Normandy 44

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 (17,40mi), 46 km (28,60mi) or 62 km (38,53mi)

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: 42 km / 60 km ( 26,1 miles / 37,28 miles)

You will travel through the beautiful countryside of Bessin to reach Omaha Beach and its impressive American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. After Pointe du Hoc, head south, passing close to the German cemetery at La Cambe before arriving in Isigny, where you will spend the night. Isigny is renowned for its high-quality dairy products (butter, cheese, etc.). It also produces excellent oysters, which are farmed in the Baie des Veys.

Distance to cover: 45 km (28 miles )

You head towards Carentan and enter the Cotentin Regional Nature Park. You will travel along peaceful roads, perfect for enjoying nature and the sea air. Taking quiet roads, you will reach Utah Beach, the first beach stormed by the Allies on the morning of 6 June 1944. You will then arrive at Sainte Marie du Mont or Sainte Mère Église, where you will spend the night.

Distance to cover: 51 km / 63 km (31,70 miles / 39,15 miles )

Today, you have plenty of time to visit Utah Beach and Sainte Mère Eglise. Don’t miss the highly informative Airborne Museum. Spread across five buildings, the museum guides you through the footsteps of the American paratroopers on D-Day.
You can also enjoy the beautiful beaches and go for a swim… If you feel up to it, we suggest a long loop to the pretty fishing village of Saint Vaast la Hougue.

Departure after breakfast.