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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.
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18kg of CO2-e PP per day
(124kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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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. (*This is currently closed for renovations, scheduled to reopen at the end of 2027). 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. Having escaped bombardment, it is one of the few towns in the area to retain monuments dating from the Middle Ages. For foodies, Bayeux is full of excellent restaurants!
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Loop cycle to Omaha Beach and American War Cemetery (57-75km/35-47mi)
Today's cycling is dedicated to WW2 sites. There are a few options. The classic route (57km) is from Bayeux and the Commonwealth memorial, Bayeux War Cemetery, and takes you northwest to Omaha Beach and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where you can easily spend a couple of hours. The cycling is mainly on quiet country roads with very few hills. 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. If you prefer a short loop ride (27km/17mi) or an extra night in Bayeux, you can cycle via Arromanches, the British sector (though tomorrow's route also passes this way en route to Caen). Overnight in Bayeux.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle via Juno Beach and the Canadian Museum to Caen/Benouville (46, 52 or 64km/29, 32.5 or 40mi)
Following the Aure valley towards the sea you reach the German battery at Longues sur Mer, the only one that still has guns. Continue following the coastline eastwards and enter the Gold Beach area. Between Arromanches and Ver-sur-Mer you can see the huge concrete containers still visible on the beach, ruins of the artificial harbour "Mulberry". Continue eastwards to the fishing port of Courseulles-sur-Mer, a great place to enjoy a seafood lunch, and Juno Beach. Heading inland from the Canadian war cemetery of Reviers, 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 Caen, dependent on availability.
Day 4
Follow the Orne Canal passing by Pegasus Bridge to Cabourg (30 or 55km/18.6 or 34mi)
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. Situated on the Dives estuary, Cabourg is a popular seaside resort known for its fine sandy beaches and the Belle-Epoque atmosphere made famous by Marcel Proust. The villas of the haute-bourgeoisie and the Parisian aristocracy of the early 20th century add to the charm of the little town, which is organised around the Casino and Grand Hotel.
Day 5
Cycle to Honfleur (45km/28mi)
Leaving the coast you enter the Pays d'Auge, known as the postcard of Normandy. After passing through the rural landscape you will reach the village of Beaumont, an ideal spot for a lunch break where you can enjoy the local delicacies: andouillette and cheese, washed down with good cider! Afterwards, ride through the large forest of Saint Gatien and eventually roll down alongside the estuary of the Seine River to arrive in Honfleur, on the southern side of the river. Honfleur is a jewel of art and history. It welcomed and inspired the precursors of impressionist painting: Eugène Boudin, Johan Barthold Jongkind and especially Claude Monet and has preserved a number of monuments from its rich past. Overnight Honfleur.
Day 6
Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Honfleur after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed 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.
A gravel bike is available on request - supplement applies. The bike is fitted with wide tyres (similar to a mountain bike) and drop handlebars (like a road bike).
Lightweight aluminium/carbon road bikes are available - supplement applies. Models vary dependent on size - XS-S-M-L-XL
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.
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.
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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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