Cycle Normandy

Name: Cycle Normandy
Brand: UTracks
SKU: CCN
Rating: 4.75 (4 reviews)

The British Cemetery | G. Wait

A cyclist on tree lined avenue with Bayeux cathedral in distance | Kate Baker

Cycling through a typical Normandy village | Ross Baker

Cycling near the D-Day beaches in Normandy

The pretty town of Beuvron en Auge in the heart of Normandy's Calvados region | Kate Baker

Cycling in the Calvados area of Normandy | Ross Baker

The British Cemetery | G. Wait

A cyclist on tree lined avenue with Bayeux cathedral in distance | Kate Baker

Cycling through a typical Normandy village | Ross Baker

Cycling near the D-Day beaches in Normandy

The pretty town of Beuvron en Auge in the heart of Normandy's Calvados region | Kate Baker

Cycling in the Calvados area of Normandy | Ross Baker

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Duration

6 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

5 nights in 2 star hotels

Meals

5 Breakfasts

Price

$1150USD

Overview

Trip Code: CCN

Trip highlights

Cycling through the pretty countryside of the Calvados area
Viewing the landing beaches, Pegasus Bridge and the D-Day war cemeteries
Discovering the sights and history of Bayeux and Honfleur
Experiencing the famous cheeses, seafood, Calvados and Cider for which the region is famous

The Pays d'Auge of Lower Normandy is literally blanketed in apple orchards, where numerous cider and calvados (apple brandy) producers reside in their half-timbered houses. Beginning in Bayeux, the focus of this trip is firmly on the gastronomical delights of the region together with a well thought-out cycle route which showcases the land of William the Conqueror. A fascinating part of the journey encompasses the historic sites of World War II including the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach, where the Allied Invasion took place, the Pegasus Bridge and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur Mer. With time in the delightful town of Bayeux with its impressive cathedral, exquisite historic houses and famous tapestry and the harbour town of Honfleur there is no shortage of fascinating sights. The cycling takes you along backroads and canal paths, past historic locations and impressive coastline with options daily to choose a shorter or longer route. In the evening stay in charming hotels and sample the delectable cuisine for which this region is so famous.

Trip Grading

moderate

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Bayeux

On arrival in Bayeux make your own way to the first hotel. A must-see is the Bayeux Tapestry that tells the engrossing story of the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy in 1066. You can also visit the cathedral, and the memorial museum of Bayeux that covers the military events that immediately followed the landings of June 1944.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Loop cycle to Omaha Beach and American War Cemetery (36, 52 or 81km/22, 32 or 50mi)

From Bayeux and the Commonwealth memorial, Bayeux War Cemetery, you head northwest to Omaha Beach and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Before returning to Bayeux, you can stop at the typical fishing village of Port-en-Bessin. A longer option takes you to 'Pointe du Hoc' near Grandcamp-Maisy. Overnight in Bayeux.

Meals: B

Day 3
Cycle via Juno Beach and the Canadian Museum to Caen/Benouville (34, 49 or 69km/21, 30 or 37mi)

Following the narrow Aure Valley you soon reach the coast at Longues-sur-Mer and the main German Battery right on the cliff at Gold beach. It will be a short downhill to the famous artificial harbour of Arromanches. Juno beach and the Canadian Museum right on the beach is a short distance away. Courseulles-sur-Mer is a great place to enjoy a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, head inland and from the Canadian war cemetery of Reviers then cycle the little Mue valley to the village of Fontaine-Henry and its chateau. From here you ride eastward towards Benouville in the Orne valley. Here you'll find the famous Pegasus Bridge, the landing target of the British parachutists and where the longest day started. Overnight in Benouville or alternatively in Caen.

