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Brittany Borders Bicycling
Chez M ou Mme Hall
La Ramée Gérard
35420 St Georges de Reintembault
France


THE CYCLING EXPERIENCE

"Just a quick mail to reiterate how much I enjoyed my tour. I hope your tandem twosome had as much fun as I had" - Johnston, Carnoustie, Scotland.

We believe that our region of France provides a perfect environment for the touring cyclist. The rolling terrain, embracing pasture, woodlands and coastal areas, presents the touring and leisure cyclist with a landscape of stunning scenery and fantastic rides.

THE TOURS

We offer three single-centred touring holidays so you don't have to worry about luggage transfer or having to cycle to your next night's accommodation. Although we have a recommended itinerary for each tour, we want to be as flexible as possible and offer a break tailored to your individual needs and requirements. Each day's ride is not a race, and we encourage you to travel at a leisurely pace so that you can enjoy both the cycling and the scenery. You can stop for breaks as many times as you wish, either for a rest, refreshments, to visit a site of interest or just to look at the view. On each day's ride there are places for you to stop for food and refreshments. You will be provided with comprehensive and easy to follow route maps/written instructions and have access to backup/support should you require it. We welcome individuals, couples, families and groups on our tours.

THE ROUTES

The routes we have selected follow virtually traffic free, well surfaced minor roads and former railway lines converted to cycle tracks (voies vertes), which provide excellent conditions for the use of either touring or hybrid bikes, including tandems and recumbents. We have endeavoured to design rides which pass through the areas that provide the best scenery and places of interest for your enjoyment, where you will discover the rich heritage of the region.

DATES

We do not have fixed dates for any of our tours, so you are welcome to come when you like, any time of the year.

GROUPS

We offer a discount for groups of six people or more.

CHILDREN

Children are very welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and be used to cycling safely on public roads. Children under the age of 10 must be fastened to an adult's bike, for example by using a trailer bike, buggie or similar. Price discounts are available for children.

Please click on the name of the tour for full details:

The 'Apples and Pears' Tour
The 'Saint-James' Tour
The 'Saint-Georges' Tour

We also offer a circular tour of the region following, where possible, the trackbeds of former railway lines providing easy cycling, the majority of which is off-road. Please click on the name of the tour for full details:

The 'Railway Route' Tour

The 'Apples and Pears' Tour

Normandy has been described as a land of picturesque half-timbered houses, lush green pastures and orchards of apple and pear; and this self-guided tour takes you on a journey through the beautiful rural heartland of southern Normandy. This is a fully supported tour providing circular daily rides of between 55kms (35miles) and 80kms (50miles) and is designed for couples, families and groups.

What we provide

We provide a warm welcome, four 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.

Accommodation

Your accommodation is on a self-catering basis, situated in an idyllic and peaceful rural location close to the market town of Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet. You will be based in a charming stone-built farmhouse dating from the 17th century, which has been sympathetically renovated, retaining its original character, but providing modern facilities and comfortable accommodation. There is also a large garden for you to relax in after a day in the saddle and ample secure, weather-proof storage for your bikes. Your welcoming English hosts will ensure that you have a thoroughly enjoyable and restful stay. For full details of the accommodation, please click here.

Duration

The tour is based upon a week's stay, from Saturday to Saturday with four rides and two rest days. We think that it is a good idea to have a couple of rest or “do your own thing” days, when you can perhaps go sightseeing, visit a local market, go to the beach or even go for a cycle ride if you wish!

Price

The cost of the tour comprising of four rides including route maps and backup is 150€ (Euros) per person. The additional cost of the gite, providing accommodation for up to 12 people, starts from 320€ (Euros) per week depending upon the time of year and the number of people. If you would like to make payment in a currency other than euros, please contact us.

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The 'Saint-James' Tour

This is a self-guided, fully supported 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 'Departments'; Brittany, Normandy and Mayenne. This tour is designed for individuals, couples, families and small groups.

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.

Accommodation

As we are not a licenced travel agent/tour operator, we are unable to accept payment for your accommodation, and therefore the price that we quote represents solely the cost of the 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.

