Landscapes, Landmarks and History

Mont St Michel and Brittany

Tour Description: Guided

This magnificent tour will enable you to discover the heart of Brittany, a land of countless sights. It is where villages and castles, shores and boscages are in total harmony with the land and the sea. You will pass through the world wonder of the nature "Mont Saint Michel" on the way to the "pirates town" of Saint-Malo, cycling along the marvelous Emerald coast.

Tour options:
This tour commences in Fougères on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays and in St. Malo on Thursdays. 

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

This magnificent tour will enable you to discover the heart of Brittany, a land of countless sights. It is where villages and castles, shores and boscages are in total harmony with the land and the sea. You will pass through the world wonder of the nature "Mont Saint Michel" on the way to the "pirates town" of Saint-Malo, cycling along the marvelous Emerald coast.

Tour options:
This tour commences in Fougères on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays and in St. Malo on Thursdays. 

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Mont St. Michel
• St. Malo
• Brittany coast
• Medieval Dinan 

Highlights: Self-guided

• Mont St. Michel
• St. Malo
• Brittany coast
• Medieval Dinan 

Daily Program: Guided

Daily Program: Self-guided

This tour commences in Fougères on Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays and in St. Malo on Thursdays. If you start in St. Malo, the program begins with arrival on Day 4 in St. Malo and departure after breakfast in St. Malo the following Thursday.

Day 1: Arrival in Fougères
Discover the city, its architectural and religious heritage, its forests and gardens. This prestigious mediaeval city isoverlooked by its imposing fortress. Don’t miss a visit at the chateau.
Overnight in Fougères.

Day 2: Fougères – Pontorson (30 miles/48 km)
A stage on the former railway path converted in cycling path. You will cross typical small villages. Then follow the Couesnon Valley until Pontorson, a peaceful village on the way to “Mont Saint Michel”.
Overnight in Pontorson.

Day 3: Pontorson - Le Vivier sur Mer (28 miles/45 km)
Day devoted to the discovery of the wonder of “Mont Saint Michel”. This rocky islet rises in the bay for over a thousand years and has kept its tradition of welcoming visitors. Enjoy a walk through the authentic medieval streetsalong timber framed houses. Continue with a visit of the abbey and loose your mind in the labyrinth of thenumerous surrounded walls of the city. After this long moment walking, ride on a cycling path via countryside andfields towards the sea side and Vivier sur mer famous for oyster parks.
Overnight in Le Vivier su Mer.

Day 4: Le Vivier sur Mer - St. Malo (26 miles/42 km)
A day ride starting in the inner lands through typical small villages and countryside before arriving in Cancale apicturesque fishing harbour along the granite coast. Enjoy the beautiful view from this bay and taste the freshseafood arriving every morning by the local fishermen. Then, continue longing the coast via ‘Pointe du Grouin’ awonderful point of view facing the sea, you can admire the bay on a large view. This place is also a bird protectionpark where you can observe them. Then continue your ride until Saint Malo, the "City of the Sea".
Overnight in St Malo.

Day 5: St Malo – Dinan (23 miles/36 km)
After the visit of the old town where testimonies of pirates are at every corner of the medieval city, surrounded bywalls from centuries, reach the Rance valley. Through countryside landscapes on the first part of the day, you willcross numerous villages with typical houses of this area and other prehistorical testimonies. Continue your ridealong the river Rance on a peaceful cycling path until reaching the Medieval City of Dinan surrounded by walls.Enjoy a walk through the numerous pedestrian streets to discover the timbere framed houses and paved routes.
Overnight in Dinan.

Day 6: Dinan - Combourg (19 miles/31 km; optional extra 6 miles/10 km)
A day ride on a very pleasant and peaceful cycling path at the rhythm of the Rance canal, locks and house boatcruises. At every village, leave the cycling path and discover the heart of the inner lands villages of Britany. Then,cross the bocage before arriving to Combourg with its impressive feudal castle situated near by a wide pound.
Overnight in Combourg.

Day 7: Combourg - Fougères (34 miles/55 km)
Stage in the heart of the centre of Brittany with numerous vestiges of the mysterious local civilization who formercelebrate the worship of stone. A kingdom of legends, beliefs and traditions.
Overnight in Fougères.

Day 8: Departure
Depart after breakfast.

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Fougeres: Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays: March-October 2012 and 2013;  
St. Malo start: Thursdays: Mar 1- Oct 31, 2012 and 2013

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour start in Fougeres (self-guided)
Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays: Mar 1- Oct 31, 2012
Per person, double occupancy €838 Single supplement (1 person/1 room) €250 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike €123 Extra nights, Fougeres Per person, double occupancy €62 Single supplement (1 person/1 room) €36

Tour start in St. Malo (self-guided)
Thursdays: Mar 1- Oct 31, 2012
Per person, double occupancy €874 Single supplement (1 person/1 room) €259 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike €123 Extra nights, St. Malo Per person, double occupancy €66 Single supplement (1 person/1 room) €36

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

• 7 night accommodation in double room with shower and toilets, including breakfasts (2 nights in 2-star hotels and 5 nights in 3-star hotels)
• 4 dinners
• Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
• Maps and itineraries, tourist information

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hotel des Voyagers
www.hotel-fougeres.fr
Charming hotels located in the heart of Fougères, surrounded by numerous free parking, Sylvie and Christophe will welcome you like you were in their home; just a few minutes walk of several attractions.

