Back roads of Brittany Self-Guided Cycling
Back roads of Brittany Self-Guided Cycling
Back roads of Brittany Self-Guided Cycling
9 Days Starting in France and ending in Brittany
Visiting: France
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C08BT
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 6
Age range:
8 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
It's almost impossible to resist the appeal of Brittany's spectacular Emerald Coast, with its pink granite cliffs and turquoise seas, wonderful white beaches and deserted little coves. Writers and artists, attracted by the stunning landscapes, dramatic views and vibrant Mediterranean-style colours, have been coming here for centuries, yet the region remains largely unspoilt with much of its original charm still intact. So you'll see locals with shrimping buckets wading the beaches and fishermen cleaning out shells by hand. Be sure to sample the region's signature dish: the seafood platter, piled high with shiny pink lobster, king prawn, silver oysters, scallops and clams, all washed down with refreshingly cold Breton cider.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive At Lamballe
Meals Included: dinner
Your holiday starts at M. Jamin's 16th Century manor house in the
countryside, just 3kms outside the market town of Lamballe. With only 16
rooms, it's a lovely, intimate place to stay. The inner courtyard opens up on
to beautifully kept gardens and an elegant terrace for al fresco dining on
fine summer evenings.
*Comfortable Hotel*
Day 2 : Lamballe To Sables D'or-Les-Pins
Meals Included: breakfast
It's gentle cycling today as you head first along quiet country lanes then
out to the coast and the lively sailing resort of Pleneuf-Val-Andre. The
deserted white sandy beaches here are simply gorgeous so make sure you take
your swimming things with you! There are also some excellent ocean-facing
restaurants where you can enjoy a long seafood lunch. Lovely beachside trails
lead to the sleepy seaside village of Sables-d'Or-les-Pins where your hotel
is just 200m from the sea.
*Standard Hotel*
Day 3 : At Sables D'or-Les-Pins
Meals Included: breakfast
Relax on the beach or follow our 25km circular cycling route taking in the
Cap Frehel lighthouse and the famous 14th Century feudal stronghold of Fort
de la Latte. Perched on a rocky promontory above the sea, it occupies one of
the finest settings in northern France, and it's easy to see why it's been
used on numerous film sets. A climb up to the gallery at the top of the tower
will reward you with magnificent views extending as far as Jersey on a clear
day.
Optional ride: 25km / 16 miles
*Standard Hotel*
Day 4 : Sables D'or-Les-Pins To Dinard
Meals Included: breakfast
Today's route starts with scenic pedalling through pretty farming hamlets -
wonderful views across the Baie de la Fresnaye. Perhaps stop for a coffee in
the bustling market town of Matignon before you head on to the popular
yachting village of Lancieux, with its impressive square bell tower capped by
a dome and lantern turret. Continue to gorgeous St-Briac where Debussy
composed his major work 'La Mer'. The final stretch takes you to your hotel
in the seaside town of Dinard.
*Standard Hotel*
Day 5 : At Dinard
Meals Included: breakfast
Once a sleepy fishing village on the estuary of the Rance, the English
transformed Dinard into one of the most famous and upmarket seaside resorts
in Europe. Although a little quieter now, it has not lost any of its charm
and many of the Belle Epoque villas have become historic monuments. Walk out
to the Pointe des Etretes for views of the off-shore islands, or take a 10
minute ferry across the bay to St-Malo to lose yourself in the narrow cobbled
streets within Intra Muros (the fortified walls) of the ancient mediaeval
city.
*Standard Hotel*
Day 6 : Dinard To Dinan
Meals Included: breakfast
A complete change of scene today as you cycle inland and follow the banks of
the River Rance. You'll feel like you're taking a trip back in time as you
pass sleepy hamlets, forgotten fishing ports and postcard-pretty St-Suliac,
officially rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy lunch
at the lovely sailing port in St-Hubert then cycle along the wonderfully flat
towpath to Dinan. Your hotel here overlooks the river and picturesque port,
and has a lovely outdoor swimming pool if you fancy a dip.
Two route options: East bank route 34km / 21miles or West bank route 33km /
20miles
*Standard Hotel*
Day 7 : At Dinan
Meals Included: breakfast
This beautifully preserved ancient walled town, with riverfront port and
picturesque half-timbered buildings, is an absolute gem. Wander round the
marvellously restored ancient squares and ramparts, visit the imposing 13th
century castle (with dungeon), admire the flamboyant Gothic basilica and
stroll the lovely cobbled streets packed with authentic artisan workshops.
Maybe take lunch in the bustling Place des Merciers, where pretty
triangular-gabled houses are further examples of Dinan's exceptional
architectural heritage, then, in the afternoon, perhaps follow our 25km
circular cycle route inland to the pretty village of Evran.
Optional ride: 25km / 16 miles
*Standard Hotel*
Day 8 : Dinan To Lamballe
Meals Included: breakfast, dinner
Your first stop today is the picturesque little village of Lehon, then it's
on through quiet farming villages to the impressive 13the century Château de
la Hunaudaye. The ruins of this huge Château date back over 800 years, yet
the five majestic towers are still in good condition and are surrounded by a
water-filled moat. You finish the day with gentle, flat cycling through the
forest back to Lamballe where you can relax in the gardens and enjoy a
celebratory drink before dinner - a Kir Breton (cassis and cider) maybe?
*Standard Hotel*
Day 9 : Leave Lamballe
Meals Included: breakfast
If you have pre-booked a transfer our rep will take you to Lamballe station
in time for your train.
What's Included
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Local bike hire
-
Meals
8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 2 dinners.
What's Not Included
Accommodation
Food
All buffet breakfasts and 4 evening meals are included. Brittany’s fish and seafood is without doubt one of the region’s biggest draws. Platters stacked high with lobster, crab, oyster, shrimp and prawns grace the tables of the atmospheric restaurants. Huge bowls of fresh mussels, scallops and stuffed clams take their place alongside delicious sea bass and bream. The flat local ‘Belons’ oysters are delicious, fleshier than normal ones; they are renowned for their fine hazelnut flavour. Seafood will generally be served with the excellent Breton butter, which contains Guérande salt crystals, and plain bread. Many people also think of crêpes when they think of Brittany and indeed almost every little village or town has its own crêperie.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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