Western Normandy

Bayeux was one of the first French towns to be liberated by the Allies on 7 June 1944. Having escaped bombing, it is one of the few towns in the area to have preserved its medieval monuments.
So take some time to visit:
The Tapestry recounting the epic story of William the Conqueror in England in 1066
The cathedral built in honour of William
The old buildings in the historic centre
(The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is currently closed for renovation for two years. It is scheduled to reopen in October 2027).
For foodies, the town is full of excellent restaurants!

Distance to cover: 28 km, 46 km or 62 km (17,4 miles / 28,6 miles or 38,5 miles)

For this first day of cycling, you will make a loop to the north-east of Bayeux for an initial visit to the D-Day beaches.
You will reach the coast at Longues-sur-Mer, where you can visit the German battery bunkers. A major part of the Atlantic Wall, the Longues-sur-Mer coastal defence battery includes a firing command post and four casemates, each housing a 150mm artillery piece. You will then cycle east along Gold Beach to Arromanches, where you can still see the remains of the artificial harbour ‘Mulberry B’. The long option takes you to the Canadian sector of Juno Beach in Courseulles-sur-Mer. This is also the beach where Charles de Gaulle landed on 14 June 1944!
You return leisurely to Bayeux along small roads, discovering Bessin along the way.

Distance to cover: 64 km or 74 km (39,8 miles or 46 miles)

After leaving Bayeux, you will cross the Bessin countryside to reach the coast at Colleville-sur-Mer. Since 1956, this village at the eastern end of Omaha Beach has been home to the remains of 9,387 soldiers buried in the American Cemetery. After your visit, you will follow the beaches of Omaha to the west and continue to Pointe du Hoc, where the Rangers stormed the German artillery positions at the top of the cliff.
You then leave the coast for the famous Normandy Bocage, the scene of painful fighting between American GIs and German soldiers. After a visit to the German cemetery at La Cambe, you cross the Cotentin Marshes Natural Park before reaching Carentan. Your accommodation is ideally located in the town centre.

Distance to cover: 56 km (34,8 miles)

Today’s itinerary: crossing the marsh via small country roads. The landscape begins to change: small hills and isolated dairy farms. You head west, south of the River Sienna. The contrast between the grey granite houses and the emerald blue sea is striking.
You will stay in a family-run hotel on the coast.

Distance to cover: 49 km (30,5 miles) 

Today, your route takes you to the magnificent seaside resort of Granville, following the coast southwards. On very narrow paths, you can watch the spectacle of the ‘sea farmers’. Men and machines parade to the rhythm of the tides to work in the oyster beds.
In Granville, stroll through the fortified Upper Town, admire the view from the ramparts and immerse yourself in the world of Christian Dior at his museum and gardens. Enjoy the lively harbour and, weather permitting, take a refreshing dip in the sea!
Your hotel is located at the Granville yacht club.

Distance to cover: 49 km or 61 km (30,5 miles or 38 miles)

This day’s cycle ride takes you from Granville to Avranches, following the typical coastal and wooded landscapes of the bay. After leaving the bustle of the port behind, the route winds its way along peaceful little roads between the sea, salt marshes and green valleys. As you approach Avranches, the view gradually opens up onto the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, offering a magnificent finale before you reach the hilltop town and its rich heritage.
The long option takes you to the Abbey of La Lucerne, nestled in the Thar valley since the 12th century.
Your hotel is located in the historic centre of the town.

Distance to cover: 37 km or 65 km (23 miles or 40,4 miles)

The road out of Avranches offers spectacular views of the bay and Mont Saint-Michel. You will walk along the foreshore and encounter sheep and lambs grazing on the famous salt marshes. You then pass by the German Ossuary at Mont d’Huisnes before finally reaching Mont-Saint-Michel. Allow around three hours to visit this island town and its abbey on foot.
At the end of the day, follow the peaceful Couesnon Canal to reach the small town of Pontorson.

End of stay in Pontorson after breakfast. This tour can be extended to Saint Malo.