La Vélomaritime / EuroVelo 4

Your cycling adventure along the Vélomaritime begins at the port of Roscoff, at the foot of the lighthouse opposite Batz Island. You head for the historic town of Morlaix, riding along minor roads cutting through vegetable-producing fields. You pass via Saint-Pol-de-Léon, designated a Petite Cité de Caractère thanks to its cultural riches and offering lovely views over the Penzé Estuary.

On leaving the historic town of Morlaix, the Vélomaritime heads off in the direction of Plougasnou. At Le Dourduff-en-Mer, why not taste some fine local oysters before continuing along the coast?
You head up the side of the Bay of Morlaix. At each turn, a new rocky headland comes into view, or then another of the islands that form part of the ornithological reserve here. Further on, you'll spot the Château du Taureau and Louët Island.

Leaving Plougasnou, do go and see the historic parish church enclosure at Saint-Jean-du-Doigt. Then this Vélomaritime stage leads you along an unspoilt, steep stretch of coast offering magnificent views down on a series of sheltered creeks. The resort of Locquirec marks the end of your cycling adventure through the Breton county of Finistère. Locquirec's main beach at the back of its bay, the Pointe du Château headland and the port are so many places to enjoy during a well-deserved rest.

The Vélomaritime heads for Lannion, with a delightful warm-up for you, cycling beside the Bay of Saint-Michel-en-Grève. Bolder cyclists will enjoy tackling the detour to the port of Locquémeau via Trédrez's cliffs. A greenway leads you gently to Ploumilliau, then you climb away from the coast, heading a bit inland to reach the historic town of Lannion.

You leave the historic town of Lannion via its Brélévenez Quarter, looking down on the centre. You then cycle on through an iconic section of the Vélomaritime route – the Côte de Granit Rose, famed for its highly colourful rocks sculpted into extraordinary shapes by the elements, plus with the national nature reserve of Les Sept-Îles out to sea. Do take the link to extraordinary Ploumanac’h, making the most of stops beside remarkable sandy creeks along the way.

From Perros-Guirec, the Vélomaritime climbs to an agricultural plateau and then heads towards the little city of Tréguier. The alternative branches taking you to the coast are well worth the effort, leading to Plougrescant, Buguélès and its tidal mill, and the Port Blanc Archipelago, all offering exceptional landscapes in coastal areas that aren't generally overcrowded. At the end of this stage, you descend to the Jaudy Estuary, where Tréguier, designated a Petite Cité de Caractère for its cultural riches, is a lovely place to enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Between Tréguier and Paimpol, the Vélomaritime route straddles two estuaries, that of the Jaudy to the west, that of the Trieux to the east, these two rivers framing the presqu’île, or peninsula, of Lézardrieux. Enjoy the views over these estuaries where fresh water and sea water mingle. Midway along this stage, a link can take you north to a major geological curiosity, the Sillon de Talbert, a coastal bank made of sand and pebbles that protrudes 3.2km into the sea.

The Vélomaritime route leaves the port of Paimpol. Some may wish to head up to the Pointe de l'Arcouest, from which boats make the short crossing to the island of Bréhat. The main route, though, continues east, along Brittany's highest cliffs, via a mix of wild coastal stretches, rocky capes and sheltered coves. There are significant slopes along the way. The Pointe de Plouha, with its daunting cliffs, is the highest point on this stage, 104m in height. Don't miss the magical atmosphere at Le Palus Beach before reaching the fishing port of Saint-Quay-Portrieux.

Enjoy a coastal stretch typical of northern Brittany on this Vélomaritime stage, the little resort of Binic-Étables-sur-Mer standing out with its lovely sea views. It offers an ideal place to pause for a rest before carrying on to the city of Saint-Brieuc. The stretches of greenway, one looking down on Binic's port, another taking you via Harel de la Noë Viaduct, are a particular pleasure on a stage that is really demanding, with all its ups and downs. The Port du Légué marks the finishing line of this stage, a perfect place at which to enjoy a well-earned drink at a café terrace.

