Normandy is an "artist's paradise," wonderful coastline, woodlands and countryside combine to make a fabulous bicycle vacation. Of course, Normandy is also well known for the WWII landing beaches used by the Allied armies. There is much to see and remember here of that time. This region of France is also renowned for its dairy products, and the gastronomical delights won't disappoint. In addition to its cider and Calvados, Normandy produces the famous Camembert cheese. You're certain to enjoy this countryside as you bicycle through the green pastures and seaside towns, discovering the history that has made this area so famous.
To
see
Mont Saint Michel - Unesco World Heritage site and architectural marvel, town of Coutances, Sainte Mère Eglise / Utah Beach, Point du Hoc, immortalized in The Longest Day, and then leave time to visit the most famous WWII sites in the area: Colleville-sur-Mer and Omaha beach
Gastronomy
the oysters, the crepes, the galettes, the scallops, the lobster, the teurgoule
Wine
the cider, the Calvados
Feedbacks
5/5
5/5
|Traveled in September 2022
This has been a wonderful trip. The hotels are good and The Grand Hard is amazing. The food here (Grand Hard) exceptional as are the hosts and wait staff. Our bikes have worked great.
5/5
|Traveled in May 2023
We booked a last minute self-guided bike tour through Normandy with Discover France and would recommend. Our travel specialist, Gabriel, pulled it all together on short notice, during the high season! We upgraded the bikes to Scott, which were c
...omfortable and well maintained. The hotels, luggage transfer, guidance system all worked flawlessly. Normandy is a great place to ride with a mix of dedicated bike paths and roads. Even when on the road, most drivers provide a plenty of room. The history of the area is enhanced when you bike through where it occurred.
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Beth
5/5
|Traveled in September 2023
The bikes were great. The operated well and had everything we needed for a successful ride. We really appreciated each bike coming with its own pannier and front pack. Kevin did a great job explaining how the e-bikes work and spent a lot
...of time with each of us to ensure the bikes fit us correctly. I’m glad we had the suspension option on the hybrid bike especially on some of the dirt/cobblestone roads. Great feature!
Good overview of the maps and roadbook. Thank you for the backup powerpacks for the phones.
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5/5
|Traveled in June 2023
The hotels were great besides the Mercur in Saint Lo. The bikes work nice but I think you should have two bags one in each side for us to ride straight and not leaning to the side
Lindsay
5/5
|Traveled in August 2023
Dear Discover France, thanks for a great trip. We loved it all! Amazing countryside, sea and history! We especially loved Bayeux and St Malo. We will be back for another trip net year with all the kids/grandkids!
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Standard : 3* or 4* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Upgraded : 4* or 5* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
J-1
Arrival in Saint-Malo
Arrival in Saint Malo, (transfer on your own to the hotel), which is easily accessible from Paris by TGV. Saint Malo is a famous seaside resort town and a famous sailing city as it is connected to many major sailing events. After checking in at your hotel ideally located, you will have some free time to discover this walled city with The Chateau of Saint Malo and the Solidor tower of Saint-Sevran.
Accommodation : Hotel de L'Univers*** - Saint Malo
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Accommodation : Maison des Armateurs**** - Saint Malo
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Included : Emergency support,concierge service,phone not provided,mobile guidance application,roadbook,travelbook,Orientation with a local guide,luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast
J-2
From Saint Malo to St Michel
Cycle from Saint Malo in the direction of Cancale where you reach the coast after Cancale and can see all the oyster farms that make Cancale famous. You ride through the fisherman village of St Benoit des Ondes, as well as the Mont Dol, from where there is a beautiful view. On a clear day from here you can also start to see the Mont St Michel - Unesco World Heritage site and architectural marvel. Upon reaching this historical site, you have an hotel waiting to take you in. Leave time to explore the Mont and walk its tiny streets !
Distance : 54/65 Km (34/40 mi).
Elevation : 153/223 m.
Accommodation : Hotel le Relais Saint-Michel**** - Mont St Michel
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Accommodation : Hotel le Relais Saint-Michel**** - Mont St Michel
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A good part of this ride is coastal with a trip around the Bay of Mont St Michel to Avranches where there are several worthwhile stops in this town that dates to the Roman era. Continue on the coast to Granville.
Distance : 60 Km (38 mi).
Elevation : 328 m.
