WWII Normandy Tour
From Caen to St Mere l’ Eglise, embark on a WW2 memorial tour of Normandy, cycling along the beaches where the famous landings took place and through cities full of history.
Starting in Caen where you can visit the WWII Memorial, cycle the Calvados region to the famous Pegasus Memorial and Museum. The tour then takes you to Bayeux, famous for its 11th century tapestry. On the way there, you will stop in Arromanches where you can visit the Landing museum. Continue cycling along the coast, and you will get the chance to visit Omaha beach with the US Military cemetery, the Pointe du Hoc, Utah beach and other famous historical battle sites.
This tour is as beautiful as it is emotional.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Normandy
Duration : 6 Days / 5 Nights
Level : Hobby or Active
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 :
Arrive in Caen
Arrival in Caen - the main city of the region and home of the WWII Peace Memorial. Check in to your hotel and then free time of your own choosing.
A museum visit of the Caen Memorial is a highly informative and complete start of your tour. Orientation in the evening with an English speaking guide.
Accommodation : Hotel Le Dauphin - "Caen"
Accommodation : Hotel Le Dauphin - "Caen"
Day 2 :
LOOP RIDE TO THE BEACHES OF NORMANDY
Option 1 : 25 Miles - 40 Km
Option 2 : 31 Miles - 50 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 80 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 90 Meters
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.
Accommodation : Hotel Le Dauphin - "Caen"
Accommodation : Hotel Le Dauphin - "Caen"
Day 3 :
CYCLE CAEN TO BAYEUX
Distance 1 : 35 Miles - 57 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 349 Meters
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 Musee de la Bataille de Normandy and Memorial du General de Gaulle.
Accommodation : Le Lion D'or - "Bayeux"
Accommodation : Villa Lara - "Bayeux"
Day 4 :
RIDE FROM BAYEUX TO SAINTE MARIE DU MONT
Distance 1 : 44 Miles - 70 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 336 Meters
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.
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Day 5 :
Cycle to St Mere Eglise
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 281 Meters
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.
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Accommodation : Le Grand Hard - "Sainte Marie du Mont"
Day 6 :
Departure Day
Departure Day After breakfast, you are free to depart at your leisure. Trains through Bayeux and on to Paris are possible.
Distance : 53.80 Km / 33.40 Miles - Elevation gain : 227.20 Meters
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2
Le Dauphin is a charming hotel offering quiet rooms and a delightful restaurant. Located in the heart of William the Conqueror's ancient city it is easily accessible to many of the areas attractions. From Caen you can choose to visit the D-Day beaches or shop in the famous cities of Deauville and Honfleur.
Day : 3
The 3-star hotel Le Lion d'Or, member of Relais du Silence and Logis de France, is located in Bayeux town centre and boasts an elegant, family ambiance.This welcoming hotel, steeped in history and formerly the headquarters of the English press during the last World War, is situated a stone's throw away from the Musée de la Tapisserie (Tapestry Museum) and not far from the landing beaches.For your comfort our reception staff are at your service to ensure you enjoy a pleasant stay. We offer excellent hotel services, a full balanced breakfast, a lounge bar where you can relax and a gourmet restaurant which serves refined cuisine... We strive to ensure that our guests' stay in Normandy is one to remember.
Day : 4, 5
Welcome to Le Grand Hard, recreational resort for young and old in the bocage of the Cotentin peninsula, a few kilometers from D-Day 'Utah Beach'. Our hotel has 11 double rooms, one of which is fit for disabled people, and 5 duplex residences for 4 people. No matter which of our rooms you choose, all are cozy, tasteful and authentic. Our snug bar invites you either to relax in front of the open fire or to play a game of snooker. In the library you can loose track of time while reading one of the books from our collection. In the restaurant you will be indulged by the creativity of our chefs : each day a delicious 'Menu du chef' or offer you the daily fresh oysters from Utah Beach.
Day : 1, 2
Le Dauphin is a charming hotel offering quiet rooms and a delightful restaurant. Located in the heart of William the Conqueror's ancient city it is easily accessible to many of the areas attractions. From Caen you can choose to visit the D-Day beaches or shop in the famous cities of Deauville and Honfleur.
Day : 3
The Villa Lara is a 4 star brand new boutique hotel in the historic centre of Bayeux, nested in a very quiet and arbored square facing the 11th century majestuous cathedral and along the Aure River, the famous Bayeux Tapestry is 2 minutes away.The 28 elegantly appointed rooms in a French style with 8 different colour schemes, all the furniture is made by Moissonnier a well known company founded in 1885, its French cabinetmaking skills have been passed on down the generations, bringing the past to life with light touches... suggesting without imposing... breathing new life into traditions to make the present feel magical again, and creating jewellery for the hotel while cultivating an offbeat style: such is the spirit of Moissonnier today.
