Heading for Saint Malo

Welcome to Caen, the historic heart of Normandy and emblematic city of William the Conqueror’s duchy. Founded in the Middle Ages and marked by the Second World War, Caen offers a rich and contrasting heritage. Visitors can explore the vast Château de Caen, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, admire the two abbeys founded by William and Matilda – the Abbaye aux Hommes and the Abbaye aux Dames – or stroll through the historic Vaugueux district. The Caen Memorial, a large museum dedicated to peace and 20th-century history, is also a must-see. With its heritage, culture and relaxed lifestyle, Caen is a wonderful starting point for your cycling adventure.

Distance to cover: 71 km (44,1 miles)

Starting from Caen, the route follows the peaceful, flat Orne Canal, with the Pegasus Memorial as the first stop, a moving reminder of the D-Day landings. The route then reaches Courseulles-sur-Mer, a lively port and key location for Juno Beach, before continuing along the coast to Arromanches-les-Bains, famous for Mulberry Harbour and its history museum. The day ends in Port-en-Bessin, a charming little port where nature, seascapes and history come together, offering a beautiful walk between history and the sea.

Distance to cover: 76 km (44,22 miles)

From Port-en-Bessin, the route follows the coast to Omaha Beach, a vast beach steeped in history, then on to Pointe du Hoc, a spectacular site overlooking the sea. The route then heads inland towards Isigny-sur-Mer, between the estuary and the marshes, before reaching Carentan and its peaceful landscapes. The stage ends at Sainte-Mère-Église, a key site of the D-Day landings, where heritage and remembrance mark the end of a journey rich in landscapes and emotions.

Distance to cover: 66 km (41 miles)

From Sainte-Mère-Église, the route crosses the bocage and marshes of the Cotentin before reaching the east coast of the peninsula. The road leads to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, a charming port renowned for its Vauban towers and maritime atmosphere. The route then continues along the coastline, between ports and sea horizons, to Cherbourg, where the harbour and port mark the end of this stage rich in landscapes and discoveries.

Distance to cover: 87 km (54 miles)

From Cherbourg, the tour begins at the port, the covered market and La Cité de la Mer, housed in the former Titanic terminal. The route then heads towards Cap de la Hague, along a wild and spectacular coastline: Goury lighthouse, Écalgrain bay, Nez de Jobourg cliffs, Biville and Hattainville dunes, before arriving in Carteret.

Distance to cover: 96 km (59,6 miles)

Further south, the route passes through Portbail, then the typical ports of western Cotentin, between estuaries, salt marshes and maritime landscapes. After Carteret, the route runs alongside Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, Gouville and Blainville-sur-Mer, offering sandy beaches, oyster farming and the striking spectacle of the tides. The last stage leads to Granville via the port of Régneville, crossing the Sienne and the beaches of Saint-Martin de Bréhal and Coudeville, to the Pointe du Roc, where the town nicknamed the Monaco of Normandy stands.

Distance to cover: 87km (54 miles)

From Granville, the route leaves the coast and crosses rolling countryside to La Lucerne Abbey, before reaching the bay near Saint-Jean-le-Thomas, offering superb, peaceful views of Mont-Saint-Michel. A climb then leads to Avranches, a fortified town overlooking the bay. The next day, the route descends towards the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, skirting the salt meadows and the ossuary of Mont d’Huisnes, before arriving at Mont-Saint-Michel, the highlight of the stage. The day ends quietly along the Couesnon Canal to Pontorson.

Distance to cover: 62 km (38,5 miles)

From the reclaimed land and its intensive market gardening, you will arrive at the shore of Cherreuix, well known for its oyster and mussel farms. After a few kilometres inland, you will reach the bay and discover the picturesque port of Cancale. From there, you can enjoy a pleasant walk westwards with breathtaking views of the sea as far as Saint-Malo and its fortified city.

End of stay after breakfast