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Our 6-day coastal cycle trip in Lower Normandy begins on the Côte de Nacre. Its enchanting name recalls the mother-of-pearl shades of the sky that are reflected in the sea and create ever-changing moods on our journey. From Bayeux, we first explore the iconic D-Day beaches. The coastal cycle path takes us from , from seaside resort to seaside resort, where today the souvenirs of the Second World War and seaside tourism mingle. We continue along picturesque roads and gentle cycle paths into the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin regional nature park with its kilometres of sandy beaches, cliffs, peat bogs and Norman villages... This historic region has managed to retain its own unique character thanks to its remoteness. The sublime final point of this Normandy backroad cycling trip is the wild bay of Mont Saint Michel. The unique monastery mountain is probably the most emblematic place on the English Channel coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A relaxing and varied cycle tour that can be extended in Brittany if desired.
Itinerary start: On day 1, we will meet you at 9.30am in front of the English cemetery in Bayeux if you have rented bikes.
As soon as we arrive in Bayeux, we are charmed by the beauty of this medieval city dominated by an imposing cathedral: spared by the 1944 bombings, Bayeux boasts an exceptional architectural heritage where the skills of the craftsmen have been expressed with talent. Bayeux is also our starting point for cycling to the coastline with its D-Day beaches, and then to the Normandy bocage. This first cycle loop takes us to Arromanches Les Bains, a pretty Norman seaside resort, from which we enter directly into the history of the D-Day landings with the discovery of Gold Beach, but also a little further on Juno and Sword Beach, corresponding to three of the five Allied landing beaches. Numerous interpretation panels, relics and monuments line these beaches to tell us more about this historic phase of the liberation in June 1944. After a diversion to Port en Bessin, a charming fishing port in Normandy nestled between two cliffs, we take the return journey along small country roads to Bayeux.
Today we head northwest, our route taking us mostly along the sea. The views are superb, especially from Omaha Beach, another world famous scene of the D-Day landings. Halfway along the route, we reach Colleville Sur Mer and its famous American cemetery, the visit of the site and its museum are absolutely unmissable... We end the day by discovering the Pointe du Hoc, a rocky spit of land overlooking the sea, and home to almost intact German bunkers that we can visit... We arrive in Grandcamp Maisy at the end of the day to stop near the sea.
We continue our journey to the North West, this time further inland, to discover the Normandy countryside. We discover charming towns and villages such as Issigny Sur Mer and its colourful houses or Carentan and its pretty marina. The cycle path winds its way through the marshes and pastures of Normandy until it reaches the coast once again, at Utah Beach, the first beach of the Allied landings. The beach is beautiful, with military cannons and amphibious vehicles still strewn about... At the end of the day we reach the charming village of Sainte Marie Du Mont.
This morning, we head south to gradually reach the west coast, crossing the entire Cotentin peninsula inland. The slightly undulating countryside and forest landscapes give way to a steep coastline where seashores and marshes intermingle as the waters rise. The first opportunities to reach the beach are halfway to Pirou, the second part of our route will be permanently close to the coast, until we reach the first seaside resorts of the South Cotentin, and in particular Coutainville/Agon where we will stop. As soon as we arrive, we enjoy the scent of the sea, which will probably guide our choice of dish this evening in one of the local seafood restaurants!
We continue our descent towards the south of the Cotentin, following the coastline for most of the day. The road is still winding and hilly, we move between marshes, small hamlets, fields, and seasides. Family seaside resorts line our route, where you can take a break, enjoy a beautiful view of the sea or take a swim for the bravest! The arrival at Saint Martin de Bréhal offers us a superb cycle track, with the impression of pedalling on the water... In the distance, the ramparts of Granville rise up, overlooking the sea, which we reach after a final climb to reach the heart of the town and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the bay.
This last stage is magnificent! The further south we go, the more "Mediterranean" the environment becomes, which is quite something in Normandy! The cycle path runs along the coast for the most part and allows us to enjoy the various seaside resorts on our way. The second part of our route is more rural, without ever straying too far from the sea, we meander through the fields and start to see the silhouette of Mont Saint Michel as soon as the landscape opens up. We immediately feel the magic of this place, which, although about twenty kilometres away as the crow flies, gives us the impression of dancing on the horizon, like a mirage in the desert.
The last few kilometres of our journey confirmed the reality and majesty of the place, as our route took us to the foot of the ramparts of this unique maritime citadel. The Mont Saint Michel opens its doors to us for a visit in the afternoon, before our team comes to pick us up at the end of the day to take us back to Bayeux with our bikes.
Distance and altitude difference are given for information only.
Itinerary end: Around 5pm on day 7 in Bayeux.
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