D-Day Beaches of Normandy Cycling

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6 Days from

CAD 2,995

Incl. taxes Excl. flights

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays, Short Breaks

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

C05NM

Cycling the Normandy coast, your route will lead you to memorial sites of the allied landings, continue to the beautiful fine sandy beaches of the Cote Fleurie and end in the stunning medieval port of Honfleur.

Along the Normandy coast, your route will lead you to memorial sites of the allied landings (Gold Beach, Arromanches etc...), continue all the way to the beautiful fine sandy beaches of the Cote Fleurie (Cabourg, Deauville and Trouville) and end in the stunning medieval port of Honfleur.

Explore both side of the picturesque Normandy : Bike through quiet routes shaded by apple orchards, surrounded by stud farms, horses and grazing cows. Enjoy the coastal stunning views with large sandy beaches and historical testimonies.

Jump into the Impressionist culture in Honfleur and discover why this place has inspired almost all painters. Explore the places that have inspired many of the paintings on display today at Paris' Musee d'Orsay.

Tickle your taste buds with amazing seafoods, authentic traditional cuisine, cider and Calvados (Apple Brandy).

Highlights

The D-Day landing beaches and war memorials
William the Conqueror's Chateau at Caen, the world-famous Bayeux tapestry
Glamourous villas, colourful harbours, fertile orchards, half-timbered houses, delicious sparkling cider

Key Information

5 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 and 4 star hotels
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)

Countries visited: France

What's Included

All continental breakfast and 1 dinner
Route directions and maps
High Quality Bikes
Luggage transfers between hotels

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas & vaccinations

4 Days of Cycling

Day 2

81 km / 50.3 miles

Day 3

60 km / 37.3 miles

Day 4

75 km / 46.6 miles

Day 5

45 km / 28 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

In the heart of the medieval city of Bayeux, explore the Cathedral, a gem of Norman architecture, remarkably well preserved. Admire the Bayeux Tapestry: listed 'World Heritage' by UNESCO, the 70 metres long Tapestry recounts the Conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. Spend a moment at the former allies headquarters through the commonwealth war memorial.

Cycle to Omaha beach and the American war cemetery at Colleville sur mer. 'Omaha the Bloody' bears the memory of the heavy tribute paid by the US Army on 6 June 1944. At the American Cemetery, the emotion is palpable, here are 9,387 immaculate white crosses that stand out against the green turf and the blue of the sky and the sea which give a feeling of serenity and peace.

Continue to the fishing village of Port en Bessin. A longer version will lead you to Pointe du Hoc where you can see the 100 feet high cliffs and german bunkers overlooking the British channel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

First stop today is the German Battery above Gold Beach. It's a gentle onward cycle to Arromanches. This seaside resort is inextricably linked with the liberation of western Europe after D-Day, along with the staggeringly large concrete blocks remaining from the Mulberry Harbour towed over from Britain in June 1944. War museums bring the massive Allied operations here back to life.

Continue to Juno Beach where British and Canadian soldiers landed before ending to Caen. Wander through the medieval streets of Caen, visit William the Conqueror's chateau or Caen memorial museum dedicated to the D-Day landings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the famous Pegasus Bridge named in memory of the British 5th Parachute Brigade, whose emblem was Pegasus. Continue to the Merville Battery. Then, discover the 'Cote Fleurie' by longing the sea edge until Cabourg.

The longer option takes you through the scent of cider apples and the first wafts from distilleries float along the quiet routes, shaded by the orchards of the Pays d'Auge. Continue through half timbered houses villages and hamlets sparkled with horses, grazing cows and stud farms. In the evening, enjoy a walk on the seaside promenade in Cabourg.

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, enjoy a peaceful moment and an unique atmosphere on the beach of Cabourg, where the only sounds you will hear are the waves lapping the sand and horses cantering along the beach.

Pedal past half-timbered houses to the elegant seaside resort of Deauville. Continue along the coast to the colourful harbour of Honfleur. With its picturesque old harbour on the Seine estuary, Honfleur is one of the most charming towns in Europe. Stroll in the narrow streets and along the picturesque harbour which has inspired so many Impressionist artists. Wander around the famous Vieux Basin and up and down the alleys of the picturesque Sainte-Catherine district with the impressive France's largest timber-built church with a separate bell tower.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Honfleur after breakfast.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Vaccination

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and 1 evening meal are included.

