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VéloWestNormandy
Official route
This unique véloroute, or special cycle path, links two of Normandy's most iconic sights. It starts at the D-Day beaches, where the Allied troops famously landed in June 1944 in order to overthrow the German forces occupying France. It then takes you west to the glorious vision of the Mont St-Michel, the famed island crowned by a stunning medieval monastery. The route allows you to explore the two Normandy départements (or counties) of Calvados and Manche. Immerse yourself in the typical Norman atmosphere of this exceptional cycle path, which takes you along via beautiful, now-tranquil hedgerows, hills and valleys.
Low-Carbon Discount in Normandy
Along this route, selected attractions, museums, tourist offices, and activity providers offer the Normandy Low-Carbon Discount to visitors arriving by train, coach, or bicycle.
Check out all the partners participating in the Normandy Low-Carbon Discount program.
Signposting of the itinerary
La VéloWestNormandy is fully signposted in both directions. It overlaps with La Vélomaritime from La Ferrière-Harang and connects with La Véloscénie from Mortain.
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 1382m
Descents: 1432m
Lowest point: 5m
Highest point: 306m
Slope breakdown
3km steep descent (< -5%)
44km gentle descent (-5% to -1%)
108km flat (-1% to 2%)
24km climb (2% to 5%)
1km hard climb (5% to 8%)
0.51km very hard climb (> 8%)
Road types
96km (53%) of cycle paths
84km (47%) of shared roads
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
125km (69%) of smooth surface
7km (4%) of rough surface
26km (23%) of natural surface
23km (13%) of undetermined surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
Trains and transport on the route
Getting there by train
- To reach the start (Bayeux): Bayeux train station
- From the finish (Mont Saint-Michel): Pontorson station (about 10 km from Mont Saint-Michel by bike)
View infrastructure on the map
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The 9 stages of VéloWestNormandy
6 Bayeux / Tilly-sur-Seulles
The Véloroute Plages du Débarquement Mont Saint-Michel leads you along small roads crossing the Bessin area around Bayeux. One unforgettable stop along this stage is the Abbey of Juaye Mondaye. Originally built by the Prémontré religious order some 800 years ago, it was rebuilt in the 18th century and is a masterpiece of the Classical period. The architectural and ornamental ensemble is striking for its sobriety and its sense of balanced harmony.
7 Tilly-sur-Seulles / Villers-Bocage
You continue cycling through history along the Véloroute Plages du Débarquement Mont Saint-Michel by entering the lanes of the Bocage Normand area, with its long-established pastures divided by hedgerows. At Tilly-sur-Seulles, stop to contemplate the perfect alignment of the rows of white headstones in the British Military Cemetery, an indelible reminder of terrible losses suffered here during the Battle of Normandy.
8 Villers-Bocage / La Ferrière-Harang (viaduc de la Souleuvre)
The itinerary signposted for you on leaving Villers-Bocage is provisional. Cyclists are advised to take particular care on the 1km stretch along the D 675 road. Then you plunge once again into the typical countryside of the Bocage Normand, going via the Crahan Valley. Next comes the magnificent Forêt de l'Evèque before you arrive at a sensational spot beloved of adrenaline junkies – the Souleuvre Viaduct, well known to bungee jumpers.
9 La Ferrière-Harang (viaduc de la Souleuvre) / Vire
This part of the route takes you past one of the most spectacular edifices along the Vire: the Viaduc de la Souleuvre. Once a hugely impressive railway viaduct designed by Gustave Eiffel, arching over the valley on five granite pillars, it survived the War but was demolished in 1970 – and is now popular for bungee jumping.
10 Vire / Sourdeval
The busy market town of Vire has ancient roots, but it was heavily reconstructed after Allied bombing in 1944. Look beyond the present day and you’ll find remains of the 12th century fortifications built by Henry I, ruler of England and Normandy. And do try Vire’s culinary speciality – the Andouille smoked sausage.
11 Sourdeval / Mortain
Leaving Sourdeval you enter very pretty country: the area around Mortain is surrounded by woods and here, amidst tranquil, shaded surroundings in a deep, green-wooded gorge, the waters of Cance and Cancon cascade to create waterfalls. Mortain also hosts a memorial to the heroism of the defenders of Hill 314.
12 Mortain / St-Hilaire-du-Harcouët
The enchanting Cance waterfalls are a focal point of the powerful local terrain, carving between steep hills, an untamed heart of ‘Armorican Normandy’. The greenway then heads towards St-Hilaire which precedes your arrival in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
13 St-Hilaire-du-Harcouët / Ducey
Stronghold between Brittany, Cotentin and the Loire country, St Hilaire du Harcouët offers many activities during the summer around the Prieuré lakes. This stage of la Véloscénie and the Petit Tour de Manche, travelling along a greenway, is full of life.
14 Ducey / Mont-Saint-Michel
The final stage of la Véloscénie and a spectacular resting point on the Tour de Manche, where the greenway rolls all the way to the mouth of the Sélune. From there on, as you travel on shared roads, you can indulge in a feast for the eyes: Mont-Saint-Michel rises up, a colourful panorama, set like a jewel in the circle of the bay.