Normandy Coast – Deluxe

From: $2190 USD

7 Days / 6 Nights
Type: Self-Guided
Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Imagine Yourself…

Cycling tranquil roads past orchards, fields, and thatch-roofed houses
Discovering important, sobering historical sites from WW-II
Biking along the coastline past vestiges of an artificial harbor
Reflecting on your day’s journey over a fine, French meal

Overview

Normandy: land of cows, green pastures, soft hills, half-timbered manor houses, and apple orchards, of Calvados and Camembert. This region is also the site of important beaches from World War II. Your tour over 7 days and 6 nights starts in beautiful Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated on June 7, 1944, which was miraculously untouched by bombs, and will end in charming Honfleur.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bayeux

Wander through the narrow streets of Bayeux and admire the stately merchant houses. Visit the cathedral of Notre Dame, a jewel of Romanesque architecture. The town houses one of the most impressive Norman/Romanesque historical treasures: the Bayeux Tapestry. This long-embroidered linen cloth was stitched in the 11th century to recount the events of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. Your bike will be waiting for you in your hotel in Bayeux.
Day 2: Bayeux to Normandy Beaches – 31 miles (50 km) (optional extra 9 miles/15 km)

Bike to Vierville-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach, often called ‘bloody Omaha’ as the heaviest allied losses were suffered here. At the top of the cliff the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer dominates the beach. Row upon row of headstones surrounded by emerald green grass and the ever present sea create a sense of peace and serenity. Return to Bayeux after an optional visit to the Overlord Museum.

You can extend the circuit by visiting La Pointe du Hoc cliffs [30 meters high]. Today one can still easily see traces of the damage caused to the fields by shell fire from the allied ships in the channel.

Dinner is on your own tonight in your choice of Bayeux many nice restaurants
Day 3: Bayeux – Courseulles sur Mer – 23 miles (36 km)

You’ll bike along the coast to Longues-sur-Mer and its’ impressive German defensive battery, then continue on towards Gold Beach. Next is Arromanches, where you can see floating in the sea some of the vestiges of the artificial harbor “The Mulberry,” conceived by Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten and built in 1943. Don’t forget to visit Arromanches 360°, a circular cinema which graphically illustrates the complete history of the Battle for Normandy. Continue your ride through the Normandy countryside, biking down little lanes between the pretty hedged fields – the “bocage”- until you reach Courseulles sur Mer, Take time to stroll around the picturesque fishing harbor. If you’re interested, you can also visit an interesting marine museum with a fine aquarium called “House of the Sea.”
Day 4: Courseulles sur Mer – Cabourg – 26 miles (41 km)

Bike the length of Juno Beach and then Sword Beach all the way to Ouistreham, passing through seaside villages and along fine sandy beaches. Take the time to visit the museum of No. 4 Commando or follow the bike path that runs along the Caen canal to Pegasus Bridge, where the British army achieved a significant victory in 1944. After stopping briefly at the Pegasus Memorial it’s time to explore the “Cote Fleurie,” one of the most beautiful coastlines in France. Follow the edge of the sea to Cabourg, with its seaside promenades. It’s been a very popular seaside resort since the start of the 20th century.
Day 5: Cabourg – Honfleur – 31 miles (50 km)

Briefly side-track into the Auge countryside to the village of Beaumont-en-Auge with its colourful timber framed houses before returning to the coast and heading for Deauville, a beautiful seaside resort full of elegant half- timbered houses.

Follow the coastline dotted with apple trees to Honfleur with its pretty marina. Take the time to explore the delights of this lovely medieval port: its small harbour, its typical tall, narrow-fronted colourful houses and its timeless narrow streets and alleys. You’ll see why Honfleur inspired the Impressionist painters. You’ll dine and sleep here tonight.
Day 6: Honfleur – Trouville – 31 miles (50 km)

Leave Honfleur for a new route exploring the Auge countryside. This classic landscape, so emblematic of Normandy, offers the most beautiful vistas. The “Pays de Auge” is synonymous with apples and of course, cider and Calvados. However, let’s not forget the dairy cows and the cheese they produce, which is why Pont-l’Eveque is a not-to-be-missed stop on your tour. Take the time to explore its brightly colored half-timbered and carved houses before heading back to Deauville. Continue on to Trouville where the fish market will make your mouth water, while the Belle Epoque ambiance of this seaside town will charm you.
Day 7: Tour ends

Your tour ends today, with departure after breakfast.

Dates & Prices

Green = Open | Yellow = Limited | Red = Full

2024

Prices are per person in US Dollars – inclusive bike rental
Choose your own starting date

Date	Accommodation	Double	Single
July / August	*3 & 4* Hotels**	$ 2,290	$ 2,890	Book Here
Other months	*3 & 4* Hotels**	$ 2,190	$ 2,790	Book Here

This tour can be guided upon request

Terms and Conditions

Accommodations

The accommodations listed below are examples of those usually used on the tour. Depending on availability, you may be booked in a different accommodation of equal quality.

Reviews

The tour was organized for us with very good follow-up and communication. We were able to know we were going to be ready to go! Questions were answered promptly even with a big change in our key person!