The 'Saint-James' cycle tour
A fully-supported, self-guided, cycling tour of the Brittany, Normandy and Mayenne region of France
Total distance: 297kms (185 miles)
Max. daily distance: 70kms (43 miles)
Grade: Easy/Moderate (Assuming reasonable level of fitness)
This is a self-guided, fully supported cycle tour of the region, with all the rides starting and finishing in the Norman town of Saint-James, providing circular daily rides of between 50kms (30miles) and 70kms (45miles). Included, is a delightful ride to the Mont St Michel, meandering through superb rural and coastal scenery. With the full itinerary of five rides, you will visit three different 'Departements'; Brittany, Normandy and Mayenne. This tour is designed for individuals, couples, families and small groups.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Distance: 57kms (35 miles)
A gentle ride through the Normandy and Brittany countryside on quiet lanes, passing such sights of interest as a 17th century chateau and visiting the attractive small town of St. Brice-en-Cogles, with its many interesting buildings, restaurants and shops. The ride also follows the valley of the river Couesnon towards Pontorson, along the route of a former railway line, before heading back to St. James.
Day 2 - Distance: 65kms (40 miles)
A favourite cycle ride of ours. Much of the route follows the estuary of the river Selune and coastline to the world-famous landmark of the Mont-St-Michel, passing the World War II German military cemetery at Mont d'Huisnes. This part of the ride includes an off-road section following the route of an old railway line which has now been adapted for the use of cyclists. From the Mont-St-Michel, the route meanders its way inland back to St. James, with the opportunity to stop off en route to look around a working windmill and to buy some of their flour.
Day 3 - Distance: 50kms (30 miles)
This is the shortest of the cycle rides, but there is plenty to see on this excursion through rural Normandy. Shortly after the start, the route passes the World War II US military cemetery on the outskirts of St. James. From here, the ride follows a ridge, offering fantastic views across the bay of the Mont-St-Michel, before dropping down into the delightful riverside town of Ducey, with an impressive chateau at its heart. From Ducey, the route follows an off-road section through the wooded valley of the river Selune along the course of an old railway line which has now been adapted for the use of cyclists. The ride then returns to St. James passing lakes, through woodland and traditional Norman meadows.
Day 4 - Non-cycling day
Day 5 - Distance: 70kms (43 miles)
This cycle ride could be called either the 'Three Counties' or the 'Pilgrimage' tour, as it passes through the three 'departements' of Brittany, Normandy and Mayenne, visiting the town of Pontmain, which is a modern day pilgrimage centre, attracting over 200,000 visitors a year to its magnificent cathedral. From Pontmain, the route meanders its way back to St. James passing through the beautiful Fougeres Forest, with its 1600 hectares (3950 acres) of deciduous woodland, many species of wildlife and monuments dating back as far as the megalithic period.
Day 6 - Distance: 55kms (34 miles)
Finish your tour with a visit to the historic and thriving Breton town of Fougeres, with its perfectly preserved 'old' town dominated by a superb castle, which is recognised as one of the best examples of a mediaeval chateau in Europe. The ride includes an off-road section following the route of an old railway line, taking you right into the centre of Fougeres. On the return journey to St. James, you have the opportunity to visit the Parc Floral de Haute-Bretagne, which is a country park created in 1847, comprising of 18 separate and individual gardens.
What we provide
We provide a warm welcome, five self-guided, fully supported cycle rides, including comprehensive and easy to follow route guides/maps. We can also provide hire bikes for your use at an additional cost (see BIKES & OTHER EQUIPMENT). Each morning we discuss the day's ride with you and also meet you again upon your return after the ride. 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. Details of sites of interest and places to eat/drink to be found on each day's ride are also provided. Please note that we do not provide your accommodation on this tour. (See ACCOMMODATION).
Duration
You can come for as many days as you like. If you would like to complete all five rides, we would suggest coming for a week from say Saturday to Saturday which allows for one rest day. We think that it is a good idea to have a rest or "do your own thing" day, when you can perhaps go sightseeing, visit a local market, go to the beach or even go for a cycle ride if you wish!
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 variety of categories of accommodation available in and around Saint-James, ranging from hotels, chambres d'hôtes, gîtes and if the outdoor life is for you, a campsite.(Tents can be hired from us). 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.
The cost of the full package of five rides including route maps and backup is 250€ (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 would like to stay for a shorter period of time, and do fewer rides, we will be happy to quote you a price.
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A French registered company - Siret No. 502 804 933 00013
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