Cycle tour - Normandy - Self-Guided - 10D/9N Classic

Day 1 Rouen

Arrival in Rouen. Time to visit the city with its magnificent cathedral, its picturesque old town and the interesting memorial of Jeanne D’Arc.

Day 2 Rouen – Caudebec en Caux 48 km

Wonderful trip on the banks of the Seine (after the first 10 km out of the city). You pass next to typical Norman farmhouses. Crossing the Seine at a height of 50 meters over the Brotonne Bridge offers a beautiful view before reaching Caudebec.

Day 3 Caudebec – Honfleur  62 km

From Caudebec the journey leads back to the Brotonne Bridge, then through forests, meadows and picturesque villages with timbered houses. Enjoy the view of the Seine and impressive passages with container ships until you reach the artist town Honfleur.

Day 4 Honfleur – Ouistreham  51 km

Your leave Honfleur, favourite place of painters in the 19^th century, to cycle along the “flower coast” to the elegant seaside resorts of Trouville and Deauville. The route continues to Ouistreham. In the evening you can enjoy the sunset from the beach, which is wonderfully located directly on the English Channel.

Day 5 Ouistreham – Bayeux  56 km

You leave the coast for a short moment before continuing to Bayeux. Bayeux impresses with its almost preserved city structure. One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Normandy is waiting for you! The tanners’ quarter are also worth visiting. A must see is the Bayeux Tapestry, an 1000 year old embroidered cloth which describes the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

Day 6 Bayeux – Landing beaches – Caen   66 km

Today’s ride is much influenced by the history of WW II. The landing beaches or beaches of D-Day, where the Allies landed in 1944 are still important witnesses of the past. The German military cemetery La Cambe is particularly impressive. An emotional cycling day, partly along the coast and sometimes in the slightly hilly hinterland. You will reach Caen in the evening.

 Day 7 Caen – Lisieux   54 km

In Caen you shouldn’t miss a visit of the former castle complex that Wilhelm the Conqueror had built, as well as the Abbaye des Hommes and the old town, before you cycle to Lisieux, through wonderful green meadows. This was the hometown of Saint Therese. You might know the delicious cheese of Lisieux?

Day 8 Lisieux – Le Bec Hellouin   47 km

On small roads and paths, you will cycle through rural Normandy with its thatched cottages and typical architecture. Arrival in Bec Hellouin, which is famous for its impressive 12th century Norman abbey, still at work today. Don’t miss to visit it!

Day 9 Le Bec Hellouin – Rouen  62 km

For this last cycling day, you will reach the Château d’Harcourt, built in the 12th century. After your visit, you will return to the cycle path along the Seine and enjoy your ride to Rouen.

Day 10

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful region of France.