Day 2: Hotel Ariane et France
www.ariane-mt-st-michel.com
Situated on the borders of Normandy and Brittany, at the foot of the Mont St Michel, the Hôtel Ariane at the center of Pontorson is the ideal place to stay during your trip.

Day 3: Hotel du Beau Rivage
www.logis-beaurivage.com
Capital of the mussels, the quiet and the countryside by the sea will be your stop forced to discover the treasures of the bay of Mont Saint Michel, Saint Malo, Cancale, Dinan, Dinard, Dol and the Channel Islands...

Day 4: Hotel Kyiad
www.kyriadsaintmaloplage.com
We are a 55 rooms seafront hotel offering a spectacular view of the Channel and a direct access to the beach. Some of our rooms have recently completely been renovated but have retained the charm of seaside houses. The hotel enjoys an ideal location. It’s within pleasant walking distance of the famous 'Thermes Marins', of Saint Malo’s old town.

Day 5: Hotel Arvor
www.hotelarvordinan.com
Situated in the heart of the Mediaeval city of Dinan, opposite the " Théatre des Jacobins". The hotel welcomes you on this exceptional site, steeped with history. The 18th century rennaissance style building was built on the site of a Jocobean convent. In this hotel of charm, like the family home you will be seduced by a warm and charming atmosphere. Two star, 24 rooms and suites offering a magnificant view over this historic center and the celebrated "clock tower", a symbol of the town. A unique site, magical with a hidden charm which will make you stay in Dinan and have an unforgetable souvenir in one of the prettiest towns in Brittany.

Day 6: Hotel du Lac
www.hoteldulaccombourg.com
We are delighted to welcome you to our hotel & restaurant just opposite the lake. Enjoy fine regional dishes made with local produce as well as a range of refined and creative offerings, looking onto the tranquil lake or the chateau, the bithplace of Chateaubriand. Enjoy a drink in the bar or out on the terrace. Breakfast is now served in the room overlooking the lake, the perfect start to the day, watching the sun rise over the water. Enjoy local cakes and pastries, in particular the famous "Craquelins". This cradle of romance is a truly wonderful destination to bring your loved one. We will be delighted to advise you on places to visit, the essential sights of the Emerald coast, Mont-Saint-Michel bay and of course how and where to find the best products or souvenirs to take back home from Brittany. 

Day 7: Hotel des Voyagers
www.hotel-fougeres.fr
Charming hotels located in the heart of Fougères, surrounded by numerous free parking, Sylvie and Christophe will welcome you like you were in their home; just a few minutes walk of several attractions.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hotel des Voyagers
www.hotel-fougeres.fr
Charming hotels located in the heart of Fougères, surrounded by numerous free parking, Sylvie and Christophe will welcome you like you were in their home; just a few minutes walk of several attractions.

Day 2: Hotel Ariane et France
www.ariane-mt-st-michel.com
Situated on the borders of Normandy and Brittany, at the foot of the Mont St Michel, the Hôtel Ariane at the center of Pontorson is the ideal place to stay during your trip.

Day 3: Hotel du Beau Rivage
www.logis-beaurivage.com
Capital of the mussels, the quiet and the countryside by the sea will be your stop forced to discover the treasures of the bay of Mont Saint Michel, Saint Malo, Cancale, Dinan, Dinard, Dol and the Channel Islands...

Day 4: Hotel Kyiad
www.kyriadsaintmaloplage.com
We are a 55 rooms seafront hotel offering a spectacular view of the Channel and a direct access to the beach. Some of our rooms have recently completely been renovated but have retained the charm of seaside houses. The hotel enjoys an ideal location. It’s within pleasant walking distance of the famous 'Thermes Marins', of Saint Malo’s old town.

Day 5: Hotel Arvor
www.hotelarvordinan.com
Situated in the heart of the Mediaeval city of Dinan, opposite the " Théatre des Jacobins". The hotel welcomes you on this exceptional site, steeped with history. The 18th century rennaissance style building was built on the site of a Jocobean convent. In this hotel of charm, like the family home you will be seduced by a warm and charming atmosphere. Two star, 24 rooms and suites offering a magnificant view over this historic center and the celebrated "clock tower", a symbol of the town. A unique site, magical with a hidden charm which will make you stay in Dinan and have an unforgetable souvenir in one of the prettiest towns in Brittany.

Day 6: Hotel du Lac
www.hoteldulaccombourg.com
We are delighted to welcome you to our hotel & restaurant just opposite the lake. Enjoy fine regional dishes made with local produce as well as a range of refined and creative offerings, looking onto the tranquil lake or the chateau, the bithplace of Chateaubriand. Enjoy a drink in the bar or out on the terrace. Breakfast is now served in the room overlooking the lake, the perfect start to the day, watching the sun rise over the water. Enjoy local cakes and pastries, in particular the famous "Craquelins". This cradle of romance is a truly wonderful destination to bring your loved one. We will be delighted to advise you on places to visit, the essential sights of the Emerald coast, Mont-Saint-Michel bay and of course how and where to find the best products or souvenirs to take back home from Brittany. 

