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France : Normandy

D-Day Beaches Of Normandy Cycling

Trip code: C05NM 4.5 (6 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • The D-Day landing beaches and war memorials
  • The world-famous Bayeux tapestry
  • Glamourous villas, colourful harbours, fertile orchards, half-timbered houses, delicious sparkling cider

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All continental breakfast and 1 dinner
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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 explore the stunning medieval port of Honfleur.

Discover 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).

Terrain

Gentle cycling along quiet routes on well marked coastal paths through villages.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Bayeux

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.

You stay at Hotel Argouges.

hotel details



Hotel Argouges, Bayeux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer


This elegant 18th century residence, owned by the same family for two generations, invites you to experience luxury and comfort among refined surroundings. High ceilings, old doors, parquet floors polished by time, period fireplaces... every stay in Hotel d’Argouges offers a unique experience.

Day 2: At Bayeux (30km/18.6mi or 57km/35.4mi or 75km/46.6mi)

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.

You stay at Hotel Argouges.

hotel details



Hotel Argouges, Bayeux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer


This elegant 18th century residence, owned by the same family for two generations, invites you to experience luxury and comfort among refined surroundings. High ceilings, old doors, parquet floors polished by time, period fireplaces... every stay in Hotel d’Argouges offers a unique experience.

Day 3: Bayeux to Benouville (45km/28.0mi or 54km/33.6mi)

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.

You stay at Hotel La Glycine.

hotel details



Hotel La Glycine, Benouville

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Boasting a garden and a terrace, La Glycine is situated in Bénouville, on the Normandy coast. 500 metres from Pegasus Bridge, the restaurant offers a local seasonal products.

Day 4 : Benouville to Trouville (37km/23.0mi or 53km/32.9mi)

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 and Trouville.

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.

You stay at Hostellerie du Vallon.

hotel details



Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
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AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.

Day 5: Loop to Honfleur (43km/26.7mi)

In the morning, enjoy a peaceful moment and an unique atmosphere on the beach of Deauville, 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 resorts. 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.

You stay at Hostellerie du Vallon.

hotel details



Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.

Day 6: Leave Trouville / Deauville

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Argouges, Bayeux; Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville.

hotel details



Hotel Argouges, Bayeux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer


This elegant 18th century residence, owned by the same family for two generations, invites you to experience luxury and comfort among refined surroundings. High ceilings, old doors, parquet floors polished by time, period fireplaces... every stay in Hotel d’Argouges offers a unique experience.



Hostellerie du Vallon, Trouville

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe


This traditional Normandy-style architecture hotel is located 700m from the beach and offers a heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, billiard room, newly equipped fitness room and outdoor lounge with bar and fireplace in the winter.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £282.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Electric bikes

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Another superb trip with Headwater. This tour is excellent in that the cycle lanes are very good quality and you have time to see the various memorials and museums which are a must. Fascinating historical tour. Very poignant and emotional. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you

Catherine Turner, 28 Jun 2024

 

Overall we enjoyed the cycling in such lovely countryside. I know it would have been difficult on this particular trip but a circular route would help those of us who do use our cars to get to the start point as we had a lots of organisation, time and expense to get back to our car on this holiday.

Julia Graham, 24 Jun 2024

 

Professional, personal, efficient service with great routes, well described and easy to follow, through beautiful landscapes with lovely hotels to relax in at the end of each day. What more could you ask for? Oh and lovely weather too, but I imagine that is outside your control!!

Lucy Jenkins, 24 Jun 2024

 

Lovely cycling holiday in Normandy. The local team were very friendly and helpful, and there is so much to see in the area. Fascinating and moving to see all the D-Day beaches and museums. The Bayeux Tapestry is truly a wonder, and don't miss the brand new La Mora museum in Honfleur, where they are building a replica of William the Conqueror's boat!

Catherine Downie, 22 Apr 2024

 

Really interesting and entertaining trip. Route notes need very careful study though.

Miss DAVIS, 24 Sep 2022

 

A very moving cycling tour. Lovely countryside and only the odd long hill!

Local agents advice and help was invaluable.

Mr Philips, 11 Jul 2022

 


Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Optional
e-bike hire

5 nights from £1039

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199