Accommodation : Le Grand Large Mercure**** - Granville
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Accommodation : Le Grand Large Mercure**** - Granville
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The tour turns inland today to cut across Normandy to reach the beaches of D-Day. You will stop today at St Lo. Along the way you will pass the town of Coutances where you must stop to visit the Cathedral of Coutances, which is visible for many kilometers as it stands 80 meters (295 ft). In St Lo you will find a virtually newly rebuilt city. The town near totally destroyed during the Battle of Normandy as St Lo lies on an important crossroads and was a regional German stronghold. The city is however rich in history and war has been part of the long history of St Lo.
Distance : 62 Km (39 mi).
Elevation : 720 m.
Accommodation : Hotel Mercure Centre**** - Saint Lo
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Accommodation : Hotel Mercure Centre**** - Saint Lo
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This ride is mostly a flat to rolling ride coming up to the coast of Normandy where the D-Day landings took place. St Mere Eglise is an old settlement dating to the 12th century but is most famous for its role in the allied invasion of Normandy. Paratroopers famously landed here and fought some decisive battles that made this town the first, or among the first liberated. The movie The Longest Day depicts many events in St Mere Eglise. Your hotel is nearby in the town of St Marie du Mont.
Distance : 59 Km (36 mi).
Elevation : 505 m.
Accommodation : Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
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Accommodation : Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
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Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
From Sainte Marie du Mont LOOP to St Vast la Hougue
A loop tour from your hotel will first focus on the Utah Beach landings , then move north toward the point on the coast at St Vaast. Return inland and visit the famous battery of Crisbecq, Azeville. Then back to your hotel. You can ride more or less today by taking the shorcut after Quineville.
Distance : 49/65 Km (30/40 mi).
Elevation : 272 m.
Accommodation : Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
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Accommodation : Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
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Included : bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
A slightly long route, you need to leave early to leave time for the important stops today. We suggest you cycle all the way to Point du Hoc, immortalized in The Longest Day, and then leave more time for the most famous WWII sites in the area : Colleville-sur-Mer and Omaha beach. In Colleville take some time to visit the US Military cemetery, (172.5 acres). Continue to Bayeux.
You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure. Trains from Bayeux to Caen and Paris possible. (Depart on your own).
Included : breakfast
CUSTOMIZED TOUR
This is a catalog tour, it can be modified as you wish : add extra nights, extra activities (wine tastings, visits, transfers...).
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Arrival city is St Malo, which is accessible from Paris Montparnasse by train, 3 hours.
Depart from Bayeux. Direct trains to Paris-Gare-St-Lazare in 2h20m.
The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty "trekking" geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27 speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 30unisex (or equivalent)
All the fun of cycling in an electric version. The SCOTT Sub Tour eRide 30 will assist you in all your rides in town or in the countryside thanks to its 500 Wh Bosch battery.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
With a new geometry that focuses more on endurance. The SCOTT ADDICT 30 Disc will become your preferred choice for long distance travel.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Rear pannier
Helmet
Odometer
Lock
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 12 speed drivetrain and a brand new carbon frame, the Pinarello X3 is designed to go the distance thanks to its ability to filter vibrations and absorb the shocks present on your next road.
Sizes available: XXS,XS,S, M, L, XL,XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump.
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise.
Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
SCOTT Speedster Gravel 30 (Standard) (or equivalent)
A talented and versatile gravel road bike. Designed to go the distance, explore the roads less traveled or speed up your daily commute. It's high enough for long-distance comfort and forward-leaning enough for speed.
Available sizes :XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Details
Included
ACCOMODATIONS
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
MEALS
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- 3 dinners included (2 dinners on upgraded version)
BIKES
- Hybrid bike rental included
GEAR
- Complimentary Discover France Gear (including water bottle, drawstring bag)
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
SUPPORT
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including detailed maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)
TRANSFER
- All luggage transfers
Not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
- Multirisk travel insurance
Other questions?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
Located in intra muros in front of the castle, the Hôtel de l’Univers with its 64 rooms welcomes you all year round within the refuge of the ramparts of Saint Malo. Ideally situated within reach of beaches and the piers for Dinard, Dinan via the river Rance, Cézembre and the Channel Islands
Guernsey and Chausey. Its terrace invites you to make the most of the summer entertainment on the square whose painters and portrait painters, concerts, Christmas market...
http://www.hotel-univers-saintmalo.com/
Located in the heart of St Malo, La Maison des Armateurs is the only 4 star hotel in St Malo Intra Muros. Choose a Sailor's Cabin, Major's or Lieutenant 's Room, Captain's or Admiral's Suite. Centrally located, all of Saint Malo is within a 5 minute walk; the Saint-Malo ramparts, the Beaches, the Casino, Restaurants and shops...
https://www.maisondesarmateurs.com/
The 4-star hotel Le Relais Saint Michel welcomes you to Mont Saint Michel. This comfortable, elegant hotel, member of the «Châteaux & Hôtels Collection» network, is nestled in the heart of a landscape garden and boasts a stunning view over the bay of Mont Saint Michel.