Price

The cost of the full package of five rides including route maps and backup is 160€ (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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The 'Saint-Georges' Tour

This is a self-guided, fully supported tour of the region, with all the rides starting and finishing in the Breton town of Saint Georges-de-Reintembault, providing circular daily rides of between 50kms (30miles) and 80kms (50miles). Included, is a delightful ride to the Mont St Michel, meandering through superb rural and coastal scenery. With the full itinerary of four rides, you will visit three different 'Departments'; Brittany, Normandy and Mayenne. This tour is designed for individuals, couples, families and groups.

What we provide

We provide a warm welcome, four 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.

Accommodation

As we are not a licenced travel agent/tour operator, we are unable to accept payment for your accommodation, and therefore the price we quote represents solely the cost of the tour.

There is a variety of categories of accommodation available in and around Saint-Georges, 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.

Duration

You can come for as many days as you like. If you would like to complete all four rides, we would suggest coming for a week from say Sunday 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.

Price

The cost of the full package of four rides including route maps and backup is 155€ (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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The 'Railway Route' Tour

This is a self-guided, fully supported tour of the region. Unlike our other tours, this is a circular ride of 153 kms (95 miles) with the route following, where possible, the trackbeds of former railway lines which have now been converted into delightful 'Voies Vertes' (Green Ways) . Of the total distance, 65% follows the 'line' of the railway and 58% is off-road, with the remainder on mainly traffic-free minor roads. This tour is designed for anyone who enjoys easy cycling on a quiet, scenic route with very few hills to climb! The tour is extremely flexible in that you can take as long as you like to ride the route. Also, you are free to choose from a number of different starting points, so, for example, if you would like to extend the railway theme, you could travel to the region by train and start in the town of Pontorson which has rail links with Paris, Rennes, St Malo and other Channel ferry ports.

What we provide

We provide a warm welcome, a self-guided, fully supported cycle ride, including comprehensive and easy to follow route guides/maps. We can also supply 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. Details of sites of interest and places to eat/drink to be found en route are also provided. We can also transfer your baggage if you have booked your accommodation in advance. Please note that we do not provide your accommodation on this tour.

Duration

You can take as long as you like and are free to choose from a number of different starting points. 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.

Accommodation

We do not provide your accommodation on this tour, but there is a large choice of places to stay, ranging from hotels, chambres d'hôtes, gîtes and well appointed campsites.(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.

Price

The cost including route maps and backup is 150€ (Euros) per person. (Discounts available for groups of 6 people or more).If you would like a price for the route maps only and/or baggage transfer, we will be happy to quote you. 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.

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BIKES & OTHER EQUIPMENT

There is no problem if you wish to bring your own bike. However, if this is not possible, we can supply bikes subject to availability. If you hire bikes from us, we will give a discount of 10% on the total cost of the bikes hired, based on our standard rental prices. If you decide to go with the hiring option, you may like to bring your favourite saddle or pedals which can be fitted. See Cycle Hire

SAFETY

You cycle at your own risk. Although we endeavour to ensure that our rides are as safe as possible, we cannot be held responsible for the state of the roads or the condition of your own bicycles, nor for any damage, loss or injury. If you use your own bike, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is in a roadworthy condition. When cycling, you must ride in a responsible and safe manner, with respect for your fellow road user and complying with all French traffic laws and regulations.

1. You should be able to comfortably cycle 65kms/40miles each day for a week, bearing in mind that you will have all day to complete the rides at a leisurely pace.

2. Yes. See section "Bikes and other Equipment".

3. The wearing of cycle helmets is not compulsory in France, however we recommend that you wear one. We can provide them if you wish to wear one.

4. For your comfort and safety we recommend the wearing of suitable cycling clothing, particularly padded shorts, and gloves. It is also better to wear shoes designed for cycling rather than trainers, but this is not essential and is up to the individual. Please bring clothing to cover all weather conditions. If you do not wish to wear a helmet, it is advisable to wear some other form of head gear to protect you when it is sunny. Also, it is advisable to wear a pair of cycling glasses to protect your eyes from the sun, flies and dust. If you are planning to cycle during the hours of darkness, it is now a requirement to wear a yellow reflective vest. These can be bought cheaply from most supermarkets in France and in shops on-board ferries.

