Journey to a place steeped in history and art. Explore Bayeux, where the world-famous tapestry tells the story of William the Conquerorâs 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, Normandyâs famous apple brandy.
Location
Bayeux
Bayeux, France
Day 1+2
Port-en-Bessin, France
Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, France
Day 3
Crépon
Crépon, France
Day 4
Cabourg
Cabourg, France
Day 5+6
Honfleur
Honfleur, France
Day 7+8
Whatâs Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Any start date between May 1 and October 31
We recommend you to start your tour on a Friday to see the market held in Bayeux every Saturday. July and August are the high season and it can be very crowded. If youâre planning to travel in July or August be sure to book early.
We recommend you to start your tour on a Friday to see the market held in Bayeux every Saturday. July and August are the high season and it can be very crowded. If youâre planning to travel in July or August be sure to book early.
Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights
ARRIVE / DEPART
Bayeux / Honfleur
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Daily distance averaged 55 km (35 miles)
TERRAIN
Rolling hills with flat stretches
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $2,625
Single Supplement: US $660
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,125
Single Supplement: US $780
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US$325
E-Bikes: US$560
E-bikes are generally available but are on an âon request basis â 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, weâll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable. Â
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Getting There
The trip starts in Bayeux, about 225 km west of Paris. Access is by train. There are several direct trains every day and the trip usually takes around two hours.
The tour ends in Honfleur, which has no train station. The most convenient way to depart is to take a taxi to Le Havre, where there are both air and train connections to other destinations. Taxi transfers can be set up for you in advance, but you would pay directly on site. Public buses connect you to Deauville and Le Havre train stations.
1
Day 1
Bayeux
Arrival in Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated in 1944. Arrive early enough to explore its beautiful medieval centre. Our area manager will give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour.
2
Day 2
Bayeux
Take time to see the Bayeux tapestry, a remarkable piece of embroidery telling the tale of William of Normandyâs 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 ChĂąteau de Balleroy, built in the 17th century and purchased in 1970 by the late Malcolm Forbes. Return to Bayeux.
Ride Distance: 29 km, elevation gain 109 m or 35 km, gain 153 m or 58 km, gain 277 m.*Â
3
Day 3
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.
Ride Distance: 29 km, elevation gain 230 m.*
Add-on: 26 km, gain 200 m or 56 km, gain 390 m.*Â
4
Day 4
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.
Ride Distance: 52 km, elevation gain 425 m.*
5
Day 5
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 Ă lâOmbre 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. Youâll stay at the Grand Hotel de Cabourg, right on the seafront.
Ride Distance: 48 km, elevation gain 138 m or 57 km, gain 176 m.*Â
6
Day 6
Cabourg
On a day ride you head south into the Pays dâAuge, an area of pastures, thatched cottages, and farms that produce cider, calvados, and Camembert, for which Normandy is famous. Youâll 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.
Ride Distance: 41 km, elevation gain 278 m or 63 km, gain 414 m.*
7
Day 7
Honfleur
Follow the CÎte 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.
Ride Distance: 37 km, elevation gain 281 m or 45 km, gain 385 m.*
8
Day 8
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.
Classic
Hotel Churchill, Bayeux
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.
Hotel Ibis Port en Bessin, Port-en-Bessin
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 GĂ©rard Museum.
Ferme Hotel La Ranconniere, Crepon
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.
Villa les Bains, Houlgate
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.
Les Maisons de Lea, Honfleur
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.
Luxe
Chateau de Sully, Bayeux
Between Bayeux and the Normandy beaches, this 18th century chĂąteau has elegant interiors and seven acres of greenery. The hotel boasts a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and tennis court.
Le Cheneviere, Port-en-Bessin
The 18th-century chĂąteau 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.
Ferme Hotel La Ranconniere, Crepon
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.
Grand Hotel de Cabourg, Cabourg
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)
Ferme Saint Siméon, Honfleur
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.
Trip Reviews
“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 RançonniĂšre 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. “
“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!”
“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.”
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