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Self-guided bike trip: Start any day April through October. Daily mileage: Approx. 45 km or 28 miles). Starts from Cancale. Ends in Cancale Cancale is 3 1/4 hour train ride from Paris Level: 2 (Easy) Accommodations in 2- and 3-star properties. From 1,130 euros per person based on double occupancy. |
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Our e-newsletter.
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A boat and a bike: Normandy, Brittany and Jersey - 7 nights/8 days |
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| Itinerary | ||||||||
| Day 1: Arrive in Brittany (Cancale/Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes) If traveling by train, disembark at the station at La Gouesnière - Cancale - Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes. From Paris, the journey takes about three and a half hours. Upon arrival, feel free to switch to vacation mode, for the hotel La Maison Tirel Guérin has a spa, sauna, and masseuses to meet your relaxation needs. The hotel is housed in a former train station and has been run by the same family for over a century. In addition to offering longstanding, excellent service, the hotel’s restaurant is recognized as one of the best in the region. There’s no better place to prepare yourself for the journey ahead! |
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| Day 2: Cancale/Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes to Mont-Saint-Michel (45 km or 28 miles) Head east on the flattest terrain imaginable towards Dol-de-Bretagne, a beautiful town that prides itself on its preservation efforts. Check out Brittany’s typical half-timbered houses and the gothic St. Samson cathedral. Before heading onward, don’t miss the town’s famed menhir, which is a tall, upright stone erected for some unknown purpose in prehistoric times. Biking onward along the waterfront, you will unsuspectingly cross into Normandy. Head directly towards Mont-Saint-Michel’s towering spire. From your hotel situated right on the bay, enjoy unbeatable views of the illuminated island at night. |
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| Day 3: Mont-Saint-Michel to Avranches (30-42 km or 19-26 miles) Bright and early, cross the polder to visit the breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel and tour the abbey before the crowds arrive. Entering through the King’s Gate (complete with portcullis!) will seem to transport you back to medieval times. Once you have explored to your heart’s content, continue your ride along the bay. You may not encounter many other people while cycling through acres of green countryside, but you will certainly meet plenty of sheep! After crossing the gentle Sélune River, you will soon reach Avranches. While biking through this fantastic stone town, you may find the Scriptorial, home to a large collection of medieval manuscripts, the “Gargoyle House” on rue Challemel-Lacour, or a church of Notre Dame that greatly resembles its Parisian sister. Much like Avranches itself, your hotel is brimming with character; it is situated in an old trading post and boasts a remarkable restaurant. |
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| Day 4: Avranches to Granville (58 km or 36 miles) Today you will bike Normandy's coast and ride north along the bay until you reach the little village of Genêts, which serves as an incredible lookout point onto Mont-Saint-Michel. William the Conqueror set sail to England from this point about 950 years ago. From here, the route turns inland toward La Lucerne Abbey, the pretty ruins of a monastery undergoing restoration. Gear up for more coastal views when you reach Granville, whose majestic cliffs slope into the bright aquamarine harbor. Granville is a delightful old port with contemporary style; it’s also the birthplace of fashion legend Christian Dior, whose home is now a museum with couture exhibits. Your hotel on the harbor is the perfect base for exploring the town or watching the sunset. |
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| Day 5: Granville to Jersey (route “a la carte”) Following breakfast, board the ferry for a one-hour crossing to Jersey, an English Channel isle. The ferry docks at the island’s capital, Saint Helier, which despite its French-sounding name looks very English with its charming mix of colonial, Regency, and Victorian architecture. The street signs are marked with two names in English and French, or the Norman dialect of Jèrriais. Spend some time visiting Fort Regent or Elizabeth Castle, or relaxing in one of the many waterfront parks. Bike onward to Gorey, a fishing harbor east of Saint Helier, where your waterfront hotel abuts Gorey Castle (Mont Orgeuil). You may choose from a selection of itineraries for your bike ride around Jersey at your leisure. |
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| Day 6: Explore Jersey (route “a la carte”) The largest of all the Channel Islands, Jersey is only about 116 square kilometers (45 square miles). Jersey is without a doubt a hidden gem, offering close-up looks at wildlife, glimpses into private gardens and sweeping romantic vistas. Best of all, the island was simply made for cyclists – there are even ‘green lane’ cycling routes where bikes have the priority over automobiles. We will have itineraries ranging from 20 to 60 km (12 to 37 miles) that go along the northern coast and through the center of the island. The possibilities are endless, so choose whatever bike route strikes your fancy. Bask in the resort town atmosphere of Gorey upon your return. |
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| Day 7: Jersey to Saint Malo to Cancale/Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes (40 km or 25 miles) Circle back to Saint Helier for the France-bound ferry to Saint-Malo. There’s something magical about this former island fortress – maybe it’s the ability to climb the city walls and pretend you are a corsair preparing to plunder ships? Saint-Malo has plenty of interesting attractions, like the Castle of Saint Malo, the Privateer’s House (La Demeure de Corsaire), and the 17th century fort on the Island of Petit Bé. After you have raided the shops and cafés, bike on to the Pointe du Grouin, a stunning rocky headland with amazing views over Mont-Saint-Michel. Continue to Cancale, a small but picturesque fishing village famed for its oysters and seafood restaurants. We recommend stopping for a taste. Your final destination is the hotel from the beginning of your tour, La Maison Tirel Guerin. |
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| Day 8: Depart Cancale (Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes) After breakfast, your tour will officially conclude. However, it’s up to you to decide whether you will hop on a train to Paris or continue your adventure through Normandy and Brittany. |
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| Booking & Pricing | ||||||||
| 1,130 euros per person sharing a room. Single supplement is 380 euros These prices include:
These prices do not include:
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| For further information: Please contact us at your earliest convenience as this trip is subject to hotel availability. Our e-mail address: info@cyclomundo.com |
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