From luxurious seafood to famous cheeses, Normandy has so much to offer.
Normandy is renowned for its andouillette d'Alençon, marmite dieppoise, mirlitons de Rouen, escalope à la normande, estouffade, rabbit in cider, duckling à la Rouennaise, chicken or omelette vallée d'Auge, mussels à la crème, and tripe à la mode from Caen.

Its desserts (the tarte normande, brioche, shortbreads, Isigny caramels, and rice pudding) are also delicious.

Weather

August is the hottest time to visit Normandy, with an average temperature of 27 degrees C and providing the most hours of sunshine.
Rain is possible year round so you should be prepared for this with waterproof jackets.
The weather in Normandy is extremely changeable with four seasons frequently making a showing in one day.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance: 65km (40 miles).
No. of days cycling: 4
Terrain and route: Gentle cycling along quiet routes on well marked coastal paths and through villages.
Average daily distance is based off the longer route in the itinerary. Option for shorter route is available on each day of cycling.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested the minimum age for this trip is 8yrs as we feel they will be able to ride the bikes we have to offer and complete the route. However our local partner is able to offer child seats for children aged 2-4yrs (max. weight 22 kg, hills will be tricky). These are all subject to availability, and therefore we ask that you enquire about these on booking. Please note due to the size of the bikes and distanced required to cycle, this trip is not appropriate for children aged from 5-7yrs (who are too big for the child seats, but not big enough to ride the children’s bike). As a guide we have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be very high in the middle of summer and the child seats provided do not have any shade. We therefore recommend going either earlier or later on in the season if you have young children.

Hotels

HOTEL LION D’OR, BAYEUX
You will discover the authentic eighteenth century coach house. In a warm and cosy atmosphere for your comfort and pleasure the staff is at your disposal to make your stay at the hotel or stop-over a most enjoyable time. A full and hearty breakfast, an original and warm lounge bar where you can just relax, a gourmet restaurant with a refined cuisine… make up the services and the hotel-quality service provided. Everything is designed to offer our guests an unforgettable stay in Normandy.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

HOTEL LE DAUPHIN, CAEN
This 4-star hotel is set in a former priory, located in the centre of Caen. It features a spa with a Finnish sauna, a hammam and there is a gourmet restaurant. Free WiFi access, a minibar and a flat-screen TV are provided in the guest rooms and suites at the Hotel Restaurant Le Dauphin et Le Spa du Prieuré. Specialities from the Normandy region, accompanied by fine wines, are served in the hotel restaurant. Additional facilities at this hotel include massages and beauty treatments. Bathrobes, slippers and a bottle of water are provided in the spa, which is available at a surcharge and upon reservation.

HOTEL MERCURE, CABOURG
Located behind Cabourg Racecourse, Mercure Cabourg Hôtel & Spa is 1 km from the centre of Cabourg and a 20-minute walk from the beach and casino. It offers a fitness room, a swimming pool and a sauna. Free Wi-Fi is provided. All the air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a telephone and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.

HOTEL L’ECRIN, HONFLEUR
Behind the hotel’s elegant façade, you’ll find spaces that mix charm, history, authenticity and modern comfort. In this enchanting setting, enjoy a blissful day before getting the perfect night’s sleep. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast on the veranda or in the garden, rest by the outdoor heated pool, relax in the wellness area (featuring a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi), get lost in a book or magazine in the lounge, try out some snooker or enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the bar.
The charm of an 18th century Norman mansion at the heart of a park : During your stay, you’ll notice lots of furniture and antiques evoking Honfleur, renowned as being the town of painters and Impressionists.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

D-Day Beaches of Normandy Cycling

Cycling the Normandy coast, your route will lead you to memorial sites of the allied landings, continue to the beautiful fine sandy beaches of the Cote Fleurie and end in the stunning medieval port of Honfleur.

4 Days of Cycling

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

France

Vaccination

France

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Hotels

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

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D-Day Beaches of Normandy Cycling