Bayeux, D-Day Beaches, and the Norman Coast
Journey to a place steeped in history and art. Explore Bayeux, where the world-famous tapestry tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066. Then head along the D-Day beaches, the scene of another invasion centuries later. Explore seaside resorts graced by elegant villas and follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists who flocked here in the 19th century. Feast on fruits de mer and sip Calvados, Normandy’s famous apple brandy.
Bayeux, France
Day 1+2
Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, France
Day 3
Crépon, France
Day 4
Cabourg, France
Day 5+6
Honfleur, France
Day 7+8
| Start any date between May 1 and Oct 31 |
|---|
| We recommend starting on a Friday to enjoy the Saturday market in Bayeux |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
Average daily distance: 55 km/35 mi
TerrainRolling hills with flat stretches
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,845
Single Supplement: US $710
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,475
Single Supplement: US $870
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Gravel Bikes*: US $480
E-Bikes*: US $560
*Gravel bikes and e-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
The trip begins in Bayeux, approximately 225 km west of Paris. Bayeux is easily accessible by train, with several direct trains from Paris each day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
The trip ends in Honfleur, which does not have a train station. The most convenient way to continue your journey is by taxi to Le Havre, where you can connect to trains and flights to other destinations. We can arrange a taxi transfer for you in advance, and you would pay the driver directly.
Alternatively, public buses connect Honfleur with the train stations in both Deauville and Le Havre.
Bayeux
Arrive in Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated in 1944. Take some time to explore its charming medieval centre and soak up the atmosphere of this historic town. You’ll then receive your bikes and a helpful orientation to get you ready for the tour.
Bayeux
Take time to see the Bayeux tapestry, a remarkable piece of embroidery telling the tale of William of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066. Then pedal south through the pretty countryside to the Abbaye de Mondaye, rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue to the Château de Balleroy, built in the 17th century and purchased in 1970 by the late Malcolm Forbes. Return to Bayeux.
Distance: 29 km, elevation gain 109 m or 35 km, gain 153 m or 58 km, gain 277 m*
Omaha Beach
Today head for the Landing Beaches. Visit Arromanches, with the vestiges nearby of the artificial harbour built by the British, and the German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer, the only coastal battery that has kept its guns. Finally, arrive at Omaha Beach, the scene of a terrible battle, vividly recreated in the movie Saving Private Ryan. The military cemeteries are moving memorials to the heroism that took place here. Stay overnight in a hotel just metres from Omaha Beach or a chateau in the countryside.
Distance: 29 km, elevation gain 230 m*
Add-on: 26 km, gain 200 m or 56 km, gain 390 m*
Crépon
Ride inland along gently rolling quiet country roads to the village of Crépon, known for its fortified manor houses. From Crépon option to ride south through additional pleasant countryside, visiting several more towns with interesting churches, and a glimpse at several chateaux.
Distance: 52 km, elevation gain 425 m*
Cabourg
Cycle to Cabourg, a seaside resort developed in the second half of the 19th century. Marcel Proust stayed here often and left a vivid evocation of life in Cabourg in À l’Ombre des Jeunes Filles. Stroll along streets lined by magnificent villas and on the promenade along the beach. If you want to treat yourself to a luxe upgrade for only two nights, this is the place to do it. You’ll stay at the Grand Hotel de Cabourg, right on the seafront.
Distance: 48 km, elevation gain 138 m or 57 km, gain 176 m*
Cabourg
On a day ride you head south into the Pays d’Auge, an area of pastures, thatched cottages, and farms that produce cider, calvados, and Camembert, for which Normandy is famous. You’ll be able to sample some of these and other delicious produits du terroir in Beuvron-en-Auge, designated one of the plus beaux villages de France.
Distance: 41 km, elevation gain 278 m or 63 km, gain 414 m*
Honfleur
Follow the Côte Fleurie, travel in the footsteps of the Impressionist painters drawn here by the magical light and the sea. Arrive in Honfleur, once the haunt of artists such as Arthur Boudin and Claude Monet and home to composer Erik Satie. It was from Honfleur that Samuel de Champlain set sail on the voyage of discovery that resulting in the founding of Québec in 1608.
Distance: 37 km, elevation gain 281 m or 45 km, gain 385 m*
Depart
Take time for a final stroll around Honfleur before departing for your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Located on a pedestrian street in the heart of old Bayeux with the Tapestry just next door and the Cathedral a few steps away, the Hotel Churchill is the place to stay in the center of town. The staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly and the hotel boasts 32 charming and personalized rooms.
Located opposite the Port-en-Bessin fishing port, this hotel is the perfect home base for visiting historical Omaha Beach, the beach at Arromanches, the Bayeux tapestry or the Baron Gérard Museum.
This 13th century manor and former farm has been restored to a quaint hotel, while maintaining the rustic feel. Cozy rooms have exposed beams and stonework, each personalized with 15th century furniture and fine rugs. The gourmet restaurant offers regional specialties made to order in an authentic medieval setting.
This property exudes the architectural heritage of 19th century villas with a welcoming reception in the village of Houlgate, just outside of Cabourg. Each of the 17 rooms is comfortable and charming. The sea is steps away as are superb restaurants to enjoy.
This 4-star property, a former salt granary from the 16th century, sits right in centre of historic Honfleur. Boasting antiques and oodles of charm, this is a wonderful hotel to finish your Normandy trip at. There is an excellent restaurant attached also.
Between Bayeux and the Normandy beaches, this 18th century château has elegant interiors and seven acres of greenery. The hotel boasts a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and tennis court.
The 18th-century château stands elegantly in a 2 hectare walled garden and 12 hectares of parkland beyond. Each room has a garden view and all are individually decorated.
This former farm has been restored to a quaint hotel, while maintaining the rustic feel. Cozy rooms have exposed beams and stonework, each personalized with period furniture.
This 5-star beachfront hotel is on the promenade in front of the English Channel, in the town centre. Relax in the comfortable and spacious rooms where the French author Proust once stayed. Alternate: Les Bains de Cabourg is an option also (no sur-charge)
This 5-star Relais & Chateaux property was a retreat for painters such as Monet, Sisley, Courbet, Boudin and Jongkind. The hotel has been beautifully restored with tastefully decorated rooms. There is a gourmet restaurant and spa.
Tour Reviews
“We were very well accommodated by our Travel Advisor in the process of trip planning. Replies by email and phone were expedient and very helpful. Friendly and knowledgeable people at Randonnee. Thank you. The accommodations exceeded our expectations.”
“This trip to Normandy was our 5th with Randonnee, and actually my favorite. I loved the variety and richness of experience, from beaches to countryside, spas and ports. Seeing the Bayeux Tapestry and the D Day beaches was history filled with emotion. And Cabourg… where the French seem to detox themselves, decked out in white terrycloth dawn to dusk, all in the shadow of Marcel Proust, was, shall we say… a trip!”
“Thank you for such a wonderful experience and providing us for a memorable vacation. Normandy is a beautiful area and we couldn’t have planned the experience any better. Hotel Churchill good location, very helpful staff, La Ferme Rançonnière in crepon beautiful, Hotel L’Ecrin staff welcoming – accommodating. Once we began riding and using the directions we felt confident that the directions would get us where we needed to be. “
“The WW I & II sites and history in the area were extensive and meaningful. The towns we stayed at were very picturesque with plenty of places to visit, including churches, shops and great restaurants. Every lodging was unique and it made each day an adventure.”
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