Tours: Normandy

4-Day D-Day Beaches Tour

Cycle to and along the D-Day Beaches

2020 marks the 76th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. On June 6, 1944 – 150,000 British, Commonwealth and American troops waded ashore and confronted the German guns. Within the month, one million Allied troops had landed in  France. This tour commemorates the landings via a series of special rides taking in the beaches of Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah. Today these beaches are a picture of tranquillity. To cycle the coastal road here is a real treat enhanced by turning inland and taking in country lanes, rustic villages, remote dairy farms and orchards. The experience dinners and strategic lunch stops. Peter at World At My Cleats has ridden in Normandy and Brittany for more than 10 years. He runs a London-based travel agency and has now branched out to offer cycling holidays. This trip is flexible – it's offered self-guided with Garmin routes and maps, or fully guided if you prefer having someone to ride with. Either way, a support vehicle with spare parts and replacement bikes are on hand in case you need help. Ride from a fixed base – a restored Norman farmhouse in rural La Manche – where breakfast and dinner will be provided every day. There are three double rooms that comfortably accommodate six riders, making this trip ideal for solo riders or small groups. The price includes accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, support vehicle, meet from ferry/airport, and a guide (optional).

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4-day D-Day bike tour from Bayeux to Caen

Experience the emotion of the D-Day beaches

This 4-day self-guided tour will give you an intimate insight into the rich and turbulent history of the Normandy region. Cycle the D-Day landing beaches, taking in the American sector that includes Omaha Beach and the heart-wrenching American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. The ride also takes in the British beaches Gold and Sword plus the artificial port at Arromanches, and Juno Beach – famous for the bravery of Canadian soldiers. But it's not all about D-Day – you can also visit the medieval tapestry and Gothic cathedral at Bayeux, typical fishing ports, and bocage roads. Daily mileage is between 35 and 50km. The price includes a touring bike adjusted to your size or a tandem equipped with a front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on request), reflective vest, toolkit, and detailed route maps and notes. Accommodation can be tailored for your preferences and budget. Electric bikes are also available.

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Bayeux and the Beaches Classic

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.

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Biking from D-Day Beaches to Charming Fishing Harbours

Cycle from Bayeux to Honfleur along D-Day beaches via coastal villages

This bike tour leads along one of the most beautiful coasts of France. The tour starts in Bayeux, world-known for its medieval tapistery, but also at the heart of the landing beaches of WW II. From here you will discover Omaha beach, but also Arromanches and Gold beach and pay homage to the fallen soldiers at the American Cemetery overlooking the English Channel. You will ride along apple orchards, dairy farms and the beautiful coast into quaint fishing villages. The price of this tour includes bike hire, accommodation, luggage transfers and all the maps and information you need to get the most out of your trip.

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Brittany and Normandy – A Combined Guided Cycling Holiday

A relaxing ride through pretty countryside and seaside scenery

This nine-day tour aims to give you a flavour of the north-west of France, with its proud history. While geographically adjacent, these two regions of France have very distinct identities – but the one thing they have in common is their cycling heritage: both are well-developed in terms of cycle tourism and are friendly and welcoming places to ride. Brittany occupies a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and is strong in seafaring traditions. It has wonderful beaches and pretty harbours, with its interior giving way to forest and ancient history. Normandy is a lush and verdant landscape, with agriculture at its heart – here, apple orchards feed cider and calvados production, while cattle are grazed for beef and cheese. Normandy is also dotted with impressive chateaux and manor houses, and historical villages. This tour starts in St Malo and heads west into Brittany before turning east for Normandy. 

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Brittany to Normandy Self-Guided Cycling

Cycle along historic beaches in an area rich in culture and gastronomy

Cycle along some of the most famous and beautiful beaches of France from Brittany to Normandy. Starting in the fortified city of St Malo, you will ride to the famous Mont Saint Michel and visit its beautiful abbey. From here, ride from the scenic bay to the Normandy beaches. Visit Utah Beach, Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where museums and memorials will give you insight into the World War II landings. This Brittany to Normandy tour finishes in Bayeux, where you can admire the famous 11th century tapestry, but also taste the delicious Normandy delights like Camembert cheese and Calvados. The price of this tour includes 7 nights' accommodation in superior hotels, daily breakfast at each hotel, 3 dinners, hybrid bike rental, road book including detailed maps, tourist information, step-by-step itinerary and cue sheets, 1 GPS for every 1-3 people, all luggage transfers, comprehensive trip literature and technical and emergency support at all times.

