6 Normandy cycling routes to discover
Normandy has everything to seduce cyclists: its amazingly varied coastal landscape, its countryside alternating plains, hilly pastures and forests, its rich historical and cultural heritage, not to mention its most varied cuisine.
Normandy offers you major emblematic itineraries with signposting and "Accueil Vélo" services: Cycling from Perche to Mont-Saint-Michel on the Veloscenic, from D-Day Beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel, L'Avenue Verte London-Paris from Giverny to Dieppe, La Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4, La Vélo Francette and in 2020, the arrival of the Seine by bike ! Normandy is the ideal destination to combine cycling and discovery.
Normandy Coast by bike - La Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4
Immerse yourself between sea spray and maritime landscapes by following the Normandy coast by bike on the itinerary La Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4. The Normandy coastline offers a succession of various landscapes: vertiginous cliffs along the Albâtre coast, fine sands, colourful cabins and parasols on the beaches of the "côte fleurie" and the "côte de Nâcre".
The cities of Honfleur, Deauville, Trouville and Cabourg will be as many opportunities to stop and enjoy the pleasures of the sea.
The Norman countryside on old railway tracks
The Normand cycling network often follows old railways. These routes are perfect for a family-friendly bike trip in the heart of the intense greenery of Normandy. Cross the Suisse Normande on La Vélo Francette by following the meanders of the Orne or through the countryside between Sablons sur Huisne in Perche and Alençon, then through the Norman bocage between Domfront and Ducey on La Véloscénie.
Medieval Normandy and small heritage
Remains of the Middle Ages are still very much present in this land of ancient Vikings. If the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a magical place to discover by bike, Normandy abounds in a rich medieval heritage to be discovered. You will be surprised by the vestiges of the 11th century castle of Domfront, impressed by the conquest of William the Conqueror narrated on the tapestries of Bayeux, struck by the dimensions of the abbey of Jumièges on the banks of the Seine, lulled by the cities of Caen, Rouen and many other treasures still to be discovered along your way.
In the wheels of History
Follow the road of freedom thanks to the "D-Day Beaches - Mont Saint-Michel" cycle route which will guide you to the places that marked the Battle of Normandy. In Arromanches, you can visit the Landing Museum. The departure of La Vélo Francette in Ouistreham is also a high point of the D-Day with the Sword Beach where the Franco-British commando landed.
The Atlantic Wall Museum, the Bunker and the Caen Memorial retrace the June 1944 landing and the Battle of Normandy.
Norman Impressionism
It is easy to understand why Normandy has inspired many authors and painters: Monet, Courbet, Boudin, Renoir... During your journey, you will be amazed by the landscapes drawn by these avant-garde painters.
In 2020 the "Normandy Impressionist Festival" will be back for a fourth edition. You can now follow in their footsteps along the cycle routes of the Avenue Verte London-Paris, the Seine by bike or on La Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4.
Gourmet Normandy
We're not going to teach you anything, but Normandy is full of regional products to discover. Between the seafood to be tasted along La Vélomaritime and its cheeses made in its green meadows: Neufchâtel, Pont-l'Évêque, Camembert, Livarot, your senses may be in turmoil! You will also be delighted with local drinks : cider, calvados, AOP Poiré Donfromt to be discovered mainly on La Vélo Francette.