Day : 4, 5
Welcome to Le Grand Hard, recreational resort for young and old in the bocage of the Cotentin peninsula, a few kilometers from D-Day 'Utah Beach'. Our hotel has 11 double rooms, one of which is fit for disabled people, and 5 duplex residences for 4 people. No matter which of our rooms you choose, all are cozy, tasteful and authentic. Our snug bar invites you either to relax in front of the open fire or to play a game of snooker. In the library you can loose track of time while reading one of the books from our collection. In the restaurant you will be indulged by the creativity of our chefs : each day a delicious 'Menu du chef' or offer you the daily fresh oysters from Utah Beach.
Bikes available for your tour
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.
Frame: SUB Sport 20 6061 Tig welding Fork: SF14 NEX DS HLO PM 700C Shifters : Shimano Deore SLM 590 Chain ring & crank arms: Shimano FC-T3010 Black 48x38x26 Cassette: Shimano CS-HG200-9 11-34 T Black Brakes: Tektro Disc Brake SCH-F15 Stem: JD-ST103A Saddle: Syncros Urban Commuter 2.5 Seat post: HL SP-56 Rims/Spokes: X12 Disc, 32h / Pillar Steel 14G Tires: Continental City Ride II or Schwalbe Spicer or Marathon Weight: 17 kg / 37.48 lbs
With its integrated rack, seamless assist and comfortable upright position, the Mavaro is all about freedom: the freedom to enjoy weekend treks or trips to the store, the freedom to escape the car for the daily commute or the freedom to feel the wind in your face - effortlessly.
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles. XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLX
The SCOTT Addict RC 20 Disc comes with all the great features of the Addict, but is equipped with disc brakes. A lightweight HMF Carbon frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra, Syncros components and Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes combine to create a lightning fast climber that performs at its best in ALL weather conditions.
Having racked up stage wins in the Tour de France, wins at Milan San Remo and Liege Bastogne Liege just to name a few, it is safe to say that the FOIL has made a name for itself in recent years. After all of this sucess, the logical step was to go back to the drawing board to make something even faster. The all NEW FOIL 10 has been designed to be even more aerodynamic, more comfortable, and to still have that incredibly laterally stiff nature. Featuring an HMF Carbon Fiber frame, an integrated FOIL stem and Shimano Ultegra Di2, the FOIL 10 is a race ready machine at a fraction of the cost. Available in S, M, L.
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Equipped with a Shimano fluid transmission specially for tandems, an adjustable stem (that the passenger can adapt under all circumstances) and a RockShox YARI RC fork for your comfort, our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. For an optimal return on your effort and complete confidence, we’re making it available in 27.5-inch tires. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S
Accessories
- Rear pannier containing : Helmet / Lock / Pump / 2 Spare tubes
- Handlebar bag containing: Toolkit / Tire levers / Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Odometer
- Flat pedals are included (toe straps on request)
- Saddle bag containing : Toolkit / Tire levers / Patch kit / 2 Spare tubes / 1 Hand pump + Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- Flat pedals are included (toe straps on request)
- 2 souvenir water bottles
Roadbooks
Our road books are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our road books even better. Our road books include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow directions step by step (Cue-sheet). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
GPS
GPS are included on all tours Since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
Included
- 5 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 2 dinners included (3 dinner included with the Standard package) .
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
| Price from & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1290 € | 230 € | 1930 € |
| Upgraded | 1450 € | 450 € | 2250 € |
*Please contact us for triple room rates
| Options per person : | |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 120 € |
| Performance | 175 € |
| Premium | 250 € |
| Electric Assisted Bike | 120 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | 30 € |
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.
**We do not recommend taking this tour around the anniversary of D-Day, June 6th. Hotels fill up very far in advance, there is more traffic on the roads and some of the routes may be closed.
United States
My son & i biked the WWII Normandy beaches over 3 days - super trip. Maggie at Discover France was terrific - her itinerary was perfect, the accommodations were nice & reasonably priced, and the logistics were seamless.
United States
We had an amazing time. The hotels were very nice and the French Cuisine was amazing. Particularly liked the Le Grand Hard. We had no problems other than the long day being exceptionally headwindy (and those much heavier than my bikes!) There was way too many museums and monuments - couldn’t see everything!!
P. Oshea
United States
We just wanted to say that we had a great time cycling in Normandy. We had no problems with the bikes or with the routes. There were actually more cycle lanes than we had expected and you had picked out plenty of quiet roads in other places. The hotels were also ideal. Have to give a mention to the food in the Lion d'Or in Bayeux, and also the owners of the Grand Hard hotel who were lovely.
S. Patrignani
United States
The owners were lovely and we enjoyed this place and the others very much. We did cut short the mileage a couple of days as there were so many interesting museums to see, but it was a fabulous trip. Thanks so much ! Cheers
United States
We are rally enjoying our ride. I had trouble with my first bike, and your organization had a replacement the next morning. Terrific service! So nothing was delayed. We like the hotels and have had terrific food. We would recommend your service to others (already have) and are considering another tour with you.