D-Day Landing Beaches (from Bayeux)

Wander through the narrow streets of Bayeux and admire the stately merchant houses. Visit the cathedral of Notre Dame, a jewel of Romanesque architecture. The town houses one of the most impressive Norman/Romanesque historical treasures: the Bayeux Tapestry. This long-embroidered linen cloth was stitched in the 11th century to recount the events of the Norman conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy. Your bike will be waiting for you in your hotel in Bayeux.

Bike to Vierville-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach, often called ‘bloody Omaha’ as the heaviest allied losses were suffered here. At the top of the cliff the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer dominates the beach. Row upon row of headstones surrounded by emerald green grass and the ever present sea create a sense of peace and serenity. Return to Bayeux after an optional visit to the Overlord Museum.

You’ll bike along the coast to Longues-sur-Mer and its’ impressive German defensive battery, then continue on towards Gold Beach. Next is Arromanches, where you can see floating in the sea some of the vestiges of the artificial harbor “The Mulberry,” conceived by Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten and built in 1943. Don’t forget to visit Arromanches 360°, a circular cinema which graphically illustrates the complete history of the Battle for Normandy. Continue your ride through the Normandy countryside, biking down little lanes between the pretty hedged fields – the “bocage”- until you reach Courseulles sur Mer, Take time to stroll around the picturesque fishing harbor. If you’re interested, you can also visit an interesting marine museum with a fine aquarium called “House of the Sea.”

elevation gain +721 Ft (220 m)

Cycle along the Normandy coast past Juno Beach and Sword Beach, riding through charming seaside villages and along wide, sandy beaches toward the harbor town of Ouistreham.

From here, you can choose to visit the No. 4 Commando Museum, which tells the story of the Franco-British landings, or continue cycling along the scenic Caen Canal to Pegasus Bridge, where British airborne forces secured a crucial victory in 1944.

The day ends in Caen, a lively city full of character. Take time to explore its picturesque marina, the impressive Ducal Castle of Normandy, and the remarkable twin abbeys,  Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Abbaye-aux-Dames, powerful reminders of the city’s rich history.

Elevation gain +328 Ft (100 m)

On your final cycling day, you leave Caen and ride to the renowned Caen Memorial, an important museum dedicated to the Battle of Normandy, 20th-century history, and the pursuit of peace.

You then continue through the countryside to the elegant Château de Fontaine-Henry, a beautiful Renaissance château that has remained in the same family for over 800 years and is known for having some of the highest castle roofs in France.

The route then leads through the scenic Seulles Valley, cycling along quiet bocage lanes through rolling farmland and traditional livestock country, before arriving in the historic town of Bayeux, the perfect place to conclude your journey.

Elevation gain +1082 Ft (330m)

Your tour ends today, with departure after breakfast.