Fancy a holiday in France this year? Why not slip away to Normandy for a few days. The region is laced with cycling routes that take you through some of its loveliest scenery.
Here is our little top 5 of the historic monuments you really shouldn’t miss in Normandy, whatever takes your fancy.
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Abbey, reached by bike and on foot
For the first day of your cycling trip in Normandy, head for Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay. If you’d like a visit that blends culture and faith, here’s a tip: go to Mont-Saint-Michel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most visited monuments in France. Perched on a rocky islet, Mont-Saint-Michel sits in the Manche department in Normandy (yes, Normandy and not Brittany!). The name comes from the rock on which the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel stands, a building dedicated to Saint Michael. Don’t miss the abbey right at the top of the mount. So if you feel the urge to discover Mont-Saint-Michel, choose a walking break or a cycling route.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen
The second stop on your cycling route is Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen, one of Normandy’s great historic landmarks.
Standing in the heart of the old town, this cathedral is a must-see. It has been constantly reshaped over the centuries and is the only one in France with an archbishop’s palace still occupied by an archbishop today. Inside, you can see the choir, home to the tombs of several Norman dukes (including Rollo, and the heart of Richard the Lionheart, Duke of Normandy and King of England). Its Gothic architecture and famous facade make for a wonderful sight, and the building was a great inspiration to Claude Monet. A little tip: to make the most of Rouen and its cathedral, the easiest option is a cycling route.
The Etretat Cliffs
The next leg of your journey takes you to the cliffs of Etretat, best discovered on a walking holiday. If you like spending your time off as a family and fancy a stroll by the sea, the Etretat cliffs serve up a sight you won’t forget in a hurry.
These are some of the most spectacular cliffs in Europe and a key part of Normandy’s artistic and historic heritage. Among them you can walk to the Porte d’Aval (a flint arch carved out by the waves), the Manneporte, the Amont cliff, the Courtine (a vast circular hollow at the foot of the Manneporte), the Roc Vaudieu and the Aiguille de Belval. You can take them in on foot along the coastal paths, on horseback from the beach, or from the water by canoe, paddleboard or catamaran. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, you’ll also be charmed by the wildlife and plant life that thrive here.
The Christian Dior Museum, a real discovery
During your Normandy route, take time to visit the Christian Dior Museum, a cultural gem that tells the story of this great man’s life. Set in Granville, the museum occupies the villa « Les Rhumbs », the childhood home where Christian Dior grew up, not far from Mont-Saint-Michel.
If time allows, start by enjoying the beauty of the garden and its tearoom, then move on to the museum devoted to the great couturier’s life and collections. Finish with the temporary exhibitions held here every year since 1997, and the shop.
The Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles
Finally, to round off your historic tour of Normandy, come and explore the history of France, and more precisely the Normandy landings of 6 June 1944. For a route like this, opt for a cycling holiday along the D-Day beaches, which lets you take in these places steeped in history. The choice of itinerary is yours. You can stop at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, a place of remembrance so that no one forgets what happened that day. The centre pays tribute to all the soldiers who gave their lives to free France. It isn’t the only one: along your cycling route you can visit many other sites, such as the Caen Memorial and plenty more besides.
This list of monuments is far from exhaustive, and you’re free to build your own cycling routes. If you’d like to come and discover Normandy, take a look at the many cycling trips we offer.
