The 6th of June 1944 was a turning point in the history of the Second World War, with the landing on the beaches of Calvados of thousands of Allied soldiers who came to liberate Europe from the Nazi yoke. The fighting that took place on that day and during the following months had a profound effect on Normandy. This cyclo-touristic trip will take you to the key sites of Operation Overlord, from Omaha beach to Arromanches, the „Pointe du Hoc„ and Sainte Mère Eglise! A sporting and commemorative trip that will delight history lovers, and will also allow you to discover the richness of the Normandy landscapes and gastronomy!
Day 1: Arrival in Bayeux
Take time to visit the medieval city of Bayeux : its famous Tapestry, recounting the journey of William the Conqueror and his army to England in 1066, and its Cathedral. Before dining in one of the town's excellent restaurants, we recommend a stroll through the historic heart of the town, which was the Allied quarter after D-Day. Bayeux was spared the bombardments and still boasts some fine buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.
Day 2 : Bayeux East loop, ~28, 56 or 61 km
You ride north to reach the Gold Beach sector and the German battery of Longues-sur-Mer. You will then reach Arromanches with its remarkable artificial harbor.The long option takes you eastwards to Courseulles and juno Beach. After a stop at the peaceful Canadian cemetery, you ride westwards inland to join Bayeux through the pretty Aure Valley.
Day 3 : Bayeux > Isigny sur Mer, ~50 oder 65 km
Both rides take you to the 2 main war cemeteries in Normandy. The American site of Colleville-sur-Mer and the German cemetery of La Cambe. The longer ride follow the coast to the fishing harbour of Grandcamp while the shorter version goes inland after the American cemetery. You can make up your mind after the American Cemetery. Isigny is famous for its quality dairy products (butter, cheese...). You can also find very good oysters which are cultivated in the „bay of Veys„.
Day 4 : Isigny sur Mer > Utah Beach, ~36 oder 70 km
You start your day through the marshes that have made the reputation of Isigny-sur-Mer and Carentan. The milk from the cows gives butter, camembert and caramels a unique taste! After a break in Carentan, you enter the Cotentin regional park and it is on a very quiet road far from the traffic that you arrive in Sainte Marie du Mont or Sainte mère Eglise where you will spend the night.
Day 5 : Rundtur Utach Beach, ~35 oder 80 km
You have plenty of time today to visit Utah Beach, Holy Mother Church and the Airborn Museum. You can also take advantage of the beautiful beaches to go swimming... If you feel like it, you can make a long loop and go up to the pretty fishing village of Saint Vaast la Hougue.
Day 6 : Departure after the breakfast