Each room offers the ultimate in comfort in peaceful surroundings by day and by night. From the private terrace in your room you can admire the fabulous view over the sea and Mont Saint Michel bay. The restaurant, awarded the «Tables & Auberges de France» label offers a panoramic view and authentic, gourmet cuisine.
Ideally located a few minutes from the medieval village of Mont Saint Michel, the Hotel Le Relais Saint Michel will be your haven of peace during your stay at the « Wonder of the West ». A unique and memorable experience not to be missed !
http://en.relais-st-michel.fr/
The 4-star hotel Le Relais Saint Michel welcomes you to Mont Saint Michel. This comfortable, elegant hotel, member of the «Châteaux & Hôtels Collection» network, is nestled in the heart of a landscape garden and boasts a stunning view over the bay of Mont Saint Michel.
Each room offers the ultimate in comfort in peaceful surroundings by day and by night. From the private terrace in your room you can admire the fabulous view over the sea and Mont Saint Michel bay. The restaurant, awarded the «Tables & Auberges de France» label offers a panoramic view and authentic, gourmet cuisine.
Ideally located a few minutes from the medieval village of Mont Saint Michel, the Hotel Le Relais Saint Michel will be your haven of peace during your stay at the « Wonder of the West ». A unique and memorable experience not to be missed !
http://en.relais-st-michel.fr/
The Hotel is a site of exception, overlooking the sea, in the city centre, near the Christian Dior Museum Casino and the harbour station leading to the Chausey, Jersey, and Guernesey isles. Live the way you feel: rooms with or without balcony, duplex or flat completely renovated and supplying you with all the comfort you need. Thanks to its location in the Mont-St-Michel Bay, the Mercure Granville “Le Grand Large” four-star hotel has the most beautiful ocean view. On one side it overhangs a wonderful sea landscape with a view in the distance on the Chausey isles , and beyond we can see the Channel Islands.; on the other side we can see the city, the habours and the Brittany Coast on the horizon (so special in Granville). The Mercure Granville "Le Grand Large" hotel, located in a quiet residential area and close to the city center invites you to relax.
https://all.accor.com/hotel/6644/index.en.shtml
The Hotel is a site of exception, overlooking the sea, in the city centre, near the Christian Dior Museum Casino and the harbour station leading to the Chausey, Jersey, and Guernesey isles. Live the way you feel: rooms with or without balcony, duplex or flat completely renovated and supplying you with all the comfort you need. Thanks to its location in the Mont-St-Michel Bay, the Mercure Granville “Le Grand Large” four-star hotel has the most beautiful ocean view. On one side it overhangs a wonderful sea landscape with a view in the distance on the Chausey isles , and beyond we can see the Channel Islands.; on the other side we can see the city, the habours and the Brittany Coast on the horizon (so special in Granville). The Mercure Granville "Le Grand Large" hotel, located in a quiet residential area and close to the city center invites you to relax.
https://all.accor.com/hotel/6644/index.en.shtml
Situated in the heart of the town and within walking distance of the station, the Mercure Saint Lô hotel offers wonderful, unobstructed views over the ramparts. This cosy and modern hotel offers comfortable rooms which are perfect for relaxing in after a busy day of sightseeing. Breakfast is available daily. There is also a bar and a restaurant that serves traditional French cuisine. In summer, this can be enjoyed on the terrace that overlooks the city walls.
http://www.mercure.com/fr/hotel-1072-hotel-mercure-saint-lo/index.shtml
Situated in the heart of the town and within walking distance of the station, the Mercure Saint Lô hotel offers wonderful, unobstructed views over the ramparts. This cosy and modern hotel offers comfortable rooms which are perfect for relaxing in after a busy day of sightseeing. Breakfast is available daily. There is also a bar and a restaurant that serves traditional French cuisine. In summer, this can be enjoyed on the terrace that overlooks the city walls.
