Normandy, from the hills to the beaches of the landings

Take time to wander around the lovely streets of Bayeux, one of the few Norman towns to have been spared by the combats of the Second World War. You'll find a rich architectural and cultural heritage, with half-timbered houses, a superb cathedral, famous porcelain and tapestries. Witness to the medieval past of Normandy, Bayeux opens the door to a journey through centuries of history.

Night and breakfast in a charming hotel.

28 km, with total uphill 135m. Around 3hrs.

Along narrow signposted roads (cycling itinerary), you set off in the direction of the beaches that saw the 1944 Normandy Landings.
If you wish, an additional 19km loop can take you to the modest village of Colleville-sur-Mer, where the American cemetery, overlooking Omaha Beach, somemnly recalls the sacrifice of the fallen. A moving sight.
By whatever route you take, you finally come to Arromanches, the town at the centre of the Landings, where the remains of the floating collossus, Mulberry Harbour, can still be seen. At day's end, we recommend you visit the D-Day Museum.

Night and breakfast in charming chambre d'hôtes or three-star hotel.

34 km with total uphill around 100m. About 3hrs20.

You have a lovely day along the coast in store, following the different Landings beaches: Gold , Juno , Sword...and diverse vestiges. Along a short inland stretch, you cycle through a number of villages each whispering its part in history. By the sea, Courseulles-sur-Mer is the starting point of a cycle track that takes you all the way to Ouistreham, lively port city at the mouth of the Orne river that flows into the English Channel.

Bed and breakfast in 3-star hotel.

37.5 km, total uphill 100m. Estimated time 3hrs45.

Change of scenery! Today you'll enjoy riding along the first kilometres of "La Vélo-Francette", a cyclist-friendly track that links the Channel to the Atlantic Ocean. Built along the bed of a former railway line, this greenway (voie verte) runs up alongside the river Orne towards the solemnly named "Suisse Normande" (max summit 362 metres...). About half-way you go through the town of Caen and you may like to visit the memorial museum and the partly -restored castle.
At day's end you relax in a charming chambre d'hôtes tucked away in the green hills of Normandy.

Dinner, night and breakfast in charming chambre d'Hôtes.

57km stage with total uphill 550m. Around 5hrs30.

A superb route throught the Normandy "Bocage" (fields, woods, hedgerows...) You'll cycle along minor roads in the heart of rolling countryside with apple orchards and pastureland side by side. Through villages, hills and valleys decked in greenery and studded with stone spires. A peaceful place, a breath of fresh air, and a fitting conclusion to your trip through verdant Normandy.

Night and breakfast in a charming hotel.

Departure is after breakfast.