The travel agency specialising in self guiding cycling and walking holidays!
The travel agency specialising in self guiding cycling and walking holidays!
This cycle route connects Caen to Rouen, passing through some of Normandy’s most beautiful landscapes. From Caen, you travel to Cabourg and its beaches, then along the Côte Fleurie to the port of Honfleur. The route then continues to Le Bec-Hellouin, a charming village dominated by its abbey, before reaching Rouen, the ‘city of a hundred bell towers’, at the end of a pleasant crossing of the Seine valley. A perfect trip to discover Normandy between sea, countryside and heritage.
This cycling tour in Normandy allows you to discover a region rich in varied landscapes, including hedgerows, coastline and green valleys. Connecting Caen to Honfleur, the route follows peaceful cycle paths and secondary roads that are ideal for a safe cycling holiday. Perfect for nature lovers and novice cycle tourists alike, this route showcases the gentle pace and authenticity of Normandy.
The route offers a real immersion in history thanks to Normandy’s exceptional heritage: medieval ruins, abbeys, historic ports and listed villages. From Caen, the ducal city founded by William the Conqueror, to the picturesque charm of Honfleur, each stop reveals a piece of history. This heritage theme enhances the cultural appeal of cycle tourism in Normandy.
The proximity of the coastline makes this Normandy cycle route an invitation to cycle between land and sea. Cyclists follow the iconic seascapes of the Côte Fleurie, with its long beaches, sea walls, seaside resorts and luminous panoramas. The route then extends inland to the banks of the Seine, creating a natural link between the English Channel and the river. This transition offers a striking contrast between the sea and the river valley, making this cycle route between nature and water a complete and varied experience.
Beyond the landscape, the Caen–Honfleur route is also a gourmet discovery. Cyclists pass through areas renowned for their local Normandy produce: cider, cheese, fish, seafood and local delicacies. Each stop can be an opportunity to sample the local fare or meet the producers. This culinary dimension enriches the experience and makes this cycling trip in Normandy a complete escape for the senses.
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 major 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.
Night in Caen
Distance to cover : 30 km / 55 km (18,6 or 34,1 miles)
Leaving Caen, you will follow the Orne Canal to the Bénouville Bridge – Pegasus Bridge – which you will cross. This was one of the strategic points of the landings and was liberated by a commando of British paratroopers very early in the night of 6 June. You will then pass through Ranville, the first French village to be liberated.
Continue eastwards and slowly enter the Pays d’Auge, a veritable picture postcard of Normandy! The undulating road will take you through orchards, pastures, stud farms, cider farms and cheese dairies.
You will finally arrive at Beuvron-en-Auge, a small village ranked among the most beautiful in France, before continuing north to the seaside resort of Cabourg (depending on the option chosen).
Located on the Dives estuary, Cabourg is a popular seaside resort renowned for its 4 km of fine sandy beaches and the Belle Époque atmosphere made famous by Marcel Proust. The villas of the upper middle class and Parisian aristocracy of the early 20th century add to the charm of this small town, which is centred around the Casino and the unmissable Grand Hotel.
Night in Beuvron en Auge or Cabourg.
Distance to cover : 43 km ( 26.7 miles)
When you leave the coast, you enter the Pays d’Auge, otherwise known as ‘Normandy’s picture postcard’. After passing three hundred horses, two thousand cows and about as many apple trees, you will reach the village of Beaumont en Auge. This is the ideal place to stop for lunch and enjoy the local delicacies: andouillette sausage and cheese, washed down with a glass of good cider!
You will end your trip at the magnificent port of Honfleur. Honfleur is a jewel of art and history. This small fishing port is located south of the Seine estuary. The town welcomed and inspired the pioneers of Impressionist painting: Eugène Boudin, Johan Barthold Jongkind and, above all, Claude Monet!
The town has preserved many monuments from its rich past and offers art lovers numerous galleries to visit. A real gem!
Night in Honfleur.
Distance to cover : 52 km ( 32.3 miles)
Leave the coast behind and head towards the Risle Valley, which you will reach at Pont-Audemer, the ideal place for a lunch break in the town centre. Then follow the valley, both wild and welcoming, where the waters of the Risle, the woods of the forest, the earth of the paths and the stone of yesteryear come together. Finally, you will reach Le Bec Hellouin, where your guesthouse is located.
Take the time to stroll through the gardens of the Abbey, which was founded in the 11th century and is still home to a community of Benedictine monks.
Night in Le Bec Hellouin.
Distance to cover : 51 km ( 31.6 miles)
You leave Bec Hellouin via small country roads. You then cross the Neubourg region to reach La Bouille, where you will cross the Seine… on a barge! Finally, you follow the Seine to Rouen via the cycle path.
Your hotel is located in the centre of Rouen, near the cathedral and the Gros Horloge, which are undoubtedly the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The medieval streets of the capital of the former Upper Normandy region are also home to numerous restaurants and shops selling local produce… Perfect for refuelling after a week of cycling!
Night in Rouen.
End of stay in Rouen after breakfast or additional night to enjoy the town.
Standard accommodation:
You will stay in small, family-run 2* or 3* hotels.
The welcome is always friendly and the rooms are simple but comfortable.
We know that walking or cycling holidays require a good night's sleep between each stage, and the bedding is always of high quality.
Because we organize sports holidays, we attach great importance to breakfast.
Breakfast is varied and consists of fresh, local produce.
Comfort Accommodation
You will stay in 3-star hotels in superior rooms with a view.
The rooms are spacious and the hotel offers a wide range of services.
The bedding is of very good quality and the decor is tasteful.
Breakfast is varied, generous and consists of fresh, local products, both sweet and savory.
Not included in the price of the tour:
Return to Paris by train:
From your hotel in Rouen to the train station : 15 minutes walk + train Rouen to Paris (1 hour 40 minutes)
Collect your car at the end of the tour:
From your hotel in Rouen to the train station : 15 minutes walk + train Rouen to Caen (1 hours 45 minutes)
Private transfer from Rouen to Caen (price on request)
Coming by train from Paris:
Paris Saint Lazare to Caen: 2 hours (direct train)
From the train station to your hotel in Caen: 30 minutes walk or taxi available at the station (around €20)
Coming by car:
Private car park in Caen