Cycle Normandy
Cycle Normandy
Cycle Normandy
6 Days Starting in Bayeux or Honfleur and ending in Honfleur (or Bayeux)
Visiting: France
Tour Overview
The Pays d'Auge of Lower Normandy is literally blanketed in apple orchards, where numerous cider and calvados (apple brandy) producers reside in their half-timbered houses. Beginning in Bayeux, the focus of this trip is firmly on the gastronomical delights of the region together with a well thought-out cycle route which showcases the land of William the Conqueror. A fascinating part of the journey encompasses the historic sites of World War II including the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach, where the Allied Invasion took place, the Pegasus Bridge and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur Mer. With time in the delightful town of Bayeux with its impressive cathedral, exquisite historic houses and famous tapestry and the harbour town of Honfleur there is no shortage of fascinating sights. The cycling takes you along backroads and canal paths, past historic locations and impressive coastline with options daily to choose a shorter or longer route. In the evening stay in charming hotels and sample the delectable cuisine for which this region is so famous.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bayeux
On arrival in Bayeux make your own way to the first hotel. A must-see is the Bayeux Tapestry that tells the engrossing story of the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy in 1066. You can also visit the cathedral, and the memorial museum of Bayeux that covers the military events that immediately followed the landings of June 1944. Having escaped bombardment, it is one of the few towns in the area to retain monuments dating from the Middle Ages.
Day 2 : Loop Cycle To Omaha Beach And American War Cemetery (27-75Km/17-47Mi)
Today's cycling is dedicated to WW2 sites. There are a few options. The classic route (57km) is from Bayeux and the Commonwealth memorial, Bayeux War Cemetery, and takes you northwest to Omaha Beach and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where you can easily spend a couple of hours. The cycling is mainly on quiet country roads with very few hills. Before returning to Bayeux, you can stop at the typical fishing village of Port-en-Bessin. A longer option takes you to 'Pointe du Hoc' near Grandcamp-Maisy. There is also a shortcut Overnight in Bayeux.
If you prefer a short loop ride (27km/17mi) or an extra night in Bayeux, you can cycle via Arromanches, the British sector (though tomorrow's route also passes this way en route to Caen).
Day 3 : Cycle Via Juno Beach And The Canadian Museum To Caen/Benouville (46, 52 Or 64Km/29, 32.5 Or 40Mi)
Following the Aure valley towards the sea you reach the German battery at Longues sur Mer, the only one that still has guns. Continue and follow the coastline eastwards and enter the Gold Beach area. Between Arromanches and Ver-sur-Mer you can see the huge concrete containers still visible on the beach, ruins of the artificial harbour "Mulberry". Continue eastwards to the fishing port of Courseulles-sur-Mer, a great place to enjoy a seafood lunch, and Juno Beach. Heading inland from the Canadian war cemetery of Reviers, cycle the little Mue valley to the village of Fontaine-Henry and its chateau. From here you ride eastward towards Benouville in the Orne valley. Here you'll find the famous Pegasus Bridge, the landing target of the British parachutists and where the longest day started. Overnight in Benouville or Caen, dependent on availability.
Day 4 : Follow The Orne Canal Passing By Pegasus Bridge To Cabourg (27 Or 54Km/17 Or 34Mi)
Today you will cycle along the Orne canal towards the sea and the famous Pegasus Bridge. The route continues past Ranville, the first liberated town in France, then heads to the coast and the last D-Day site, the Merville battery. Your destination for the day, Cabourg, is now only a short distance away.
The longer route takes you through the marsh of the Dives River and the lovely villages of Beuvron-en-Auge and Cambremer. You'll find opportunities to sample cider and Calvados along the way.
Situated on the Dives estuary, Cabourg is a popular seaside resort known for its fine sandy beaches and the Belle-Epoque atmosphere made famous by Marcel Proust. The villas of the haute-bourgeoisie and the Parisian aristocracy of the early 20th century add to the charm of the little town, which is organised around the Casino and Grand Hotel.
Day 5 : Cycle To Honfleur (45Km/28Mi)
Leaving the coast you enter the Pays d'Auge, known as the postcard of Normandy. After passing through the rural landscape you will reach the village of Beaumont, an ideal spot for a lunch break where you can enjoy the local delicacies: andouillette and cheese, washed down with good cider! Afterwards, ride through the large forest of Saint Gatien and eventually roll down alongside the estuary of the Seine River to arrive in Honfleur, on the southern side of the river.
Honfleur is a jewel of art and history. It welcomed and inspired the precursors of impressionist painting: Eugène Boudin, Johan Barthold Jongkind and especially Claude Monet and has preserved a number of monuments from its rich past. Overnight Honfleur.
Day 6 : Trip Concludes
The trip concludes in Honfleur after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights in 2 star hotels -
5 breakfasts. Breakfast is continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee and juice.
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5 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star (comfort) hotels - supplement applies)
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27 speed hybrid bike rental with panniers, repair kit, helmet, bike computer and lock (road, gravel and e-bikes also available - supplement applies. For more information see below)
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Information pack per room booked, including maps & route notes with details of cider and calvados tasting opportunities and cheese dairies en route
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GPS tracks and navigational app available
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Visitor tax
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Emergency hotline
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Transport to Bayeux and from Honfleur (or v.v if booking the other direction)
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
What's Not Included
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Transport to Bayeux and from Honfleur
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Drinks, lunches and dinners
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Travel insurance
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Tour guide - this is a self guided cycle
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Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
Grading
This trip involves 4 days cycling between 28 and up to 81km / 17 and 50mi per day over undulating terrain - on many days there are shorter options. The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic. When entering and leaving towns you will be on roads with more traffic where care needs to be taken. We recommend that you undertake some pre-trip training to ensure you get the most out of your cycle trip and are comfortable cycling in areas of medium traffic. During the cycle you need only carry your camera and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn – these will be provided to you with your bike.
Accommodation
5 nights in 2 star hotels
On this trip you can stay in either 2-3 star hotels, or comfort category 3-4 star hotels. Please specify your requirements on booking. The price is dependent on the category of accommodation you choose.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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