http://www.mercure.com/fr/hotel-1072-hotel-mercure-saint-lo/index.shtml
Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
This charming hotel-restaurant and recreation domain is located in the picturesque village of Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, only five minutes from Utah Beach, famous and notorious for the D-Day landing in Normandy, near Sainte-Mère-Eglise in La Manche. Le Grand Hard is situated in a stunning nature reserve where you can explore the lush Cotentin peninsula. It is surrounded by tens of kilometres coastline with its sandy beaches. This « hôtel de charme » is the perfect getaway. It provides 11 double rooms, 4 of which are luxury rooms. There also is a room for disabled people. Whichever room you choose, each one is cosy, tasteful and authentic.
http://www.legrandhard.fr/
Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
This charming hotel-restaurant and recreation domain is located in the picturesque village of Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, only five minutes from Utah Beach, famous and notorious for the D-Day landing in Normandy, near Sainte-Mère-Eglise in La Manche. Le Grand Hard is situated in a stunning nature reserve where you can explore the lush Cotentin peninsula. It is surrounded by tens of kilometres coastline with its sandy beaches. This « hôtel de charme » is the perfect getaway. It provides 11 double rooms, 4 of which are luxury rooms. There also is a room for disabled people. Whichever room you choose, each one is cosy, tasteful and authentic.
http://www.legrandhard.fr/
Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
This charming hotel-restaurant and recreation domain is located in the picturesque village of Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, only five minutes from Utah Beach, famous and notorious for the D-Day landing in Normandy, near Sainte-Mère-Eglise in La Manche. Le Grand Hard is situated in a stunning nature reserve where you can explore the lush Cotentin peninsula. It is surrounded by tens of kilometres coastline with its sandy beaches. This « hôtel de charme » is the perfect getaway. It provides 11 double rooms, 4 of which are luxury rooms. There also is a room for disabled people. Whichever room you choose, each one is cosy, tasteful and authentic.
http://www.legrandhard.fr/
Domaine Utah Beach - Le Grand Hard*** - Ste Marie du Mont
This charming hotel-restaurant and recreation domain is located in the picturesque village of Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, only five minutes from Utah Beach, famous and notorious for the D-Day landing in Normandy, near Sainte-Mère-Eglise in La Manche. Le Grand Hard is situated in a stunning nature reserve where you can explore the lush Cotentin peninsula. It is surrounded by tens of kilometres coastline with its sandy beaches. This « hôtel de charme » is the perfect getaway. It provides 11 double rooms, 4 of which are luxury rooms. There also is a room for disabled people. Whichever room you choose, each one is cosy, tasteful and authentic.
http://www.legrandhard.fr/
The hotel restaurant le Lion D'or located in the heart of historical events in Bayeux, is the ideal location to discover the local treasures : Close by is the Bayeux Tapestry, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, medieval Bayeux and its half-timbered houses a few kilometres from all the landing beaches,.. This welcoming hotel, steeped in history and formerly the headquarters of the English press during the last World War, welcome you in a family atmosphere. Each of the 31 rooms of Le Lion d'Or offers all the comfort expected of a 3-star hotel. A full and hearty breakfast, an original and warm lounge bar where you can just relax, a gourmet restaurant with a refined cuisine... make up the services and the hotel-quality service provided. Le Lion d'Or in Bayeux has hosted many politicians, armies, film personalities, etc.: Eisenhower, General De Gaulle, the Kennedy family, Prince Charles, Hemingway, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Catherine Deneuve, Jean Paul Belmondo, Jacques Chirac, ..
http://www.liondor-bayeux.fr/en/
Just opposite the Bayeux Cathedral, discover the Villa Lara… The 4-star boutique hotel, designed by Michel HOMSY, is located in the heart of the historic centre. It is nested in a quiet, tree-lined square along the River Aure. The hotel is just steps away from the famous Bayeux Tapestry and very close to the sea and D-Day landing beaches. The 28 rooms have decors in varied colour schemes and furnishings crafted by the famous French cabinetmaker Moissonnier. They offer comfort, harmony and a view of the 11th-c. Cathedral, beautifully illuminated at night. Make way in the morning to breakfast area where you will find a delicious buffet with regional offerings. There is a bar-lounge area leading to the library lounge with a fireplace, a fitness room and a meeting room equipped with the latest technologies is at your service.
http://www.hotel-villalara.com/en/