From Saint-Brieuc, you join the bay named after the city to then enjoy a lovely trip through its nature reserve. Cycling beside the strand, the Bay of Saint-Brieuc reveals a multitude of varied atmospheres, depending on time and tide. On the way to Erquy, enjoy the delights of the resort of Pléneuf-Val-André and the little port of Dahouët tucked away beside it. This stage proves quite challengingly hilly, with all its ups and downs. We're sure local man Bernard Hinault, a true cycling champion and icon, five times winner of the Tour de France, would concur!

With its mix of rocky headlands, stretches of moorland and sandy bays set beside turquoise waters, here you cycle through the Grand Site de France Cap d’Erquy - Cap Fréhel. Thanks to the links in place, you can easily ride up to some of Brittany's most exceptional sites, the Cap d’Erquy, the Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte. The breathtaking views along the way are a reward for the quite significant slopes you have to tackle on this Vélomaritime stage!

Should you have time on your hands, head up first to the seaside resort of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo to make the most of its beaches. The Vélomaritime route then takes you on smoothly via minor roads to Pleslin-Trivagoua, which you reach riding along a stretch of the Dinan-Dinard greenway. On the way, stop at the Château du Guildo, enjoying exceptional views of the Arguenon Estuary.

To avoid crossing the dam over the Rance River, the Vélomaritime route takes you along minor roads around the Rance Valley. Midway along the stage, stop at Saint-Suliac, this historic fishermen's village a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Before long, the ramparts around the city of St-Malo come into view. Reaching this place's resort side, the wooden groynes projecting from the beach into the sea help calm the Channel's wilder waves.

Leaving the corsair city of St-Malo, the Vélomaritime leads you towards a port renowned for producing high-quality oysters, Cancale. Beyond St-Malo's great beach, seek out the carved rocks of Rothéneuf, the startling sculptures here executed by an abbot turned hermit. Midway along the stage, explore the peaceful village of Saint-Coulomb and La Ville Bague, a malouinière, or typical Ancien Régime manor built for a wealthy St-Malo merchant. Your reward at the end of the day's cycling is a tasting of oysters in the very pretty port of Cancale.

Welcome to a culinary stage to savour! Between Cancale and Le Vivier-sur-Mer, you ride past one of the Bay of the Mont Saint-Michel's major areas for mussel cultivation, reputed for its high-quality moules de bouchot (grown on posts and granted AOP status).

There it is, in front of you, drawing closer with each turn of the pedals – the magical Mont Saint-Michel! Heading for Normandy's medieval marvel by bike is surely the best way to approach the great abbey-topped island rising so startlingly out of the sea. A feast for the eyes, this stage also allows you to take in the charming bay-side village of Cherrueix with its windmills, St Anne's Chapel, the local marshes and polders, and the Couesnon River.

The Vélomaritime route leaves Normandy's Marvel behind, taking you via minor roads across salt-meadows. Make the most of the last glimpses you're afforded across to the Mont Saint-Michel set in its great bay before reaching the Sélune Estuary, your gateway to the traditional bocage normand landscapes, consisting of hedge-divided fields. A lovely greenway leads you gently to the centre of the well-flowered village of Ducey.

This Vélomaritime stage shares the way with the Véloscénie cycle route, taking you along a former railway track converted into a greenway, leading to St-Hilaire du Harcouët. Founded and fortified by a comrade-in-arms to William the Conqueror, this fortress town strategically placed between the Cotentin Peninsula, Brittany and French Maine (now in the Pays de la Loire Region) offers a variety of activities in summer based around the Plans d'eau du Prieuré, a series of lakes.

Leading you along slopes, this Vélomaritime stage guides you gently towards Mortain, at the green heart of Normandy's extensive area of typical hedge-divided fields, known as the bocage, and located where our route meets the Véloscénie cycle route. The greenway on this stage takes you close to the enchanting Cance waterfall. Do go and see it in its wild, steep setting, clearly showing how this part of Normandy is part of the wider Armorican granite peninsula.

