"The routes developed for us were fantastic. Wonderful back roads through beautiful countryside."
- M. James, Normandy

This is a self guided cycling tour, but you are not alone! Learn more!
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Tours > Cycling Tours > Normandy Tours > Coastal

Normandy Biking - WWII History 5 nights

In Normandy, an "artist's paradise," wonderful coastline, woodlands and countryside combine to make a fabulous bicycle vacation. Of course, Normandy is also well known for the WWII landing beaches used by the Allied armies. There is much to see and remember here of that time. This region of France is also renowned for its dairy products, and the gastronomical delights won't disappoint. In addition to its cider and Calvados, Normandy produces the famous Camembert cheese. You're certain to enjoy this countryside as you bicycle through the green pastures and seaside towns, discovering the history that has made this area so famous.

Blog Posts about Normandy: 5 Reasons to Cycling Normandy | Normandy Art | Honfleur Normandy


Tour Details


Maps & Profiles

NOTE: Please click on the profile image to see the complete profile in true relief; the thumbnail version below is automatically made small and this distorts the actual relief of the terrain.

Day-2 Day-3    

NORMANDIE_4N_Loop Caen

NORMANDIE_4N_Caen-Bayeux

NORMANDIE_5N_Bayeux-Ste Marie

NORMANDIE_5N_Loop Ste Marie

  

Tour Map

normandy cycling tour

Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2

Day 2: 30 or 50 km loop tour options: Cycle to Merville-Franceville-Plage sur Mer in the Calvados area and visit the Battery Museum. Then head on to Pegasus Bridge, originally named the Benouville Bridge. There, you can visit the Pegasus Memorial and museum, dedicated to the first liberators who arrived in Normandy on the night of 5th/6th June 1944. Finally you will arrive in Ouistreham where, on Riva Bella you will have an overview on the landing area of Sword Beach. Here you can visit the Atlantic Wall Museum, inside the “Big Bunker”, a former German headquarters.

The Belvedere has an interesting orientation table and in front of the casino you can visit the Landing museum. Return to Caen and overnight at the same hotel, dinner on your own. (B)

Le Dauphin

3

Caen

Le Dauphin is a charming hotel offering quiet rooms and a delightful restaurant. Located in the hear...

DAY 3

Day 3: Ride along Coast: 57 km

Today you will ride from Caen to Bayeux. You will reach Arromanches & Gold Beach, where you can visit Arromanches 360, a circular theatre where “The Price of Freedom” is shown on nine screens. In the D-Day Landing Museum in Arromanches you will learn about the construction and operation of the artificial harbors assembled in front of Arromanches on the days following D-Day. You will finish in Bayeux, where you may take the opportunity to visit one of the many points of interest of this town of art. The Bayeux Tapestry –70 m long and 50 cm high, completed in the 11th century- is unique in the world. Other visits include the recently re-opened Musée de la Bataille de Normandy and Mémorial du Général de Gaulle. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

LE LION D'OR

3

Bayeux

DESCRIPTION OF HOTEL: This charming and historical property is located in the town center ju...

DAY 4

Day 4: Bayeux to Saint Marie du Mont: 70 km challenging.

A strong ride today from Bayeux to discover some of the most famous WWII sites in the area: Colleville-sur-Mer and Omaha beach. In Colleville take some time to visit the US Military cemetery, (172.5 acres) , the chapel and the memorial dedicated to the youth of America. There is also a viewpoint which overlooks Omaha Beach. After you continue to ride to La Pointe du Hoc, immortalized in the movie The Longest Day and after on to Carentan and Utah beach. Your hotel is near the town of St Marie du Mont, dinner included again tonight. (B,D)

Le Grand Hard

3

Sainte Marie du Mont

Welcome to Le Grand Hard, recreational resort for young and old in the bocage of the Cotentin penins...

DAY 5

Day 5: Loop Tour to St Mere Eglise 52km. A loop tour from your hotel will first focus on the Utah Beach landings close to your hotel, then move north toward the point on the coast at Quineville then inland to St Mere Eglise, and a visit the famous battery of Crisbecq, Azeville and the very famous village of Ste Marie du Mont. Then back to your hotel with dinner included. (B,D)

Le Grand Hard

3

Sainte Marie du Mont

Welcome to Le Grand Hard, recreational resort for young and old in the bocage of the Cotentin penins...

DAY 6

Day 5: Departure Day After breakfast, you are free to depart at your leisure. Trains through Bayeux and on to Paris are possible.


General Tour Information

Coastal Normandy Cycling Tour "WWII History"
5 Nights / 6 Days

Dates
This tour departs any day, subject to hotel availability, May-September 2012.

Level - Level is moderate to challenging (2-3) Good fitness recommended.

The terrain is rolling meadows and coastline, with some hilly options, and occasionally short but steep climbs.
Average distance of 50 km per day.

Details - Arrival city is Caen; from Paris St Lazare by train in 2 hours. Departure city Carentan, by train to Paris St Lazare in 2 hours 30min. Flights between Caen and Paris possible.

What is self-guided touring?

Misc Info - Triples and larger rooms are occasionally available, please book far in advance. Reduced rates for children available but subject to large room availability.

Normandy Regional Events and Festivals

Optional Services:

Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.

Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.

What's Included

gps and road book for cycling tours in france

The Trip Includes
 3 star Charm hotels in central city locations near to the sites and with good access out of the city, 3 dinners, breakfasts, luggage transfer, maps, route and site information and GPS for navigation, arrival orientation by phone and bike delivery at first hotel and bike pickup and return, and of course local emergency support. We also provide travel planning services to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers.



To learn more about the road books and GPS units we included, visit this link: GPS & Road Book Details

For hotels included in this tour, please see the Itinerary tab; each hotel is shown for each day.
Additional Night in Bayeux: please inquire. Hotels: Lion d\'Or***, Le Moderne***

Tour Rates

Price

Standard - 3 star hotels

Double Occupancy:

1050 €/person

Triple Occupancy:

994 €/person

Solo Supplement:

570 €

Single supplements with 2 or more travelers:
321 €
No upgrade available.

***Bike Rentals are available for a supplement of 95 euros, please see the Bike Rental tab for all details about the bikes we offer.

(convert from euros)

Photos & Videos

Virtual Tour

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Bike Rentals:
bike rental discover france cycling tours Scott Sportster P3/P4 & P40 hybrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region!
Bike Equipment: Scott Sportster P3/P4 or P40 hybrid; see details on this page including a virtual photo tour, specs and all information.

Rental Rate: 95 euros/bike for the duration of the tour. This includes all the gear shown as well as bike delivery, set up, and bike return. Every bike is given an inspection by our mechanics in the bike shop before they go out again. Pedals with or without straps available. Clients can bring their own Clipless pedals to be changed over.



Scott Sportster P3/P4 & P40 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included in the rental rate of 95 euros.

You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure, see below. Upon confirmation of your tour we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists, cell phone rental, travel insurance, and more!

Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, a packing list, regional information about sites, culture, regional specialities, important towns and historical sites, general France travel information, bike travel tips, vouchers, train travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!


Other Tours: Travel for this region
Normandy Walking Tour

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