Lovely Normandy Deluxe Cycling Tour from Bayeux to Deauville 

Arrival in Bayeux

Explore 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.

Bayeux – Omaha Beach – Port en Bessin | 40km + option 15km

The first bike tour takes you to Omaha Beach, often called ‘bloody Omaha’, as this beach suffered the heaviest losses during the landings. At the top of the cliff and dominating the beach, the American cemetery of Collevillesur-Mer, with its rows of headstones all perfectly aligned on a carpet of emerald grass, invite you to reflect and remember. Afterwards follow the coast to the pretty small fishing port of Port-en-Bessin. You can, if you wish extend this tour by visiting La Pointe de Hoc. Its 30m high cliffs were successfully scaled by the best climbers of the American forces during the landings.

Port en Bessin – Ouistreham | 50km

Head towards Longues-sur-Mer and its impressive German defensive battery, then continue on towards Gold Beach and of course, Arromanches. Here you’ll be able to see the remains of the enormous artificial port constructed on the orders of Winston Churchill. Continue your ride through the Normandy countryside cycling down little lanes between the pretty hedged fields – the 'bocage'- until you reach Courseulles-sur-Mer. From its fishing port cycle along the long sandy beaches including Sword Beach to the port of Ouistreham.

Ouistreham – Cabourg | 25 km + option Caen 20km

Visit the museum of No. 4 Commando or start your stage following the bike path along the Canal de Caen until the Pegasus Bridge, where the British army achieved a significant victory in 1944. After stopping briefly, if you wish, 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. With the possibility to extend your ride to Caen visit its small port in the city centre, its chateau or its two great monasteries: the Abbaye-aux-Hommes (men) and the Abbaye-aux-Dames (women).

Cabourg – Honfleur | 50km

Briefly side-track into the Auge countryside to the village of Beaumont-en-Auge with its colourful timber framed houses before returning to the coast and heading for Deauville a beautiful seaside resort full of elegant half timbered houses. Follow the coastline dotted with apple trees to Honfleur with its pretty marina. Take the time to explore the delights of this lovely medieval port: its small harbour its typical tall narrow-fronted colourful houses and its timeless narrow streets and alleys. You’ll see why Honfleur inspired the Impressionist painters throughout the years

Honfleur – Deauville | 50km

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 an unmissable stop in your tour. Take the time to explore its brightly coloured 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.

Departure during the day