The sound of the largest waterfalls in northwest France still ringing in your ears, continue riding along a greenway through the hedge-divided fields of the Normandy bocage. Here, green dominates the scene and the typical Normandy countryside imparts a feeling of well-being. Once past Sourdeval, the Vélomaritime route leads on to Vire, a town rebuilt after the 1944 Allied bombings. The place has preserved its lively traditional market and is reputed for its culinary and craft heritage.

The Vire Valley acts as the thread along this Vélomaritime stage. After a stretch of greenway, you ride along minor roads through Normandy hedge-row-divided fields and valleys. With its ups and downs, this stage provides splendid views over the Vire's meanders and leads to La Ferrière-Harang, followed by the peaceful village of Pont-Farcy, nestled in a green corner beside the river. Highlight of the day is perhaps cycling under the grand Souleuvre Viaduct.

Your cycling trip continues gently along the picture-postcard Vire towpath, with peaceful meadows where sheep and horses graze, wild hedges full of flowers in season, and enchanting villages, including lively little Tessy-sur-Vire. Along the way, don't miss the detour to Les Roches de Ham, providing spectacular views over the Vire Valley and the Pays Saint-Lois area. The Vire's waters long attracted numerous craftspeople, including weavers, tanners and washerwomen, while many barges, houseboats and gabarres, traditional boats, are still to be seen along this picturesque valley.

The dynamic town of Saint-Lô, despite being heavily bombed in 1944 as World War II was reaching a climax in France, has preserved an exceptional heritage, notably the national stud farm, the Haras National, which you can visit, and the town's medieval ramparts. The Vélomaritime cycle route then continues beside the Vire Canal, meandering along up to St-Jean-de-Daye, through picture-postcard countryside.

You leave behind the typical Normandy hedge-divided fields to enter wetlands boasting an impressive network of channels and canals. The Vélomaritime here also leads you into the heart of one of France's main horse-breeding areas. Keep your eyes peeled for signs indicating the way to local racecourses. Reaching Carentan, nestled in the Baie des Veys, its yachting harbour immediately takes you back to a coastal atmosphere on your cycling adventure.

You ride through the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin via a lovely greenway. Keep binoculars to hand, as the wetlands here are home to an exceptional variety of species of birds. During migration seasons, the spectacle of vast colonies of birds filling the skies is quite magical. Also make the most of the magnificent sunrises and sunsets over the marshes! You end the stage at La Haye-du-Puits, which, although it suffered major destruction during World War II, was lovingly restored and is now a lively, attractive village.

The Vélomaritime route leaves La Haye-du-Puits and its 11th-century keep, still defying time. This stage offers easy cycling along a green ribbon lined by trees, affording you lovely glimpses of the little valleys to the sides. Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte and its medieval château, which was besieged twice in the Hundred Years War, welcome you at the end of this stage.

Going from Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte to Bricquebec and from one medieval château to another, you cycle peacefully along a safe, peaceful greenway, roughly at the pace of the former little train that used to run along the track here! You're crossing through a Pays d’Art et d’Histoire, Le Clos du Cotentin, a rich cultural area on the edge of the wetlands of the Marais du Cotentin and of the most important state forest in the county of Manche.

Leaving behind Bricquebec, you pedal along peaceful roads lined with farms and villages. You'll note the talus, high banks dividing up the meadows, fields and orchards, creating a typical Normandy landscape. Brix is your last stop before Cherbourg, with its ferry services to England and Ireland. At Cherbourg's port, a cycle path runs alongside one of the longest harbour walls in the world, dating as far back as 1783.

Along this Vélomaritime stage, you exchange the coast for the bucolic Saire Valley for a short time. Stop at Le Vast to explore this picturesque village and the surrounding countryside, with its wooded slopes, river and waterfalls. For a culinary treat, indulge in a piece of lovely Le Vast brioche, made here since 1900. You then rejoin the coast to descend to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, guarded by its 17th-century Vauban Tower, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to works inspired by Louis XIV's great military engineer. If you have the time, take a mini-trip to nearby Tatihou Island, to discover its fortifications, gardens and museum.

