Tours: All France

A Bay of Somme and the Opal Coast Cycling Tour

A wonderful, varied tour in northern France that's suitable for everyone

The north of France offers varied and interesting cycling, and the area around Abbeville and the resort town of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage on La Vélomaritime, the French section of the EuroVelo 4, is particularly undiscovered. This tour, which can be offered self-guided or guided, provides the perfect chance to explore the Bay of Somme (one of the most beautiful bays in the world) and a stunning section of the Opal Coast over 5 days from Abbeville. The itinerary is particularly rich and varied, and follows towpaths and other dedicated cycling trails, the banks of the bay and country roads. Cycle along the seaside, through picturesque towns and villages, and into the Crécy forest. Then it's on to the Pas de Calais and the resort towns of the Opal Coast. If you're lucky, you might even spot seals basking in the sun! Overall this is a flat, easy route that's suitable for all cyclists (it avoids busy roads and is especially suited to first-time tourers). The price includes a detailed roadbook, accommodation and the return train from Abbeville. Regular and electric bikes are available for hire if you are not bringing your own. Ch’tis Voyages is a local French company, but Fabien and his team can work with you in English, and all tour information and itinerary notes can be provided in English too.

Full details

Bayeux to Mont-Saint-Michel: Normandy bike tour

A self-guided ride taking in some of France's most famous sites

Full details

Côte d'Albâtre and the Bay of Somme

A backroad cycle tour along the beautiful coast of Normandy

The northern French coast is a delightful array of contrast, light and atmosphere – painters, after all, never choose an area by chance. Not a few painters fell in love with Normandy, but an entire movement – it was here that Impressionism was born. Between the grey and blue hues of the English Channel, the ever-changing skies, the white chalk cliffs of Etretat, the traditional ochre cob of the houses and their abundant flower arrangements, the Côte d'Albâtre is far more colourful than one imagines. The Impressionists found a neverending source of inspiration here and so too do cyclists as they follow this section of the EuroVelo 4 La Velomaritime. It's a superb mix of quiet coastal backroads, interspersed with charming fishing ports, small villages and cliffs. Visit the wonderful Fécamp, Saint Valéry en Caux and Veules les Roses. The route follows the coastline towards the estuary of the Baie de Somme with its nature reserve and birdlife. Take the time to appreciate the Belle Epoque architecture of Mers les Bains and the medieval Saint Valéry sur Somme before finishing your journey in the small fishing ports along the bay.

Full details

Cycling from the Somme Bay to the Opal Coast along the Vélomaritime

Explore northern beaches like Le Touquet, Boulogne-sur-Mer and Dunkirk

The Opal Coast’s sandy beaches are yours to discover on this 8-day self-guided trip cycling on the Vélomaritime route, part of the Euro Velo 4 trail. Nature lovers will be spoilt all along the route, starting from Somme Bay and ending on Dunkirk’s famous beaches. Cycling mostly on a very well-maintained bike path. Stop to stroll along Bercq-sur-Mer’s dunes before reaching Le Touquet’s pine forests. Small country roads will slowly lead you up grassy plains and sloping hinterlands overlooking the Opal Coast. Enjoy the amazing lookouts from Capes Gris-Nez and Blanc-Nez, offering stunning views over the English cliffs. Then drop off your bike in Dunkirk and take the time to learn more about the city’s incredible History, including the famous evacuation of British troops during World War II. Most importantly, don’t forget to taste each day’s speciality: gâteau battu picard (Picardy’s "beaten" cake), carbonade flamande (Flemish stew), galette Dunkerquoise (Dunkirk biscuit), and obviously local craft beers. The price of this tour includes bike hire, luggage transfers, accommodation and detailed route maps and information.

Full details

D-Day Beaches - Pathways to Freedom Tour

Explore the D-Day beaches over 4 magical days of cycling

This 4-day coastal self-guided cycling tour in Lower Normandy explores the Côte de Nacre. From Bayeux, ride to the historic D-Day landing beaches, following the coastal cycle path that takes you from beach to beach where memories of World War II and seaside tourism mingle. Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah – they're all on the list. Ride on picturesque roads and gentle paths into the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin regional nature park and admire sandy beaches, cliffs, peat bogs and Norman villages before returning to Bayeux along small country roads in the heart of the Normandy bocage for a bucolic discovery of the back country. Distance: 35-50km per day. Price includes accommodation, luggage transfers and full route maps and road book. Ebike option. 

