Guided Brittany to Normandy's D-Day Landing Beaches Bike Tour

This cycling adventure takes you along the stunning coasts of Brittany and Normandy, blending beautiful scenery with powerful history. You start in the walled city of Saint-Malo, exploring its pirate past and seaside charm before riding along the Emerald Coast. From there, you pedal through salt marshes and quiet back roads to reach the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, where a walk up to the abbey rewards you with unforgettable views.

As the journey continues, you follow peaceful coastal routes and countryside lanes toward Normandy, stopping at key D-Day sites including Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and Arromanches. Along the way, you’ll visit moving memorials, museums, and historic towns like Bayeux, while still enjoying time to relax, enjoy local food, and take in the sea air. It’s a perfect mix of cycling, culture, history, and coastal beauty, designed for riders who want to travel actively and meaningfully.

Tour Type

Guided

Lodging

Casual+ hotels

Start

Saint-Malo

Finish

Bayeux

Level

moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

44 km / 28 mi

Cycling Days

7

Group size

Min. 6, Max. 14

Fly-In

Rennes Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS)

Fly-Out

Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR)

Highlights

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Mont Saint-Michel and Its Abbey

Ride through the bay to this world-famous island and climb up to the abbey for stunning views and a truly iconic French experience.

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D-Day Landing Beaches

Cycle along historic beaches like Utah and Omaha, visiting key memorials and museums that tell the powerful story of the Normandy landings.

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Saint-Malo’s Walled City

Discover Saint-Malo’s ramparts, cobbled streets, and pirate history on a guided tour of this beautiful seaside fortress town.

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Arromanches and Mulberry Harbor

Explore the remains of the artificial harbor and learn how this remarkable engineering feat supported the Allied invasion.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Saint-Malo

Arrive in Saint-Malo, a dramatic walled city set on the Brittany coast. After checking into your centrally located hotel, you’ll meet your guides and fellow travelers for a full tour briefing. This is a great chance to get to know the group, review the cycling plan, and make any final bike adjustments.

If time allows, explore the ramparts, stroll along the harbor, or wander through the old town’s narrow streets. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner together, marking the start of your cycling journey through northern France.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hôtel des Marins
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Day 2: Saint-Malo

Today begins with a scenic water bus crossing of the Rance estuary to reach the elegant resort town of Dinard. Your ride takes you past Belle Époque villas, coastal promenades, and rugged shoreline viewpoints. The route offers fresh sea air and constantly changing coastal scenery. After riding along the scalloped coast, you return to Dinard for the boat trip back to Saint-Malo.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Saint-Malo, learning about its pirate history, maritime trade, and strategic importance. The evening is free to explore local restaurants and cafés.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
Accommodation: Hôtel des Marins
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Day 3: Saint-Michel

Ride along the Emerald Coast and into the vast landscapes of Mont Saint-Michel Bay. Today’s route blends seaside paths, rural lanes, and wide-open marshlands. You’ll pass oyster beds, mussel farms, and small farming communities, with opportunities to sample local products along the way. A scenic stop near Mont-Dol offers a perfect lunch break with views over the surrounding flats.

Continue across the salt meadows toward Mont Saint-Michel. On arrival, walk up to the mount and enjoy a self-guided visit of the famous abbey. The day ends with dinner near this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
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Day 4: Granville

Follow a quiet coastal road skirting the bay before climbing up to Avranches, a traditional Norman town built from dark local stone. Enjoy time to explore the town center, browse small shops, and sample regional delicacies. The route then continues through gently rolling countryside and coastal landscapes toward Granville.

This lively seaside town offers beautiful sea views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. After checking into your hotel, enjoy free time to walk along the promenade or relax before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 64 km / 40 mi
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Day 5: Sainte-Marie-du-Mont

Begin with a private transfer from Granville to Carentan to position you closer to the main D-Day sites. From here, cycle toward the coast to reach Utah Beach, where you visit the D-Day Museum and learn about the Allied landings of June 6, 1944. Continue to Sainte-Mère-Eglise, famous for the paratrooper story connected to its church tower.

The ride continues through peaceful countryside and farmland before reaching Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, located near the dunes and historic coastline.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
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Day 6: Sully

After a short transfer, visit Pointe du Hoc, where sheer cliffs still show bomb craters from the Allied assault. From this dramatic site, cycle along coastal and inland roads to Omaha Beach. Visit the museum for deeper insight into one of the most intense landing zones. Continue to the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer for a moving moment overlooking the sea.