The Vélomaritime takes you from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue into the wetlands of the Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin. Make the most of a stop at Quinéville to buy some of the delicious artisanal biscuits made here. Further on, you'll spot the Azeville and Crisbecq Batteries, part of the Germans' World War II Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications, built in the early 1940s. Cycle on to reach Utah Beach, with its 5km-long strand. On D-Day, 6 June 1944, over 20,000 US soldiers and 1,700 vehicles landed here.

Leaving Utah Beach behind, the Vélomaritime allows you to cycle smoothly through the wetlands of the Parc Naturel Régional du Cotentin et du Bessin. Leading you into the heart of the Baie des Veys, the route runs alongside Beauguillot Nature Reserve, where land and sea merge. You then reach Carentan, a pretty town with a medieval past and a charming modern yachting marina.

You start off along the Vélomaritime from Carentan taking a rather unusual bridge-canal, on which boats and cyclists cross at a higher level than the cars! The route then takes you around the Baie des Veys, an estuary where four rivers converge, offering a peaceful haven for birds and common seals who appreciate the plentiful food supply. You then reach Isigny-sur-Mer, synonymous for human gastronomes with fine butter, cream and cheese! After enjoying a wander through the marshes and alongside the Aure River, you arrive back at the coast at Grandcamp-Maisy.

Here, you cycle in the tracks of the Allies' D-Day landings of 6 June 1944. Shortly after Grandcamp-Maisy, stop at the Pointe du Hoc, the German artillery battery on this steep headland fiercely fought over, as is movingly recalled. Then this stage, still being laid out at time of writing, leads you via a provisional route behind the coast. Midway along, a link takes you to Omaha Beach, where the majority of American troops landed on D-Day, under terrible enemy fire. Finally, at Port-en-Bessin, reward yourself with a fine seafood platter at a quay-side restaurant.

At the start of this stage stands Port-en-Bessin, its port always lively when the fishing boats return, particularly during the scallop season. Head on to discover pretty villages, their lanes lined with long stone walls, and manor-style farms dotted along narrow country lanes. You then reach Arromanches and its famed artificial Mulberry Harbour, towed over from England following the D-Day landings of 6 June 1944 as part of the greater Operation Overlord to win back Normandy.

Cycling beside the beaches along this stage, you can't help but think of the soldiers who landed in these parts during D-Day and beyond in summer 1944. British and French soldiers came ashore at Sword Beach, Canadians at Juno Beach. The Vélomaritime leaves Arromanches via minor roads that offer 360° views of the sea and the oyster parks below. Take a break at the fishing port of Courseulles-sur-Mer, where a daily fish market takes place on the quays. This stage also allows you to admire Normandy's Côte de Nacre seaside villas, recalling the earliest days of tourist sea-bathing, along with the iconic beach huts.

After enjoying a well-deserved swim from one of Ouistreham's beaches, time to continue your Vélomaritime trip. The cycle route takes you down beside the Orne River, which you cross via the famed Pegasus Bridge, at the most iconic spot secured by the Allies at the start of D-Day 1944, then you carry on back north beside the Bay of the Orne. A paradise for birds and people who love unspoilt nature, this enchanting area is well explained at the Maison de la Nature in Sallenelles. Once back at the coast, an iconic resort along Normandy's Côte Fleurie comes into view, Cabourg, where great Belle Epoque writer Marcel Proust left an indelible mark.

The stretch of Normandy coast known as the Côte Fleurie bears its name well, as you'll see, following this Vélomaritime stage. Note too the great many beach huts that line the way, fiercely competing in designs and colours! Do pause to explore the resort of Houlgate with its Belle Époque villas and admire the first limestone cliffs of eastern Normandy, Les Vaches Noires, at Villers-sur-Mer. There follows a more demanding stretch, your reward coming in the shape of Mont Canisy, a hill providing 360° views over the sea and the Normandy countryside.

