Marsh, beach & granit

Carentan, nestled in the heart of the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes, charms visitors with its canals and lively marina.
Steeped in D-Day history, the town offers museums and memorials to explore.
Its quaint streets and traditional market halls reflect authentic Norman character.

Distance to cover: 46 km (28.5 miles)

Between Carentan and Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, the landscape alternates between marshes, hedgerows and vast agricultural expanses typical of the Cotentin region. Quiet roads lead to charming villages dotted with ancient churches and discreet manor houses. The coast gradually reveals itself, with its unspoilt beaches and natural harbours where you can encounter fishermen and migratory birds. As you approach Saint-Vaast, the horizon opens up onto the sea and the island of Tatihou.

Distance to cover: 47 km (29 miles)

Between Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue and Cherbourg, the road follows a wild and unspoiled coastline of rocky headlands and hidden coves.
You’ll pass through Barfleur, a charming granite-built fishing port ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.
Further on, the towering Gatteville lighthouse — one of the tallest in Europe — has watched over sailors for centuries.
The seascapes unfold with a mix of cliffs, heathland, and windswept beaches.
As you approach Cherbourg, the view opens onto one of the world’s largest artificial harbors — a truly grand arrival.

Distance to cover: 35km (21,7 miles)

This short stage will allow you to discover a little more of Cherbourg: the opera district, the covered market, the fishing port and, of course, La Cité de la Mer in the former transatlantic terminal. It was from here that the Titanic set sail on its final voyage in 1912.
Half a day’s cycling should be enough to reach the north-western tip of the Cotentin and Cap de la Hague. The Millet Museum, Prévert’s house, the port of Omonville-la-Rogue and Port Racine are all on your route.

Distance to cover: 52km (32,3 miles)

Today, you will follow the coastal road, which offers breathtaking views of the Channel Islands. Starting from Goury lighthouse, you will follow the wild coastline southwards: Ecalgrain Bay, Nez de Jobourg, one of the highest cliffs in Europe, Anse de Vauville and its castle, the dunes of Biville, Cap de Rozel and finally the dune massif of Hattainville before arriving at the port of Barneville.

Distance to cover: 52km (32,3 miles)

Further south, the discovery of the small town of Porbail will make you want to stay, at least for a coffee at the harbour. Next, you will discover the typical harbours of western Cotentin, where rivers meet the sea, where the grass is salty and the sheep graze happily. After Carteret, you will visit the harbour of Saint Germain-sur-Ay, then Gelfosses and finally Blainville sur Mer before reaching your destination.

Distance to cover: 44 km (27.5 miles)

Perhaps you’ll take some time to stroll around this morning! On the beautiful white sandy beaches, for a coffee or a swim at high tide, or a different world at low tide: that of the sea farmers, the oyster farmers and the tractors. Indeed, with the sea retreating 2 km or more twice a day, you will be dazzled by the spectacle. You will have to get back on your bike for this last stage, but you won’t be disappointed! After crossing the Sienne river and touring the harbour of Régneville, even more charming than the others, you will discover sandy soil, very suitable for market gardening; and there is plenty of it. You will cross the harbour of la Vanlée (the last one) and then follow the pretty beaches of Saint-Martin de Bréhal and Coudeville to arrive at the Pointe du Roc, on which Granville, nicknamed the Monaco of Normandy, is built!

End of the tour in Granville after breakfast