Sights of Normandy Cycling Tour, D-Day landing Trouville Honfleur

Arrival 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. 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 | 40 km + option 15 km

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 – Courseulles sur Mer | 35 km

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, cycling 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 – Caen | 45 km

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 continue on taking the bike path along the Caen canal. Then stop off at the unmissable Caen Memorial! Don’t forget to 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 – Cabourg | 30 km

Rejoin the bike path and continue along the canal to Pegasus Bridge, where the British army gained an important victory in 1944. After an optional stop at the Pegasus Memorial (it commemorates the first hours of the landing of the 6th British Parachute Division) you’ll reach one of the most beautiful sections of French coastline – the 'Cote Fleurie'. Follow the coast to the peaceful pretty town of Cabourg with its lovely floral displays. A popular seaside resort since the early 20th century it has various waterside promenades

Cabourg – Honfleur | 50 km

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

Honfleur – Trouville | 50 km

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