Cycling in Northwest France

What better way to experience rural France than pedaling through the countryside and coastal landscape, stopping wherever you want, to soak up daily life?

This tour covers three departments of north-west France, each with unique charm and heritage not to be missed. The fiercely independent and proud Brittany, with its magnificent coastline and ancient Breton traditions. Normandy, an area famed for its history, from the Bayeux Tapestry to the D-Day landings in World War II is also home to charming towns, gently rolling hills, scenes of cows in lush pastures and, of course, the world famous Mont St. Michel, Camembert cheese, cider and Calvados (apple brandy). Last, but not least, we have Mayenne. Named after the river that runs through the department, the area is said to have inspired artistic greats such as Marc Chagall and Paul Gauguin. Add to all of that, some quiet rural roads and virtually traffic free lanes and you have the perfect recipe for a relaxing cycling holiday!

With this tour, you will spend five days of your trip out cycling with the backup and support of a locally based company who will provide you with easy to follow maps and route sheets.

Your base for the holiday is the Norman town of Saint-James, on the Brittany border. The area is dominated by green hills dotted with forests, fields and orchards. The charms of Saint-James are many, from the people to the architecture - even the Mairie building looks like an historic old stone manor house! Further afield, your itinerary includes a ride to the Mont St. Michel, the stunning and magical world heritage site. In the town, don't forget to visit the busy market on Monday mornings and make time for the important historical sites like the World War II American Military cemetery.

There are daily circular rides provided for you and they range in length from 30 to 45 miles. All the routes are designed for anyone who is relatively fit, including families with children. Being single-centre based you don't need to worry about finding different accommodation or transferring any luggage. The point is to take your time and stop along the way, so this tour is perfect for people who want to do something active, but also want to relax. It is also perfect for those who are more independent, who don't want to travel with tour guides and who like to explore on their own, but with some guidance as to what to see.