Cycle Normandy

On arrival in Bayeux make your own way to the first hotel. A must-see is the Bayeux Tapestry that tells the engrossing story of the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy in 1066. (*This is currently closed for renovations, scheduled to reopen at the end of 2027). You can also visit the cathedral, and the memorial museum of Bayeux that covers the military events that immediately followed the landings of June 1944. Having escaped bombardment, it is one of the few towns in the area to retain monuments dating from the Middle Ages. For foodies, Bayeux is full of excellent restaurants!

Today's cycling is dedicated to WW2 sites. There are a few options. The classic route (57km) is from Bayeux and the Commonwealth memorial, Bayeux War Cemetery, and takes you northwest to Omaha Beach and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where you can easily spend a couple of hours. The cycling is mainly on quiet country roads with very few hills. Before returning to Bayeux, you can stop at the typical fishing village of Port-en-Bessin. A longer option takes you to 'Pointe du Hoc' near Grandcamp-Maisy. If you prefer a short loop ride (27km/17mi) or an extra night in Bayeux, you can cycle via Arromanches, the British sector (though tomorrow's route also passes this way en route to Caen). Overnight in Bayeux.

Following the Aure valley towards the sea you reach the German battery at Longues sur Mer, the only one that still has guns. Continue following the coastline eastwards and enter the Gold Beach area. Between Arromanches and Ver-sur-Mer you can see the huge concrete containers still visible on the beach, ruins of the artificial harbour "Mulberry". Continue eastwards to the fishing port of Courseulles-sur-Mer, a great place to enjoy a seafood lunch, and Juno Beach. Heading inland from the Canadian war cemetery of Reviers, cycle the little Mue valley to the village of Fontaine-Henry and its chateau. From here you ride eastward towards Benouville in the Orne valley. Here you'll find the famous Pegasus Bridge, the landing target of the British parachutists and where the longest day started. Overnight in Benouville or Caen, dependent on availability.

Today you will cycle along the Orne canal towards the sea and the famous Pegasus Bridge. The route continues past Ranville, the first liberated town in France, then heads to the coast and the last D-Day site, the Merville battery. Your destination for the day, Cabourg, is now only a short distance away. The longer route takes you through the marsh of the Dives River and the lovely villages of Beuvron-en-Auge and Cambremer. You'll find opportunities to sample cider and Calvados along the way. Situated on the Dives estuary, Cabourg is a popular seaside resort known for its fine sandy beaches and the Belle-Epoque atmosphere made famous by Marcel Proust. The villas of the haute-bourgeoisie and the Parisian aristocracy of the early 20th century add to the charm of the little town, which is organised around the Casino and Grand Hotel.

Leaving the coast you enter the Pays d'Auge, known as the postcard of Normandy. After passing through the rural landscape you will reach the village of Beaumont, an ideal spot for a lunch break where you can enjoy the local delicacies: andouillette and cheese, washed down with good cider! Afterwards, ride through the large forest of Saint Gatien and eventually roll down alongside the estuary of the Seine River to arrive in Honfleur, on the southern side of the river. Honfleur is a jewel of art and history. It welcomed and inspired the precursors of impressionist painting: Eugène Boudin, Johan Barthold Jongkind and especially Claude Monet and has preserved a number of monuments from its rich past. Overnight Honfleur.

The trip concludes in Honfleur after breakfast.