Day 7: Hotel des Voyagers
www.hotel-fougeres.fr
Charming hotels located in the heart of Fougères, surrounded by numerous free parking, Sylvie and Christophe will welcome you like you were in their home; just a few minutes walk of several attractions.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

Available bikes include a 21-speed men's and ladies bikes. All bikes are equipped with two saddlebags, high visibility jacket, anti-theft device, map holder, helmet and repair kit. The bikes will be adjusted by a cycling specialist.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Available bikes include a 21-speed men's and ladies bikes. All bikes are equipped with two saddlebags, high visibility jacket, anti-theft device, map holder, helmet and repair kit. The bikes will be adjusted by a cycling specialist.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average condition. The route is generally flat, but headwinds are sometimes a factor in coastal areas. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average condition. The route is generally flat, but headwinds are sometimes a factor in coastal areas. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: Rennes or St. Malo, France 

If you fly to Paris, take the TGV to Laval, then bus to Fougères; or regular train to Rennes then bus to Fougères. If you start in St. Malo, there is a TGV station there. 

Tips on getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: Rennes or St. Malo, France 

If you fly to Paris, take the TGV to Laval, then bus to Fougères; or regular train to Rennes then bus to Fougères. If you start in St. Malo, there is a TGV station there. 

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Loire Valley Travel: Guided

Loire Valley Travel has been organising cycling and walking tour packages in a large number of French regions and making its exclusive skills available to you for more than 20 years.

From 3 days to two weeks, our fully inclusive tours and trips allow you to take advantage of our France’s most beautiful regions on cycling tours . You are free to program the visits of sites as you please. Programs adapted to your own rhythm !

With experience and detailed local knowledge, our team ensures your comfort by selecting the best private hotels, where you will be constantly reminded that you are in a region where well-being and living well are key concepts!

When you book one of our tours, you can be sure of the tranquillity of an organised holiday planned down to the last detail before you leave (hotel reservations, luggage transfers, detailed itinerary and maps). Once you arrive, you have all the time you want to complete each day’s itinerary in total freedom and at your own pace, stopping where you like - you can choose from among the various sites suggested along your route depending on your interests (culture, cuisine, vineyards etc.). 

Tour Company Background: Loire Valley Travel: Self-guided

Loire Valley Travel has been organising cycling and walking tour packages in a large number of French regions and making its exclusive skills available to you for more than 20 years.

From 3 days to two weeks, our fully inclusive tours and trips allow you to take advantage of our France’s most beautiful regions on cycling tours . You are free to program the visits of sites as you please. Programs adapted to your own rhythm !

With experience and detailed local knowledge, our team ensures your comfort by selecting the best private hotels, where you will be constantly reminded that you are in a region where well-being and living well are key concepts!

When you book one of our tours, you can be sure of the tranquillity of an organised holiday planned down to the last detail before you leave (hotel reservations, luggage transfers, detailed itinerary and maps). Once you arrive, you have all the time you want to complete each day’s itinerary in total freedom and at your own pace, stopping where you like - you can choose from among the various sites suggested along your route depending on your interests (culture, cuisine, vineyards etc.). 

Terms and Conditions: Loire Valley Travel: Guided

Any change to a confirmed booking will give rise to extra cost of: 39  euros per person.
For cancellation of a booking more than 30 days before the departure date, expenses will be payable on the following basis:

• 70 euros per booking (for any package inferior than 300 euros per person) 
• 70 euros per person (for any package of 300 euros and more) 

And for cancellations of a booking

• Between 30 and 21 days before arrival: 25% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 20 and 8 days before arrival: 50% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 7 and 2 days before arrival: 75% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Less than 2 days before arrival: 90% of the total amount of the trip will be held back
• No-show--total amount of the trip will be held

The insurance costs are not refunded in case of cancellation of the trip.

 CHILDREN  REDUCTIONS

• Children 0-4 in parents' room: 50% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in parents' room: 20% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in children's twin room: 10 percent discount

Terms and Conditions: Loire Valley Travel: Self-guided

Any change to a confirmed booking will give rise to extra cost of: 39  euros per person.
For cancellation of a booking more than 30 days before the departure date, expenses will be payable on the following basis:

• 70 euros per booking (for any package inferior than 300 euros per person) 
• 70 euros per person (for any package of 300 euros and more) 

And for cancellations of a booking

• Between 30 and 21 days before arrival: 25% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 20 and 8 days before arrival: 50% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Between 7 and 2 days before arrival: 75% of the total amount of the trip will be hold back 
• Less than 2 days before arrival: 90% of the total amount of the trip will be held back
• No-show--total amount of the trip will be held

The insurance costs are not refunded in case of cancellation of the trip.

 CHILDREN  REDUCTIONS

• Children 0-4 in parents' room: 50% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in parents' room: 20% discount
• Children 5 to 12 in children's twin room: 10 percent discount