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Coast-to-Coast France – St Malo to Nice Fully Supported

Traverse France from end-to-end with help all the way

This is an ultimate France coast-to-coast ride, fully supported and guided. Two-thirds of days are in the 50-60-mile (80-90-km) bracket – with a few shorter ones thrown in – so it's achievable but still challenging, especially as your luggage will be carried for you (no panniers!) This trip highlights the wonderful diversity of France and is suitable for all recreational cyclists. It passes through simply stunning countryside and visits some of the most famous sites in the country – from Mont St Michel to an optional ascent of the iconic Ventoux. Price includes fully guided on-road support and luggage transfers, 14 nights' B&B, and most meals. Can be tailored for groups. St Malo to Sete and Calais to Nice also available. 

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Cycle to Oberammergau Passion Play 2020

Ride to the incredible Oberammergau Passion Play, held every 10 years

Every 10 years since 1634, the residents of this small Bavarian village give thanks for being spared from the Black Death by performing a Passion Play, based on the events surrounding the death of Christ. The whole village is involved, with the actors themselves needing to have been born in Oberammergau to win roles – but this is far from an amateur production. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cycle to see the famous Oberammergau Passion Play, passing many interesting and historic places in France and Germany en route. The Green Jersey team rode from the Portsmouth to Oberammergau in 2010 – the last time the play was performed – so this route is tried and tested. Whether you wish to visit for religious reasons, to witness one of the most historic cultural events in Europe or to re-create the happenings in Jerome K Jerome's Three Men on a Pilgrimage, this is an event you will always remember. The route takes you north of Paris then across France to the southern Vosges, via Verdun, and into Germany passing the source of the Danube, Lake Constance and, finally, to the little village near the famous ski resort of Garmsich-Partenkirken. It covers 12 days' cycling and is not to be missed. Covers between 50 miles (80km) and 80 miles (130km) each day, clocking up a total of 706 miles (1131km). Price includes tickets to the play in the highest category of seats (worth almost £200), 13 nights' accommodation, all breakfasts except on on one ferry crossing, and 9 evening meals. Fully guided with on-road vehicle support. 
Dates: May 24 to June 6, 2020

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D-Day Beaches and the Battle of Normandy

A enjoyable and though provoking tour around Normandy

Accompanied by experienced battlefield guide, this trip allows you to gain a unique insight into the D Day landings and the subsequent battle for Normandy while also enjoying some very fine cycling. It meanders from Caen through the Calvados, Orne and Auge departments, which all saw heavy fighting in the summer of 1944. The trip – fully guided and supported – provides plenty of time to stop and look at sites and for moments of reflection and remembrance. You don’t have to be a veteran to appreciate what went on here. The itinerary includes the site where the only Victoria Cross was awarded on D-Day; where Panzer ace Michael Wittman caused havoc on a British convoy; the smallest Commonwealth War Cemetery in France; and where a fleeing army desperately tried to escape. The hotels are all friendly and family run. Days 3 and 4 have some hills but you can ride at your own pace. Sword Beach, the Merville Battery, Omaha Beach and the Pointe du Hoc are all on the route, which can be tailored to take in sites specific to your nationality or family history. Other options across the Western Front also available, including the Somme and Ypres.

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From Saint-Malo to the D-Day Landing Beaches

Cycle the coast of Brittany and Normandy

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Marvels of Normandy Cycling+

Cycle from the D-Day beaches to Honfleur via unmissable Bayeux

Following the rugged Norman coast from west to east, this self-guided cycling holiday shows you the best of Normandy. Experience an atmospheric adventure, packed with cultural sites along the way; WW2 memorials, the Bayeux Tapestry, the Men's Abbey in Caen, the elegant seaside resorts of Cabourg and Deauville, and the pretty port of Honfleur. As the sun sets, indulge in the exquisite local cuisine, including the luscious cream, and tasty cider and cheese. The price of this tour includes 4 days' cycling, 5 nights' half-board accommodation, luggage transfers between hotels, and comprehensive route notes. There is also support from a local agent and 24-hour Belle France helpline support, GPS on demand.

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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.

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On the heels of the Impressionists in Normandy

Normandy by bike, from the Côte d'Albâtre to the Pays de Caux

Always on the lookout for contrast, light and atmosphere, painters never choose an area by chance – and these places tend to also be great places for holidays, places to wind down and relax. It wasn't just a few painters who fell in love with Normandy, but an entire movement. From the grey and blue hues of the English Channel to 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 had stumbled upon a never-ending source of inspiration. It's inspiration as well for this cycling tour: a superb mix of quiet coastal backroads, interspersed with charming fishing ports and small villages, the cliffs of Etretat, but also the wonderful Fécamp and Veulettes-sur-Mer. The price of this tour includes 2 or 3 nights in guesthouses and 2* or 3* hotels in double rooms with en-suite facilities, 2 or 3 breakfasts, daily baggage transfers, a carefully designed itinerary, navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks. Easy and moderate options.

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