories. The walled town, known as 'Intra Muros', has many hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.
Day 6 - Distance: 68kms (42 miles)
Cycle from St Malo to the Mont-St-Michel following the coastline via Cancale. Cancale is recognised as the 'seafood capital' of northern France. Part of the route hugs the coastline, where you will pass a number of ancient windmills and many small restaurants and stalls selling mussels and oysters. This section of beach is also popular with sand yachters. The magnificence of the Mont-St-Michel becomes more magical the closer one gets, with the view of the monument dominating much of the ride. Stay overnight near to the Mont-St-Michel.
Day 7 - Distance: 10kms (6 miles) or 50kms (30 miles)
From the Mont-St-Michel, cycle back to Pontorson on the dedicated cycle track along the banks of the river Couesnon. The ride on this day is deliberately shorter to allow for the opportunity to spend some time at the Mont-St-Michel, as a finale to the tour. However, if you would prefer a longer route, we are happy to offer the alternative of a ride back to Pontorson, visiting the attractive Norman town of Ducey.
What we provide
We provide a warm welcome, comprehensive and easy to follow route guides/maps, and a baggage transfer service. We can also provide hire bikes for your use at an additional cost (see BIKES & OTHER EQUIPMENT). We also provide a full backup service if you have a mechanical problem, and are also on hand to assist you in the unlikely event of you getting lost. Please note that we do not provide your accommodation on this tour. (See ACCOMMODATION).
Duration
You are free to take as many days as you like, but we feel that one week is about the right length of time, allowing for a couple of non-cycling days to do some sightseeing. You are also free to choose the start and finish day of your break, perhaps to take advantage of mid-week travel, when ferry and flight prices are usually cheaper.
We want to be flexible and offer you the choice of different types of accommodation; hotels, bed and breakfast, self-catering or camping, depending upon your tastes and budget, and therefore the price that we quote represents solely the cost of the cycle tour. There is a large variety of categories of accommodation available along the route and tents can be hired from us if you prefer the outdoor life. We are happy to assist you in finding your choice of accommodation, including contacting the proprietors of the establishments on your behalf to provide you with details such as availability and prices, if required. If you decide to book the tour, we can also give you a list of places to stay which have been recommended by previous clients.
The cost of the full package including route maps, backup and baggage transfer is 380€ (Euros) per person. (Discounts available for groups of 6 people or more). If you would like to make payment in a currency other than euros, please contact us. We have one price all year round. We don't charge more in high season. If you do not require the baggage transfer service, we will be happy to quote you a revised price.
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A French registered company - Siret No. 502 804 933 00013
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