You may feel a twinge of regret having to leave the chic resort of Deauville, with its wide beach backed by its famed Planches boardwalk. The Vélomaritime route then takes you via a way lined with apple trees on to Pont-l'Évêque, a great stop for those who love their food, as well as Calvados apple brandy! Enjoy the beautiful ride through the green meadows of the Pays d’Auge area, where the finest thoroughbreds are trained for horseracing and where the cows produce milk to make the finest Normandy cheeses. At the end of this stage, you arrive at the historic port of Honfleur, one of the first spots to inspire the Impressionists.

At time of writing, this stretch has not yet been laid out for cyclists, so it isn't possible to propose a safe or satisfactory route for cyclists along this stretch for the time being. However, the councils involved along the way are working to create a suitable path for cyclists to follow through these parts in the course of 2021. Consult the suggested alternative below ▼

This Vélomaritime stage leads you straight towards the highlight of Normandy's Côte d'Albâtre, Étretat! First, head out from Le Havre, the port rebuilt postwar to architect Auguste Perret's design and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leaving the urban bustle, make the most of the peace and calm of such breathtaking sites as Antifer Lighthouse and the Valleuse de Saint-Jouin-Bruneval, with its markedly maritime atmosphere. Carry on cycling to reach the famed resort of Étretat, also known in French fiction as the home of gentleman burglar Arsène Lupin!

Leaving behind Étretat's shingle beach and spectacular cliffs, the Falaises d'Amont and d'Aval, your Vélomaritime journey continues into the green countryside behind the coast, passing via the villages of Saint-Léonard and Les Loges, to be enjoyed as you cycle through them. Then you descend towards Fécamp, once a major centre for the medieval Dukes of Normandy.

This Vélomaritime stage is packed with history. Leaving Fécamp, admire the breathtaking views from Senneville's coastal semaphore station. Along this stretch, you follow in the footsteps of famed 19th-century Austrian Empress Elisabeth, or Sissi, who found solace bathing in the sea below the cliffs of the Petites and Grandes Dalles and resting at the peaceful Château de Sassetot-le-Mauconduit. For a gentle, family-friendly alternative between Fécamp and Dieppe, ride along the Véloroute du Lin (find more information on this below).Pour une alternative douce et familiale entre Fécamp et Dieppe, empruntez la Véloroute du Lin (plus d'informations ci-dessous).

From Saint-Valery-en-Caux to Dieppe, the Vélomaritime leads cyclists via some of the finest little gems along eastern Normandy's Côte d'Albâtre stretch of coast. At Veules-les-Roses, meander down beside the diminutive Veules River through the lovely lanes of this member of the association of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. At Sainte-Marguerite-sur-Mer, along the promenade, take in this resort's famed beach huts. At Varengeville-sur-Mer, tackle the slope up to the cliffside chapel with its magnificent Channel views, also evoked in a stained-glass window inside, by great Cubist artist George Braque.

Your cycling trip along the highest white limestone cliffs in Europe draws to an end as the Vélomaritime leads you along the last portion of eastern Normandy's Côte d'Albâtre stretch of coast, with typical steep little valleys, or valleuses, cutting through to the sea up to Le Tréport. This resort's charms, including its multicoloured villas and lively fishing port, will encourage you to stop for a well-deserved rest.

After enjoying a last look at Mers-les-Bains's cliffs and Belle Epoque villas, the Vélomaritime leads you away from the coast to Bourseville. Do stray off the cycle route if you wish to stop at Le Bois de Cise or Ault, resorts that recall the Art Deco period and its fashion for sea-bathing. Up to Cayeux-sur-Mer, you then cycle through the Hable d'Ault, a long-established lagoon protected from the sea by a pebble bank and today a haven for many species of birds.

