D-Day landing beaches from Caen

Arrival in Caen

Enjoy the charms of Caen with its small harbour in the middle of town, its castle [Dukes of Normandy] and its imposing double monastery: l’Abbaye-aux-Hommes [men] and l’Abbaye-aux-Dames [women].

Caen – Bayeux | 40 km (elevation gain +330m)

For your 1st stage, leave Caen to the unmissable Caen memorial, a museum dedicated to the battle for Normandy, 20th century history and peace. Proceed to the château de Fontaine-Henry, a magnificent Renaissance property that has remained in the same family for the past 800 years. It boasts among the highest castle roofs in France! Continue on exploring the lovely views of the Seulles valley with its small bocage roads which criss-cross this appealing livestock farming country, then arrive in Bayeux. Wander through the narrow streets of Bayeux and admire the stately merchant houses. Visit the cathedral of Notre Dame, a jewel of Romanesque architecture.

Excursion to Omaha Beach | 55 km (elevation gain +385m) Option Pointe du Hoc : +15 km (elevation gain +90m)

Bike to Vierville-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach, often called ‘bloody Omaha’ as the heaviest allied losses were suffered here. At the top of the cliff the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer dominates the beach. Row upon row of headstones surrounded by emerald green grass and the ever present sea create a sense of peace and serenity. Return to Bayeux after an optional visit to the Overlord Museum.

You can extend the circuit by visiting La Pointe du Hoc cliffs [30 meters high]. Today one can still easily see traces of the damage caused to the fields by shell fire from the allied ships in the channel.

Bayeux – Courseulles sur Mer | 36 km (elevation gain +220m)

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. 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 Courseulles-sur-Mer. Take time to stroll round the picturesque fishing harbour.

Courseulles sur Mer – Caen | 34 km (elevation gain +100m)

Bike along to Juno Beach and Sword Beach passing through small coastal villages and along fine sandy beaches to the port of Ouistreham. Either visit the museum of No. 4 Commando [all about the landing of the Franco-British forces], or follow the bike path which runs along the Caen canal to Pegasus Bridge where the British army achieved a significant victory in 1944. Enjoy Caen for the last time : its lively port and impressive abbeys.

Departure