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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.