Cycle the Normandy coast: D-Day landing beaches to Cote Fleurie 

Arrival in Carentan

Visit the centre of the medieval city of Carentan with its galleried covered arcades (unique in Normandy), its beautiful townhouses and the 11th–15th century church of Notre Dame. Of course don’t forget to take the time to stroll round the beautiful marina whose origins date back to the Gallic period.

Excursion to Ste Mère Église and Utah Beach | 60km

To start your first bike loop, take the green way crossing the Cotentin marshes regional nature park (Marais de Cotentin). Then head towards St Mere-Eglise the ideal starting point to relive the very first hours of D-Day. Have a look at the famous church clock tower from which dangles a souvenir recalling the adventures of one of those first American parachutists who dropped onto French soil. Cycle to Utah Beach with its beautiful white sands so evocative of D-Day and its D-Day Landings museum. Return to Carentan at the end of the day.

Carentan – Omaha Beach – Port en Bessin | 50km

Head for Isigny-sur-Mer, a small fishing village renowned for its butter and cheeses as well as its caramels. Carry on to La Pointe du Hoc and explore the fields still pitted and pockmarked by D-Day shells fired from allied ships in the Channel. Striking! Cycle on towards Omaha Beach, dominated by the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer. The serried ranks of the 9,387 headstones set in immaculate green grass in the background the ever present sea project a feeling of serenity and peace. Continue on along the coast to the pretty fishing port of Port-en-Bessin.

Port en Bessin – Courseulles sur Mer | 35km

Ride towards the impressive German defensive battery of Longues-sur-Mer 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. Don’t forget to visit Arromanches 360°, a circular cinema which graphically illustrates the complete history of the Battle for Normandy. Continue your ride through the Normandy countryside, biking down little lanes between the pretty hedged fields – the 'bocage'- until you reach Courseullessur-Mer. Take time to stroll round the picturesque fishing harbour.

Courseulles sur Mer – Cabourg | 40km

Cycle the length of Juno Beach and then Sword Beach all the way to Ouistreham passing through seaside villages and along fine sandy beaches. Take the time to visit the museum of No. 4 Commando or follow the bike path which runs along the Caen canal to 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.

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 – Trouville | 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. The Belle Epoque ambiance of this seaside town will charm and delight you.

Departure during the day