The ride then follows the peaceful Drôme Valley through quiet villages and countryside before arriving in Sully, where you stay in a beautiful château hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 40 km / 25 mi
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Day 7: Sully

Cycle to Arromanches to see the remains of the Mulberry artificial harbor and visit the immersive 360° cinema, which brings the Battle of Normandy to life. Continue along the coast to Juno Beach and the Canadian Museum, including a guided visit of the bunkers. This day combines scenic coastal riding with powerful historical sites.

Return to Sully in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy your final group dinner, celebrating the week’s journey through history, culture, and coastal landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 56 km / 35 mi
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Day 8: Bayeux

After breakfast, a private shuttle transfers you from Sully to Bayeux. Your tour ends on arrival in this beautifully preserved Norman town. If time allows, you may wish to explore the medieval center or visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry independently. From Bayeux, continue your onward travel by train or private transfer.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hôtel des Marins

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Hôtel Restaurant Le Relais Saint-Michel (4 Star)

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Hôtel Prévithal (4 Star)

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Hôtel Restaurant Le Grand Hard (Domaine Utah Beach) (4 Star)

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Grand Hôtel Château de Sully (4 Star)

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water during activity.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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Velo de Ville or similar

touring

Included in your trip price

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Velo De Ville A400 or similar

trekking

Included in your trip price

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Cannondale Topstone Apex 1 or similar

gravel

Available at a surcharge

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Velo de Ville AEB 800 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

ARRIVAL

Your tour starts in Saint-Malo. The most convenient way to arrive is by train via Rennes, with frequent high-speed connections from Paris to Rennes, followed by a regional train to Saint-Malo. From Saint-Malo train station, taxis are readily available to take you to your hotel in the historic center.

If arriving by car, several public parking garages are located near the old town, including Parking Saint-Malo Remparts and Parking du Naye. If you arrive by plane, the closest airports are Rennes Airport and Dinard Pleurtuit Saint-Malo Airport, followed by a taxi or shuttle transfer to Saint-Malo.

DEPARTURE

Your tour ends in Bayeux, with a private shuttle included from Sully to Bayeux after breakfast. From Bayeux, you can continue by train to Paris or onward to other French cities. Taxis are also available from your hotel to Bayeux train station if needed. If you plan to return to Saint-Malo, trains connect Bayeux to Saint-Malo via Rennes.

For flights, the most practical airports are Caen Carpiquet Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, accessed by train connections from Bayeux.

Weather

The best time for this tour is late spring through early fall, when temperatures are mild and daylight is long. From May to June, expect pleasant cycling weather around 12 to 20°C or 54 to 68°F, with green landscapes and fewer crowds. July and August are warmer at about 15 to 25°C or 59 to 77°F, ideal for coastal riding but busier and occasionally humid. September is excellent, with cooler days around 12 to 22°C or 54 to 72°F and fewer tourists.

Spring and fall can bring some rain, while winter is colder, windier, and less suitable for cycling.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Mixed

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Best

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.

Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.

On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:

  • Adjusting saddle height
  • Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
  • Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
  • Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
  • A short test ride to check comfort

Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.

During the Tour

Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.

What to Expect

Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.

For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.

Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

We’ve carefully planned the route so that most rides follow peaceful countryside roads, scenic bike paths, and quiet lanes well away from heavy traffic. On rare occasions, short stretches on busier roads may be necessary, but your guides will ensure these sections are managed safely.

While your tour price covers most of the main expenses, including accommodations, daily breakfast, and many meals, you may wish to budget for a few lunches or dinners not included in the itinerary, as well as drinks, snacks, or personal treats along the way. As a general guide, allow around US $20–40 per person per day for these additional expenses.

Our guided bike tours typically have 6–14 guests, allowing for a personalised experience.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

Tours run rain or shine, but we may adjust the route or schedule for safety. The support vehicle is always available.

Popular tours can sell out months ahead, especially in summer. Booking at least 9 months in advance ensures best availability.

We require a 10% deposit at booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.

For full details, please see our cancellation policy here.

Yes. About 4 weeks before your trip, you’ll receive a Pre-Departure Information Pack with daily ride profiles, packing tips, meeting locations, and detailed itinerary.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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