From the Arsenal to the Corsair city

The town of Cherbourg is a historic naval port open to the sea.
Stroll along the quays and lively town center.
First impressions of the Cotentin: a mix of modern life and maritime heritage.

Distance to cover: 35km (22 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.
A half-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 along your route.

Distance to cover: 52km (32 miles)

Today, you’ll follow the coastal road with breathtaking views of the Channel Islands. Starting at Goury Lighthouse, you follow the wild coastline southwards: Ecalgrain Bay, Nez de Jobourg, among the highest cliffs in Europe, Anse de Vauville with 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 (32miles)

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: 44km (27 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!

Distance to cover: 49km (30 miles)

From Granville you leave the coast and ride inland through hilly landscape until you reach the Lucerne Abbey. You then head south west and reach the Bay around Saint-Jean le Thomas. From there you will get the best views over the Mont-Saint-Michel and the Bay….in peace.  A nice hill is waiting for you to go up the fortified city of Avranches and your charming hotel.

Distance to cover: 38km (24 miles)

Today is dedicated to the Mont Saint Michel and the Bay. You have a nice start downhill with views over the Sélune River and the Mont in the back ground. Once you have reached the sea level you follow the bay through the famous salty meadows with herds of sheep. You then pass by the German Ossuary of the Mont d’Huisnes to finally arrive to the Mont Saint Michel. It takes about 3 hours to visit the island town and its abbey on foot.  At the end of the day, you follow the peacefull Couesnon Canal to get to the small Martket town of Pontorson.

Distance to cover: 62km ( 39 miles)

From the reclaim land and its intense vegetable farming, you will arrive to the shore at Cherreuix well known for the oyster and mussel farm. After some km back in land you will reach the bay again and discover the very picturesque harbor of Cancale. From there, this is a pleasant ride west with some great view over the open sea until you arrive Saint Malo and its fortified city