Full details

D-Day Beaches to Mont St Michel

Two of France's most iconic destinations in one cycling holiday

This 6-day coastal self-guided cycle trip in Lower Normandy begins on the Côte de Nacre. From Bayeux, explore the iconic D-Day beaches by taking the coastal cycle path from seaside resort to seaside resort, where today the souvenirs of the Second World War and tourism mingle. Continue along picturesque roads and gentle cycle paths into the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin regional nature park with kilometres of sandy beaches, cliffs, peat bogs and Norman villages. This historic region has managed to retain its own unique character thanks to its remoteness. The sublime final point of this Normandy backroad cycling trip is the wild bay of Mont Saint Michel – the unique monastery mountain is the most emblematic place on the English Channel coast and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a relaxing and varied cycle tour that can be extended into Brittany if desired. 35-50km per day with maximum altitude gain of 800 metres. Price includes accommodation, luggage transfers, full route notes and maps.

Full details

Exploring the Somme Bay by bike in 4 days

A leisurely ride to pretty villages, sandy beaches and birdwatching

Bérangère and Eugénie began to cycle across their home country at the age of 22. Year after year they hand-selected the finest routes and hidden treasures. Now, via Le Vélo Voyageur, they are inviting you to share them. The Somme Bay is a natural bay situated in northern France (Picardie), where you will be flabbergasted by the fauna, flora and authenticity of the small villages of the Bay. The combination of sea, marshland, beaches and countryside adds charm and makes the bay a unique holiday spot. The Somme Bay is also an important spot for migratory birds. You can observe them along the bike paths on your way to one of the charming villages and harbours situated all around the bay.

Full details

From Saint-Malo to the D-Day Landing Beaches

Cycle the coast of Brittany and Normandy

Follow the picturesque coast as it weaves around Brittany and Normandy following the path that the Allies opened in 1944 after their bloody landing on the Normandy beaches. The itinerary is rich in culture with many historical and natural sites for you to discover. Chiefly, discover the D-day Landing beaches of Omaha, Gold and Juno, as well as the fantastic museums that bring the conflict to life. You will also visit Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top (but not by bike!) to see the abbey and the surrounding bay – a gorgeous vista. The price of this self-guided tour includes 24/7 phone assistance, GPS guided itinerary, luggage transfers, bike rental and accommodation with a number of different options to cater for all budgets.

Full details

Need planning help? Use our bespoke service

Let Freewheeling France help you plan your French cycling adventures

If you want to cycle in France but you're not sure where to go or how to sort it – maybe you're strugglng to find accommodation or the right self-guided or guided ride for you – then this service is for you. It's my own bespoke service that matches your holiday wishlist to the right tour operator or accommodation option for you. This is for riders who need a little support on the road – anything and everything from accommodation advice and route planning to hiring bikes and luggage transfers. I'm working with a network of cycling specialists across France to offer you the best cycling holidays possible – and tailored just for you, your dates and your cycling ability. Hit the brown button below or see this link for details.

Full details

Normandy's Bayeux and Beaches

Vintage beach resorts, D-Day beaches and beautiful countryside

The Calvados region in Normandy is rich with places to visit, from moving World War Two memorials and medieval towns to ‘Belle Époque’ beach resorts. This self-guided tour allows you to discover them all while enjoying the tranquil countryside. Pay your respects at the D-Day landing beaches, visit the stunning Bayeux Tapestry and stop off at the colourful seaside towns of Cabourg and Honfleur. Not forgetting, of course, the chance to sample the regional cuisine and indulge in a glass (or two) of famous Calvados and cider. The price of this tour includes 3- or 4-star hotel accommodation on a B&B basis, one evening meal, support from a local representative, all route maps and ride instructions, luggage transfers, bikes and panniers, and puncture repair kits.

Full details