5. When cycling we recommend you carry drinks bottles (bidons), a puncture repair kit or preferably a spare inner tube, a tyre inflator and a padlock. If you are unable to bring these items with you, we can supply them to you free of charge. We would also advise you to carry a basic first aid kit.

6. We can rectify most minor roadside problems, but in the unlikely event of you having a more major problem which prevents you from completing the day's ride, we can arrange for transport to take you and your bike back to your accommodation.

7. We have no control over the weather (worse luck!), but we believe that this region of France offers the ideal climate for cycling.

8. Yes. It is a condition of booking that all travellers must take out comprehensive travel insurance to include third party cover. Please also ensure that the policy covers cycling. Insurance aimed at cyclists from the UK does exist - see www.cyclecover.co.uk or telephone 0870 873 0068. Also, if you are a national of an EC country you should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). This entitles you to benefit from the reciprocal health agreements which exist between the EU and certain other countries, but is not a substitute for travel insurance. In the UK, the EHIC can be obtained from the post office and replaces form E111. You should also not travel against medical advice.

9. If you are happy to cycle the specified distances and have an approved method of carrying your daily needs, then a mountain bike will be fine. However, if your bike is currently fitted with knobbly tyres, we would advise you to replace these with tyres suitable for road and cycle track use.

10. Yes. See section "Bikes and other Equipment".

TRAVELLING TO SAINT-JAMES and SAINT-GEORGES DE REINTEMBAULT

The town of Saint-James is conveniently situated close to junction 32 of the A84 motorway. Saint-Georges de Reintembault is 8kms/5miles east of Saint-James. The most convenient channel ferry ports are situated at:

Discounts available on crossings with Brittany Ferries (www.brittanyferries.com) from the UK when you book one of our cycle tours.

There are also airports at:

  • Dinard (80kms/50miles) - Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from East Midlands, and London Stansted, and Aurigny (www.aurigny.com) from Bristol, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, East Midlands and Channel Islands
  • Rennes (75kms/45miles) - direct flights from Southampton, Belfast City, Dublin, Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Inverness and Newcastle-upon-Tyne with Flybe (www.flybe.com) and from Dublin and Cork with Aerlingus (www.aerlingus.com)

Access by rail:

  • Pontorson (15kms/9miles) - this town, close to the Mont-St-Michel, has train services from Paris, Rennes, St Malo, Caen and Cherbourg. French Railways (www.sncf.com) and Rail Europe (www.raileurope.co.uk)

It is a good idea to check with the operators, as new routes are being introduced each year. We are only too happy to give advice regarding travel arrangements, so please do not hesitate to contact us.

PAYMENT DETAILS

We require a deposit of 10% of the total cost when making your booking , which will be deducted from the total price. The balance is payable 6 weeks before the start date of the tour. If you are booking within 6 weeks of the start of the tour, then the full cost of the tour is required.

Children are very welcome, and the following discounts based on the full adult price apply:

  • Under 3 years of age - 85% discount
  • 3 to 5 years of age - 60% discount
  • 6 to 12 years of age - 20% discount

If you would like to pay in a currency other than Euros, please contact us.

Currency Converter - www.xe.com/ucc

CANCELLATION INFORMATION

Cancellation by client

If you cancel giving at least 8 weeks notice prior to the start date of your tour, we will refund your deposit, otherwise the deposit is forfeit. Advice of cancellation can be made by telephone or e-mail, but must be confirmed by letter. The following cancellation terms will be applied based on the date of receipt of your letter.

If you cancel 42 - 22 days before the start date of the tour, we will refund 90% of your payment (less deposit).

If you cancel 21 - 8 days before the start date of the tour, we will refund 70%.

If you cancel 7 days or less before the start date of the tour, we cannot make a refund.

Cancellation by us

In the unlikely event of us having to cancel your tour, we will refund the full sum you paid us.

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