Meals: B

Day 4
Follow the Orne Canal passing by Pegasus Bridge to Cabourg (28 or 52km/17 or 32mi)

Today you will cycle along the Orne canal towards the sea and the famous Pegasus Bridge. The route continues past Ranville, the first liberated town in France, then heads to the coast and the last D-Day site, the Merville battery. Your destination for the day, Cabourg, is now only a short distance away. The longer route takes you through the marsh of the Dives River and the lovely villages of Beuvron-en-Auge and Cambremer. You'll find opportunities to sample cider and Calvados along the way.

Meals: B

Day 5
Cycle to Honfleur (34 or 45km/21 or 28mi)

As you cycle through Cabourg and Houlgate you can admire some great Anglo-Norman architecture, before heading inland to the typical, half-timbered village of Beaumont-en-Auge. From here you cycle through the forest of St Gatien. On arrival in Honfleur, you will find your hotel near the old harbour. Honfleur is a small medieval town, and its history is evident: the Old Dock surrounded by picturesque narrow houses, the churches of St Catherine, St Etienne, St Leonard, the Lieutenance, the old Salt Stores, and medieval cobbled streets are all highlights. In the 16th century it was an important trading port, and in the 17th century many ships sailed from here to the New World. Honfleur is also recognised as one of the cradles of Impressionism and a favourite place of many artists. A visit of the old town on foot is highly recommended to take in its many attractions.

Meals: B

Day 6
Trip concludes

The trip concludes in Honfleur after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

5 breakfasts. Breakfast is continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee and juice.
5 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star (comfort) hotels - supplement applies)
27 speed hybrid bike rental with panniers, repair kit, helmet, bike computer and lock (road, gravel and e-bikes also available - supplement applies. For more information see below)
Information pack per room booked, including maps & route notes with details of cider and calvados tasting opportunities and cheese dairies en route
GPS tracks and navigational app available
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Visitor tax
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Transport to Bayeux and from Honfleur
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
E-bike, road, gravel bike, supplement applies
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees
Excess luggage
GPS device rental (supplement applies)
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

27 Speed Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed Specialized Alibi or Fuji Absolute hybrid rental bike. These are comfortable bikes, a little slower than the upgrade options. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a repair kit, helmet, bike computer and lock.

Gravel bike

A gravel bike is available on request - supplement applies. This is a Felt bike fitted with wide tyres (similar to a mountain bike) and drop handlebars (like a road bike).

Road bike

Lightweight aluminium/carbon road bikes are available - supplement applies. Models vary dependent on size - XS-S-M-L-XL

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 14 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft11in.

Sports hybrid bike

A sports hybrid bike is available on request - supplement applies. Bikes in the is category may be Giant Sport Disc Light or Liv women's model.

Grading

moderate

This trip involves 4 days cycling between 28 and up to 81km / 17 and 50mi per day over undulating terrain - on many days there are shorter options. The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic. When entering and leaving towns you will be on roads with more traffic where care needs to be taken. We recommend that you undertake some pre-trip training to ensure you get the most out of your cycle trip and are comfortable cycling in areas of medium traffic. During the cycle you need only carry your camera and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn – these will be provided to you with your bike.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

High Season

Note:

High season is from 1 Jun to 31 Aug - supplement applies.

Note:

Trip operates either from Bayeux or on request in reverse from Honfleur. From Honfleur to Bayeux involves cycling into a headwind which increases the difficulty of the trip.

Note:

Option to carry your gear in panniers with discount provided - main luggage is transferred to the last hotel. Discount to begin on a Saturday or Monday (applies only to groups of 3 or less)

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1150USD

Options & Supplements*

discount for no luggage transfer (per person) - cannot be used in conjunction with any other discountUSD$-86
Discount to start on a Monday or Saturday (1-3pax) ppUSD$-26
Electric, Road or Gravel bike supplementUSD$80
Hybrid sports bike supplementUSD$80
single supplement - standard hotelsUSD$280
Upgrade to comfort hotels (3-4*) - supplementUSD$380
single supplement - comfort hotelsUSD$470
Solo Traveller Supplement - standard hotelsUSD$480
Solo Traveller Supplement - comfort hotelsUSD$670

*Prices listed are per person

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