Cayeux-sur-Mer marks the start of your exploration of the Bay of the Somme. By way of introduction, stop at the Pointe du Hourdel and visit the Maison de la Baie de Somme here to learn about the many facets of the Somme Estuary. Scanning the horizon, you may be lucky enough to spot seals. Next, you ride along La Route Blanche, close to the sea, the dunes and stretches of pebbles, before a greenway provides an easy path to the centre of the resort of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, with its lively port and fishermen's cottages overseen by the medieval hilltop quarter. At this resort, it is possible to board the tourist train of the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme, along with your bike, avoiding the cycle lane that runs beside the road up to Noyelles-sur-Mer. Finally, you reach Le Crotoy, a resort boasting unbeatable views over the Bay of the Somme.

On this Vélomaritime stage, you ride from the Bay of the Somme to the Bay of Authie. Leaving Le Crotoy, enjoy this resort's lovely views over the Somme Estuary before cycling around to the Parc du Marquenterre, a fabulous place for bird-watching, set in the heart of the Réserve Naturelle de la Baie de Somme. This stage then takes you beside northern Europe's largest range of sand dunes, rising between Saint-Quentin-en-Tourmont and Quend Plage. Finally, skirt around the Bay of Authie to reach the resort of Berck-sur-Mer, with its vast, 12km-long beach made of fine sand. Time to consider replacing your bike with a sandyacht!

Enjoy a last look at the ballet of kites and sandyachts flitting across Berck's vast beach before continuing along the Vélomaritime towards the famed seaside resort of Le Touquet. More formally entitled Touquet-Paris-Plage, the place is stylish and elegant, characterized by wooded avenues, remarkable villas and many cycle paths. But before reaching Le Touquet, there are further delightful seaside resorts to explore such as Stella-Plage and Merlimont-Plage.

The Vélomaritime takes you round the Bay of the Canche via Étaples, a port with the largest British military cemetery in France. Then you ride beside Mont Saint-Frieux Nature Reserve. For a lunchtime rest, choose either to head back to the coast, following the link to the resort of Hardelot, nestled between sea and forest, or to stop at the Château d'Hardelot, with its cycling facilities, a place to grab a bite, plus the castle to visit. Finally comes Boulogne-sur-Mer, France's leading fishing port, designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire for its cultural riches. Beside the main town beach, Nausicaà, boasting Europe's largest aquarium, is a sealife centre that transports you deep into the world's oceans!

After Boulogne-sur-mer, La Vélomaritime takes you to the Grand Site de France des Deux-Caps. In Wimereux, admire the colorful Anglo-Norman style villas. Before reaching Cap Gris-Nez, the closest point to England, plan a stop at the Maison du Site des Deux Caps in Audinghen, a must for the discovery of this exceptional site. Take advantage of the magnificent viewpoints on the Cap Blanc Nez and the Bay of Wissant. Calais is worth the detour, take advantage of being on a bike to visit the city and discover the belfry of the Town Hall, the City of Lace or for an unusual trip on the back of the Dragon!

The Vélomaritime leaves Calais, the leading French port for crossings to England, guiding you towards Le Platier d'Oye Nature Reserve, a major European ornithological site. Welcome to the Pays des Wateringues, a part of the wider Flandres Maritimes area (French coastal Flanders)! This stage ends at Gravelines, the port's fortifications, designed by Louis XIV's great engineer Vauban, superbly preserved and a pleasure to walk around.

Leaving the fortified town of Gravelines, your Vélomaritime cycling adventure leads you to France's third largest port, Dunkirk. Known to the French as the home of naval adventurer Jean Bart, it has a major maritime heritage, celebrated at its Musée Portuaire and with its tall ship, Le Duchesse-Anne. Also do visit the Musée Dunkerque 1940 - Operation Dynamo, as well, of course, as the town's belfries, part of a regional UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Linking France and Belgium, this stage marks the end of your Vélomaritime trip. Leaving Dunkirk, the route takes you through the heart of the Dunes de Flandres, designated a Grand Site de France. Appreciate the palette of colours and atmospheres in this unique natural setting, consisting of big dunes of fine sand.