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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008

June 28-July 5

September 13-20

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day.Call or email for details.

2009
June 27-Jul 4

September 12-19

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

8 days/ 7 nights

Arrive/Depart:

La Baule/Hennebont

Accommodations:

Hotel Saint Christophe, La Baule

L’Auberge des Deux Magots, La Roche-Bernard

Hotel des Trois  Fontaines, Locmariaquer

Les Chaumieres de Kerniaven, Hennebont

Activity Level:

48 km (30 miles daily average)

Terrain:

Moderate terrain

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2450
Includes 7B/2L/6D

Single Supplement:
US $520

Bike Rental:
US $160

Brittany, Biking

France's Cote Sauvage

In the northwest of France lies one of the great undiscovered regions of the country;  dramatic coastline, lush forests and enchanting villages are the initial draw. Look deeper and see a rich land revealed - from the beaches of La Baule to medieval villages such as Guerande and Sarzeau to the pre-historic megaliths of Carnac the Breton Coast is our newest discovery offering gentle cycling, gastronomy of sea-food and crepes and a proud people eager to welcome.

Itinerary

Getting there :
La Baule: La Baule can be reached by train from Paris Montparnasse; the journey takes approx. 3 hours.

DAYS 1+2:
La Baule - Your trip starts in La Baule, where white sand beaches are a short stroll from our hotel. If time allows, take a warm-up ride along the Cote Sauvage to the fishing village of Le Croisic, a good introduction to this coastal region. Next day, we'll cycle to an area known as the Briere and Kerhinet, with its pedestrian streets and chaumieres or thatched cottages. You’ll have the chance to explore the marshes by punt to see how peat was extracted before an easy cycle back to our hotel.

DAYS 3+4:
Billiers - Riding north from La Baule, you pass through the salt marshes to the fortified medieval village of Guerande and then through farmlands to Billiers. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and see the harvesting of salt where locals use the same technique as their ancestors. Next day, your ride options will include La Roche Bernard, a 1000 year old town which claims to be the home of the inventor of the guillotine.

DAY 5:

Locmariaque - Your ride begins with a glide past the Chateau de Suscinio- a medieval castle once home to the dukes of Brittany. You’ll also visit Sarzeau and Surzur and the route des Huitres- the most famous oyster-producing area in Brittany. In Port Novalo you’ll ferry across to fishing village of Locmariaque where monuments and tombs from the megalithic civilization still stand.

DAYS 6+7:
Hennebont - Next day our journey will continue towards Hennebont passing through the legendary village of Carnac, one of the most famous megalithic monuments and ancient ruins in France. Your last cycling day includes a loop to the sea-side village of Port Louis with its impressive 17th century citadel.

DAY 8: Depart at your leisure from Hennebont train station.