Page 13 - World Expeditions: Active Europe - Sherpa Expeditions

HOTEL TOUR CODE: VVC
Cycle the Voies Vertes bikeway through Normandy to the
coast and the impressive Mont St Michel
This outstanding cycle journey from the outskirts of Paris to the spectacular
fortified ramparts of Mont St Michel will offer you a unique insight into
the gorgeous landscapes and rich history of rural Normandy in the north
of France. Beginning in the historical town of Rambouillet, there are a
multitude of highlights to be enjoyed such as the gothic cathedral at
Chartres with its famous labyrinth, the quintessential French countryside
of the Perche area with its woods interspersed with medieval chateaux
and the rolling hills of the Basse Normandie area. There will be plenty of
opportunities to really immerse yourself in this special part of France.
Staying in comfortable family run hotels your efforts in the saddle will be
rewarded with local specialties including some of the best French cheese,
local cider and seafood. Arriving at the rocky tidal island of Mont St Michel is
without doubt the icing on the cake to this epic cycling trip.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Rambouillet 2 | Cycle via the chateau and
gardens of Maintenon to the historic town of Chartres (50km) 3 | Cycle
past wheat fields to Illiers-Combray (32km) 4 | Cycle through Perche to
Nogent le Rotrou with its medieval chateau (43km) 5 | Through the Basse
Normandie region to Belleme (38 or 42km) 6 | Join the 'Voie Verte' cycle
path and continue to Alençon (52km) 7 | Visit the Chateau de Carrouges
en route to Bagnoles de l'Orne (51km) 8 | Cycle past orchards of apples and
pears to St Hilaire du Harcouet (62km) 9 | Continue along the 'Voie Verte' to
the coastline and Mont St Michel (48km) 10 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 9 breakfasts, 6 dinners Ξ 2 nights in 2 star & 7 nights in
3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities Ξ luggage transfer
Ξ information pack including route notes, maps and tourist information per
room Ξ 21 speedmens or ladies bike equipped with panniers, helmet, anti‑theft
device and repair kit Ξ emergency hotline
Paris to Mont St Michel by Bike
10 DAY SELF GUIDED CYCLE GRADE 2
Mont St Michel France
Mont St Michel Alençon
Paris
Rambouillet
France
HOTEL TOUR CODE: BYS
Cycle through western Normandy to Mont St Michel and
the old pirate town of St Malo
Cycle between the most important sites of Normandy, from the D‑Day
landing beaches towards the great Abbey of Mont St Michel then continuing
through the stunning Brittany countryside to St Malo, home to many
rich seafaring legacies. There are numerous highlights throughout this
cycling journey; the exquisite tapestry detailing the heroics of William the
Conqueror in Bayeux, the D‑Day sites dotted along the Normandy coast,
the classic countryside of rolling hills and pretty villages and of course
the incredible experience of arriving at the magnificent Mont St Michel
perched on a rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks exposed to the
tides between Normandy and Brittany. Along the way hop off the bike in
villages to visit historical sites, sample delectable seafood and cheeses for
which the region is famous for and relax in comfortable hotels and BandBs.
The final stage to St Malo takes in the historic town of Dol with its Menhir,
or standing stone, before arriving in St Malo. St Malo was formerly home to
fierce pirates, but is now a lovely port town with its old winding lanes well
preserved and ideal for exploring on foot.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Bayeux 2 | Cycle loop to visit Juno Beach and
the Canadian cemetery, Arromanches and the German battery at Longues-
sur-Mer (40 or 52km) 3 | Cycle via Omaha beach and the American cemetery
to Carentan (61 or 68km) 4 | Continue past dairy farms and marsh land to
the sea at Regnéville-sur-Mer (52km) 5 | Choose from two routes, either
inland or via the coast, to Granville (32 or 56km) 6 | Cycle via the Abbey of
La Lucerne to Avranches (48 or 62km) 7 | Cycle to Mont St Michel, visit the
bay and its Abbey on foot (28 or 38km) 8 | Cycle to Dol-de Bretagne (32km)
9 | Cycle to St Malo (28km) 10 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 9 breakfasts, 3 dinners (4 dinners with upgrade) Ξ 9 nights in
2 star hotels on a twin share basis with private facilities (upgrade to 3 star hotels ‑
supplement applies) Ξ luggage transfer Ξ specialized Sirrus rental bike supplied
with panniers, repair kit, helmet, bike computer and lock Ξ maps & route notes
Ξ emergency hotline
Cycle Bayeux to St Malo
3 10 DAY SELF GUIDED CYCLE GRADE
Port-en-Bessin on the Landing beaches cycling route to Mont St Michel | G.
Wait
Avranches
St Malo
Bayeux
France
| 13 >> for detailed trip notes visit >> utracks.com
new
DATES 2015
Weekly on Mon, Tues, Sat and Sun
from 1 Mar to 31 Oct
Joining Rambouillet
DATES 2015
Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct
Joining Bayeux