The flowery coast: hiking from Honfleur to Caen
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationNormandy / Cotentin
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions73.46 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of Normandy for a stay blending nature , culture , and heritage . From the modernity of Le Havre to the captivating history of Caen , let yourself be seduced by diverse landscapes: spectacular cliffs , legendary beaches , and charming coastal towns like Honfleur and Cabourg . Each stop is a unique discovery. Cross the famous Pegasus Bridge , a powerful symbol of the Second World War, then stroll along the iconic Deauville boardwalk , where an elegant and timeless atmosphere reigns. Conclude your journey with an immersion in history at the Caen Memorial , an essential place of remembrance. This trip between land and sea is an invitation to explore iconic sites while enjoying unspoiled nature. Ideal for history buffs, seascape enthusiasts, and those seeking authenticity, this stay promises unforgettable moments. Discover the richness of Normandy through its breathtaking panoramas and places steeped in history. An enriching experience, both soothing and cultural, that will remain etched in your memories.
The highlights
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An exceptional cultural and natural heritage
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Discover the cliffs, legendary beaches and charming coastal towns
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A journey between land and sea, between unspoiled nature and captivating heritage
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 165 m
- Average daily descent: 165 m
Management
Program
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Arrival in Le Havre
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival, take some time to explore Le Havre , a city with contemporary architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Strolling through its streets, be sure to admire the Church of Saint Joseph, recognizable by its octagonal lantern tower rising to 110 meters . In the afternoon, a bus journey will take you to Honfleur , the first stop on the Côte Fleurie , after crossing the spectacular Pont de Normandie (Normandy Bridge ). You will spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Honfleur.
Day 1 -
From Honfleur to Villerville
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 325 m
- Negative elevation 295 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your hike begins along the peaceful banks of the Morelle River , before following the contours of the Seine estuary, offering superb panoramic views. You soon reach the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Chapel , a place steeped in history and serenity. The path continues inland on the GR223 long-distance hiking trail, where you'll discover the village of Pennedepie and its beach. Continuing on, you'll pass through Cricquebœuf before arriving at the charming village of Villerville , where you'll spend the night in a welcoming bed and breakfast.
Day 2 -
From Villerville to Blonville-sur-Mer
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 345 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your hike begins at the foot of the church in Villerville , which you'll walk around before joining a path offering breathtaking views of the beach. Following this path, you'll arrive in Deauville , renowned for its racecourse and its famous wooden boardwalk, "Les Planches," which hosts the American Film Festival. A first day full of coastal discoveries.
Your route takes you to Blonville-sur-Mer , passing by the Batteries of Mont Canisy , a site steeped in history that played a key role in the defense of the port of Le Havre between 1935 and 1940. The day ends in this charming seaside resort, where you spend the night in a 2-star hotel, ideal for resting after this beautiful stage.
Day 3 -
From Blonville-sur-Mer to Cabourg
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 145 m
- Negative elevation 145 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins on the Blonville coast , where the sand and sea welcome you for a walk full of discoveries. Along the way, you'll delve into Jurassic history by exploring the area around Villers-sur-Mer , a place renowned for its many fossils. The Paléospace , a museum dedicated to archaeology and dinosaurs, invites you to a fascinating immersion in the past. With a bit of luck, you might even come across dinosaur footprints along a path.
You continue your adventure along the impressive Black Cow Cliffs , a protected natural site where nature tells its story. Each step brings you closer to Cabourg , famous for its dunes and peaceful atmosphere. At the end of the day, you enjoy a well-deserved rest in a 2-star hotel in Cabourg, the perfect way to conclude this getaway between land and sea.
Day 4 -
From Cabourg to Bénouville
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 30 m
- Negative elevation 25 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins in Cabourg , a seaside resort renowned since 1855 for its sea bathing. You start your hike by admiring the Belle Époque villas , true symbols of the town, offering a unique panorama. Walking along Cabourg beach, you enjoy the sea air before heading towards Bénouville . Along the way, you pass near the famous Pegasus Bridge , a site steeped in history, essential for supplying British troops during the war. The day ends with an overnight stay in a hotel in Bénouville.
Day 5 -
From Bénouville to Caen
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 25 m
- Negative elevation 15 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins in Cabourg , a seaside resort renowned since 1855 for its sea bathing. You start your hike by admiring the Belle Époque villas , true symbols of the town, offering a unique panorama. Walking along Cabourg beach, you enjoy the sea air before heading towards Bénouville . Along the way, you pass near the famous Pegasus Bridge , a site steeped in history, essential for supplying British troops during the war. The day ends with an overnight stay in a hotel in Bénouville.
Day 6 -
Departure from Caen
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on your departure time, take advantage of this last day to discover Caen , a city steeped in history and remarkable architecture . Stroll through its lively streets, admire iconic buildings like the Abbaye-aux-Hommes or the Abbaye-aux-Dames, and let yourself be charmed by its unique atmosphere.
Day 7
Note
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of its preparation; unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter its course.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Train Paris Saint-Lazare - Le Havre (without changes - approximately 2h30).
From Paris - Honfleur, approximately 3 hours.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels and guesthouses
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers ( 13 kg max , one piece of luggage per person )
- Entry to the Caen Memorial on J6
- The digital roadbook (with GPS included)
The price does not include
- Lunches
- The dinners
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees to sites and museums
- Tips
Options
- Travel pouch : CHF54.89 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- 1.5L bottle
- Pocket knife
- Toilet paper and a lighter
- Plastic box with plastic cutlery
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings
- Dirty laundry bag
- Earplugs
- Walking sticks
- Pair of binoculars
- Camera
Clothing to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight shoes ( tennis shoes or sandals )
- Underwear
- Hiking pants
- Shorts
- Fleece jackets
- T-shirts
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket ( Gore-tex type )
- Hat
- Pair of lightweight gloves
- Cap
- Swimsuit
- Bath towel