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)
From Bayeux you’ll bike to Vierville-sur-Mer and Omaha landing beach and possibly on to Pointe du Hoc (extra 9 miles), where many American soldiers lost their lives in 1944 while capturing this strategic German fortification.
You can also visit the Colleville Cemetery with its rows of white crosses and Stars of David, marking the final resting place of over 9,000 Americans.
Dinner is on your own tonight in your choice of Bayeux many nice restaurants
Day 3: Bayeux – Courseulles sur Mer – 25 miles (40 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 – 25 miles (40 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)
On your way out of Cabourg, you’ll come to a panoramic viewpoint over the Côte Fleurie before riding inland over Beaumont-en-Auge and Deauville. These peaceful roads lead you through typical Norman scenery: hedge-bordered orchards, grazing cows, and quaint, thatch-roofed houses. Another tranquil road, virtually traffic-free, will lead you all the way to the center of picture-perfect Honfleur, with a colorful harbor that has been inspiration for innumerable artists and photographers. 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.
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!
