In Normandy, an "artist's paradise," wonderful coastline, woodlands and countryside combine to make a fabulous bicycle vacation. Of course, Normandy is also well known for the WWII landing beaches used by the Allied armies. There is much to see and remember here of that time. This region of France is also renowned for its dairy products, and the gastronomical delights won't disappoint. In addition to its cider and Calvados, Normandy produces the famous Camembert cheese. You're certain to enjoy this countryside as you bicycle through the green pastures and seaside towns, discovering the history that has made this area so famous.
Itinerary
This 2008 tour is primarily focused on the sites of the WWII landings and memorial in Caen.
Day 1 | Arrival in Caen - the main city of the region and home of the WWII Peace Memorial. Check in to your hotel and then free time of your own choosing. A museum visit of the Caen Memorial is a highly informative and complete start of your tour. Orientation followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 | 45 km loop tour
Cycle to Merville-Franceville-Plage sur Mer in the Calvados area and visit
the Battery Museum. Then head on to Pegasus Bridge, originally named the
Benouville Bridge. There, you can visit the Pegasus Memorial and museum,
dedicated to the first liberators who arrived in Normandy on the night of 5th/6th
June 1944. Finally you will arrive in Ouistreham where, on Riva Bella you will
have an overview on the landing area of Sword Beach. Here you can visit the
Atlantic Wall Museum, inside the “Big Bunker”, a former German headquarters.
The Belvedere has an interesting orientation table and in front of the casino you
can visit the Landing museum. Return to Caen and overnight at the same hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 3 | Ride along Coast: 47 km
Today you will ride from Caen to Bayeux. You will reach Arromanches,
where you can visit Arromanches 360, a circular theatre where “The Price of
Freedom” is shown on nine screens. In the D-Day Landing Museum in
Arromanches you will learn about the construction and operation of the artificial
harbors assembled in front of Arromanches on the days following D-Day. You will
finish in Bayeux, where you may take the opportunity to visit one of the many
points of interest of this town of art. The Bayeux Tapestry –70 m long and 50 cm
high, completed in the 11th century- is unique in the world. Other visits include
the recently re-opened Musée de la Bataille de Normandy and Mémorial du
Général de Gaulle. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 4 | Loop ride day: 45 km + 26 km option
A loop tour around Bayeux to discover some of the most famous WWII sites in the area: Colleville-sur-Mer and Omaha beach. In Colleville take some time to visit the US Military cemetery, (172.5 acres) , the chapel and the memorial dedicated to the youth of America. There is also a viewpoint which
overlooks Omaha Beach. An optional ride will take you to La Pointe du Hoc,
mmortalized in the movie The longest day. Return to Bayeux and your hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 5 | Departure after breakfast, at your leisure. (B)
Details
The trip includes: [Virtual Hotel Tour] Hotels: Hotels Le Dauphin in Caen and in Bayeux either the Chateau Bellefontaine or Lion d'Or in Bayeux. 4 nights lodging: in 3 star charming hotels, 2 dinners, all breakfasts, bag transfer, maps, route and site information, orientation and bike delivery at first hotel, local emergency support. We also provide travel planning services to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers.
Bike Rentals: [Click for image] 90 euros
Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included.
Scott Sportster P3 hyrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!
Additional Night in Bayeux: 159 euros/double room breakfast included. Hotels: Lion d'Or***
You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!
Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!
Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services. Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.
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