Backroad cycling France

A crossing of the Cotentin region combining history, heritage and seaside!Ref CN75

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.

Self-guided tour: from 875€ - Details Duration : 6 or 7 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
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+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
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Physical level :  
This tour is E-bike compatible

Highlights

  • Discover the traces of history on the D-Day beaches
  • Explore the historic region of the Cotentin, which has preserved its character and language
  • Enjoy our route of excellent cycle paths and small Norman roads
  • Experience the final point of this tour with the arrival at Mont Saint Michel
  • Stay in a beautiful selection of hotels and guest rooms with charm and comfort

Description

Comments

  • The return transfer from Mont Saint Michel to Bayeux at the end of the trip is included in the price
  • We offer you several options to extend your trip in Britanny (7 or 8 days)

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Bayeux- Arromanches Les Bains - Bayeux

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.

  • Level 2: approx. 50 km; altitude gain: approx. 400 m
Day 2: Bayeux - Grandcamp Maisy

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.

  • Level 2 : approx. 50 km / altitude gain: approx. 350 m
Day 3: Grandcamp Maisy - Sainte Marie Du Mont

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.

  • Level 2 : approx. 60 km / altitude gain: approx. 300 m
Day 4: Sainte Marie Du Mont - Coutainville/Agon

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!

  • Level 2 : approx. 70 km / altitude gain: approx. 300 m.
Day 5: Coutainville/Agon - Granville

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.

  • Level 2 : approx. 45 km / altitude gain: approx. 300 m.
Day 6: Granville - Mont Saint Michel - Bayeux

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 confirm the reality and majesty of the place, as our route takes us to the foot of the ramparts of this unique maritime citadel. Our team comes to pick us up at the end of the day to take us back to Bayeux with our bikes.

  • Level 2 : approx. 70 km / altitude gain: approx. 300 m.

Itinerary end: Around 7pm on day 6 in Bayeux.

Distance and altitude difference are given for information only.

7-day trip

Days 1-5

See the 6-day version of the trip

Day 6: Granville - Avranches

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.

  • Level 2 : approx. 40 km / altitude gain: approx. 150 m.
Day 7: Avranches - Mont Saint Michel - Bayeux

The last few kilometres of our journey confirm 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.

  • Level 2 : approx. 30 km / altitude gain: approx. 150 m.

Itinerary end: Around 7pm on day 7 in Bayeux.

Distance and altitude difference are given for information only.

8-day trip until Saint Malo

Days 1-6

See the 7-day version above.

Day 7: Avranches - Pontorson

On day 7, depart from Avranches and pedal toward the majestic Mont Saint-Michel, where a stop invites you to wander this UNESCO gem and its enchanting medieval streets. After taking in the views of this extraordinary landmark, continue westward to reach the charming town of Pontorson, a perfect spot to unwind before your final stage.

  • Level 2 : approx. 40 km / altitude gain: approx. 200 m.
Day 8: Pontorson - Saint Malo

After eight days of cycling, feel the thrill as you approach the walled city of Saint-Malo, its ancient ramparts rising proudly along the sparkling coast. Breathe in the salty sea air and soak in the sights of this storied port—your journey’s unforgettable finale awaits! Our team comes to pick us up at the end of the day to take us back to Bayeux with our bikes.

  • Level 2 : approx. 55 km / altitude gain: approx. 100 m.

Itinerary end: Around 7pm on day 8 in Bayeux.

Distance and altitude difference are given for information only.

Costs and services self-guided tour

Price per person for a group of :

Single-room supplement will be automatically added in the case of odd-numbered groups.

The price includes:
  • 5 or 6 nights in guest houses and hotels of the chosen category in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities (depending on chosen trip duration)
  • 5 or 6 hearty breakfasts (depending on chosen trip duration)
  • Daily luggage transfers (only 1 baggage item per person, max 13 kg)
  • A carefully designed itinerary
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
  • Return transfer to Bayeux for you, your luggage and your bike on day 6 or 7 (depending on chosen trip duration)
What is not included:
  • Lunch meals and dinners
  • Bike rental
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Last minute booking fee (if applicable)
  • Additional travel related to changes in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Trip extension: Saint Malo and Jersey

We can offer you to continue your tour in Brittany, finishing in Saint Malo. The programme is then 8 days, including 2 extra nights: 1 night in Avranches and 1 night in Pontorson (see the programme tab for details).

Tour extension 310 € / 

This per person price includes two nights in a double room with breakfast, additional luggage transfers and your return from Saint Malo with your bikes to Bayeux. If you have rented a bike, two extra days of bike hire are required.

