Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

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8 Days from

USD 1,879

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

1 out of 7 - Leisurely

Group Size :

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

W07NM

This holiday is an introduction to the authentic Normandy. Explore this diverse and beautiful region, which was a source of inspiration for so many painters, and which is today the setting for the painful World War II vestiges in Colleville-sur-Mer or Arromanches.

This holiday is an introduction to the authentic Normandy. Explore this diverse and beautiful region, which was a source of inspiration for so many painters, and which is today the setting for the painful World War II vestiges in Colleville-sur-Mer or Arromanches.

Wander through the heart of a landscape full of small enclosed fields called 'bocage'. These beautiful fields and gentle valleys are enclosed by hedges and copses and full of grazing cows. Walk in the scent of cider apples on quiet paths, shaded by the orchards and surrounded by stud farms or half-timbered manor houses.

Highlights

Discover the famous boardwalk in Deauville and colourful harbour of Honfleur, renowned for its art galleries
Walk through classic rural landscapes and sample the region's cuisine: Camembert, cider, and calvado
Facing the sea with feet in the sand, experience the special atmosphere of the D-Day landing beaches.

Key Information

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 star hotels
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Route directions and maps
Please note: Monday Arrivals only

Countries visited: France

What's Included

All continental breakfast
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
Transfers between train station / hotel and hotel / train station

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)
Transfers for Land only (available on request at additional cost)
Visas and vaccinations

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Day 2

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 3

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 5

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 6

21 km / 13 miles

Day 7

17 km / 10.6 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

Artists and writers have long fallen for Trouville, Deauville's older sibling. It's equally as charming with its villas, splendid and sands but it also has a vibrant fishing port.
You stay at Hotel Le Fer a Cheval (breakfast included)

Follow the glamourous boardwalk where celebrities love to stroll during the American Film Festival in Deauville. It is one of the most memorable seaside resorts in Normandy and an international centre for horses with its two racecourses and range of prestigious international races.
You stay at Hotel Le Fer a Cheval (breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your day starts with a stunning view over the Seine Estuary. Then, walk along the coast through the villages of Villervile and Criqueboeuf. Then continue through woods to reach the Village of Pennedepie. Along your way, you will have the opportunity to explore a farm specialising in Cider and Calvados (apple brandy).
You stay at Hotel Le Dauphin (breakfast included)

A shorter walking option is also available.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover Honfleur, the Normandy gem of art and history. Stroll in the narrow streets and along the picturesque harbour which has inspired 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. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit at the Impressionist museum or other art galleries in Honfleur.
You stay at Hotel Le Dauphin (breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walking transfer 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. Start the walk towards Gold beach and get the best view from the cliff over the artificial harbour of Arromanches and reach the German Battery of Longues sur mer before ending at the fishing harbour of Port en Bessin.
You stay at Hotel Ibis (breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk to Colleville-sur-Mer. After a very emotional walk through the American cemetery, walk down the cliff to Omaha beach and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer exactly where the American troops climbed up and where 5,000 soldiers, fallen in the name of liberty, are laid to rest. Walk the beach most of the way to return to your hotel. Then, relax by the pool for a drink or enjoy the spa.
You stay at Hotel Ibis (Breakfast included)

A shorter walking option is also available.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave the coast to reach the Aure Valley and walk along beside stunning old granite manors and farmhouses to Tour-en-Bessin before arriving at the former allies headquarters through the commonwealth war memorial. In the heart of the medieval city of Bayeux, explore the Cathedral, a gem of Norman architecture, remarkably well preserved. Another unmissable place is the Bayeux Tapestry: listed 'World Heritage' by UNESCO, the 70 metres long Tapestry recounts the Conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy.
You stay at Hotel Le Lion d'Or (breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Bayeux 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 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: 1 (Leisurely)
No. of days walking: 5
Terrain and route: Walks on this holiday are gentle and flat. There are no tough climbs. Walks are through villages, woods and along coastline.
Average daily distance and distances in itinerary aer based off the longest routes. There is a possibility of shorter routes on days 3 and 6.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with route directions so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy following route directions, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

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 directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent 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 Le Fer a Cheval, Trouville

More than a hotel, Le Fer à Cheval is a family home combining gentleness and elegance. This family-run hotel is composed of two traditional houses close to each other in the centre of Trouville sur Mer, 200 yards from the beach and 200 yards from Trouville’s Barrière Casino. You will appreciate the typical brick architecture of the main villa and the charming patio of the small house.

Hotel Le Dauphin, Honfleur

Located in the Normandy region, Hotel Le Dauphin Les Loges is set in 3 17th-century wooden houses, typical of the town of Honfleur. It is located in the historical city centre, next to Sainte-Catherine Church. Renovated in 2019, each room or apartment is individually decorated. The 3 buildings are adjacent and each has its own entrance. All units feature a TV and a private bathroom. Upper floors are accessed by stairs. Onsite, you can enjoy massages and treatments from the La Plage wellness centre. The fitness centre is accessible without reservation and you can privatise access to the sauna at an extra cost.

Hotel Ibis , Port en Bessin

Located in the harbour in the heart of the fishing village, you can admire boats delivering fresh catch of the day. You are walking distance from restaurants and bars to enjoy an evening drink on a terrace.

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.

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.

Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

This holiday is an introduction to the authentic Normandy. Explore this diverse and beautiful region, which was a source of inspiration for so many painters, and which is today the setting for the painful World War II vestiges in Colleville-sur-Mer or Arromanches.

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

France

Vaccination

France

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Hotels

Hotel Le Fer a Cheval, Trouville

Hotel Le Dauphin, Honfleur

Hotel Ibis , Port en Bessin

Hotel Lion d’Or, Bayeux

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