Standard bike (8 days) 290 € / 

E-Bike (8 days) 450 € / 

Finally, if you have chosen to finish your tour in Saint Malo, we can organise an extended stay on the English island of Jersey, north of Saint Malo. You are responsible for booking the return boat tickets, but we can book your hotel, your bike and advise you on bike rides on the island. 

Prices and availability: please contact us.

Available extra services

Single room accommodation, 2* and 3* hotels (5 nights) 295 € / 

Single room accommodation, 2* and 3* hotels, (6 nights) 355 € / 

Single room accommodation, comfort+ (5 nights) 410 € / 

Single room accommodation, comfort+ (6 nights) 465 € / 

Extra nights in Bayeux:

Extra night in Bayeux in 2* hotel, double room, including breakfast 75 € / 

Extra night in Bayeux in 2* hotel, single room, including breakfast 120 € / 

Extra night in Bayeux in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 115 € / 

Extra night in Bayeux in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 185 € / 

Dinner reservations

On request, we can book all dinners of your trip in restaurants carefully selected by our teams (budget generally between 30 and 35 € per person, starter, main course and dessert. Drinks not included). Meals are to be paid by you upon arrival at the restaurant.

Dinner reservations 35 €

Bike rental

It is possible to rent two types of bikes (7 days rental including the return to Bayeux):

Standard bike (6 days) 230 € / 

Standard bike (7 days) 260 € / 

E-Bike (6 days) 345 € / 

E-Bike (7 days) 400 € / 

Second rear pannier hire 35 € / 

Don't forget to tell us your size on your booking form.

The bikes are equipped with mudguards, a luggage rack, a pannier and a helmet. They are delivered with a repair kit in case of a puncture.

E-bikes :

It offers pedal assistance that allows you to make much less effort than on a classic "human powered" bicycle. It can be an alternative solution in two cases:   

  • You don't feel capable of doing a 2-wheeled circuit. Thanks to electric assistance, this trip becomes accessible.
  • You want to do a tour with a person with a higher level of fitness than you and you are afraid of suffering too much by trying to keep up with them, or that they will get bored by riding at your pace. The electric bike is the solution so that "everyone can join in" and have fun...

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

Route navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

Group size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

No size limitation for self-guided groups.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality. For more details, please see the "Costs and services" section.

For private groups and self-guided tours it is possible to choose alternative accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

Depending on the meals included in your chosen tour:

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

Please check the "Dates & Prices" section for meal plan details.

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday. 

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Your equipment

Equipment provided by France Bike Trips on guided tours:
  • A group first-aid kit
  • A bike repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Baggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof and extra clothing, etc.

Each day, your guide will advise you on what to bring in your bag according to the route and the weather.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

IMPORTANT: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg.

List of equipment to pack in your bag the day of departure:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A bike helmet.
For your upper body
  • Two base layers (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit.
For your feet
  • Comfortable sports shoes 
  • Sports socks
  • Sandals (not obligatory, but nice during breaks and in the evening...).
For your bike

If you rent a bike from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • 2 spare tubes and a puncture repair kit
  • Lubricant for chain and derailleur
  • A pump
  • A spare derailleur hanger
Various
  • A pair of cycling gloves
  • A bike lock
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or Camelbak)
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

Self-guided tour "user guide"

Active autonomy: what you need to know for our self-guided tours

In order to achieve the planned tour programme, you must:

  • Guide yourself with the highlighted maps and road book;
  • Choose suitable start times adapted to the lengths of the daily stages as well as your own riding pace, and leave an adequate safety margin of time;
  • Obtain daily weather forecasts from your hosts, and take into account the weather conditions when planning journey times;
  • Arrive at the booked guest houses and hotels listed in the programme on the given dates; 
  • Bring the necessary personal equipment to carry out the tour. France Bike Trips equipment list constitutes the necessary minimum;
  • Carry insurance policies and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times;
  • Be familiar with basic first-aid steps;
  • In the event of any problems during your trip, contact France Bike Trips (contact information in your travel documents). Possession of a mobile phone that works in France is strongly recommended.

Self-guided tours are undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable for any route error, misconduct, personal imprudence, inadequate planning or inappropriate reactions in the event of incidents.

Any programme change of your own initiative is under your responsibility and at your expense. 

Having said this, with our advice and good preparation, you should be able to look forward to a wonderful, trouble free holiday. Enjoy your trip!

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A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


Phone number: +33 458 140 435

Contact us

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

Please type in your email address in order to access tour details and description

Your email will not be communicated to any third party or company outside France Bike Trips / Velorizons. You may receive occasional emails from France Bike Trips, with the possibility to unsubscribe at any time. CNIL (French National Commission for Data Protection and Liberties)