Cycling in the Suisse Normande region
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrance / Normandy
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions73.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
This road trip takes you to the heart of Suisse Normande , between rolling countryside and the D-Day landing beaches . From Bayeux , a medieval gem famous for its Tapestry , you'll travel through a patchwork of hedged fields to Villers-Bocage , before reaching the spectacular panoramas of Clécy , a verdant haven. Here, cliffs , winding rivers , and breathtaking viewpoints punctuate each stage of your journey, creating an atmosphere perfect for disconnecting . The route continues towards the Normandy coast , with a stop in Caen , a city steeped in history, and then in Courseulles-sur-Mer , at the heart of the D-Day landing beaches . This trip offers a perfect balance between unspoiled nature , historical heritage , and a coastal ambiance , ideal for lovers of wide-open spaces and living history .
The highlights
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Part of the Vélo Francette and the Vélomaritime
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Following in the footsteps of the landing
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The small mountains of Normandy
Photos
Sport
Level
Leisure Cycling
For those wishing to cycle around 40 km a day over gently rolling terrain. The route follows cycle paths and greenways for the most part. A trip suitable for families and occasional cyclists.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 43 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 338 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Management
Your travel itinerary will be accessible via a mobile app. There you will find the detailed day-by-day program, your vouchers with contact details for service providers, as well as a GPS function to follow your route in real time throughout your stay.
Program
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Arrival in Bayeux
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A discovery walk in Bayeux, a beautiful medieval city with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. It enjoys international renown thanks to the famous Bayeux Tapestry (museum closed from 2025 to 2027), as well as its magnificent cathedral.
Day 1 -
From Bayeux to Villers-Bocage
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 40 km
- Positive elevation gain 330 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Leaving Bayeux, the route quickly winds its way through small villages, meadows, and hedgerows typical of rural Normandy. The landscape becomes more hilly, offering beautiful views of the verdant hills. Traveling through this peaceful environment invites relaxation and exploration of the local area.
Day 2 -
From Villers-Bocage to Clécy
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 56 km
- Positive elevation gain 1025 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Suisse Normande! A long 56km stage to reach Clécy and the heart of Suisse Normande. The landscapes change with each kilometer, and the Norman "mountains" gradually come into view. The natural setting of Clécy is magnificent; you can enjoy climbing, canoeing, hiking, and of course, cycling!
Day 3 -
From Clécy to Caen
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 45 km
- Positive elevation gain 65 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You'll reach the Norman capital via the Vélo Francette cycle route, which connects La Rochelle to Caen. The route is much less hilly than the previous day… The banks of the Orne River accompany the cyclist, adding a gentle touch as you approach Caen. We recommend visiting the Caen Memorial, an essential museum and memorial center dedicated to 20th-century history, particularly the Second World War.
Day 4 -
From Caen to Courseulles-sur-Mer
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 37 km
- Positive elevation gain 35 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Discover the D-Day landing beaches by crossing Pegasus Bridge in Bénouville, then visiting the Atlantic Wall Museum in Ouistreham. Your day will end in Courseulles-sur-Mer, home to the Juno Beach Centre, the landing site for Canadian troops.
Day 5 -
From Courseulles-sur-Mer to Bayeux
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 36 km
- Positive elevation gain 235 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The final stage, you return to your starting point, the loop is complete! You will pass through Arromanches-les-Bains and its D-Day Museum before heading towards Bayeux.
Day 6 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the hotel in Bayeux, then departure and end of stay.
Day 7
Note
The program was established based on the latest information available at the time of writing; unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter its course. Please bring one bag or suitcase per person, weighing no more than 13 kg, labeled with your name, to be transported at each stage of the journey.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Paris Saint-Lazare – Bayeux (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
Bayeux Train Station Long Term Parking 33 Bd Maréchal Montgomery, 14400 Bayeux (https://www.bayeux.fr/fr/stationnement-bayeux)
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 6 nights
- breakfasts
- luggage transfers (13 kg max. and one per person)
- the digital roadbook (including GPS)
- our support (7 days a week)
The price does not include
- the transport to Bayeux
- dinners, lunches and drinks
- Bike rental (optional)
- visits not mentioned and personal expenses
Options
- Classic bicycle rental - adult - 5 days : CHF178.39 / person
- Electric bike rental - adult - 5 days : CHF256.14 / person
- 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
For cycling:
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or luggage bag
- 1 pair of gloves
- High-visibility vest
- 1 pair of sunglasses with good protection
- 1 sturdy plastic bag for wrapping clothes and belongings in the backpack (in case of heavy rain)
- 1 water bottle, preferably insulated, with a capacity of at least one liter
- 1 folding knife, Swiss Army knife + cutlery + cup
- 1 Tupperware bowl with lid for picnics
- Toilet paper, tissues
- 1 pocket to hold your valuables: passport or identity card, insurance contract, birth certificate, vaccination certificate, plane tickets, train tickets, credit card, money, etc.)
- 1 small personal pharmacy (to be adapted according to your medical needs): pre-cut sterile dressings, local antiseptics for external use (wounds), elastoplast and/or double skin (blisters), analgesic paracetamol, antiseptic antidiarrheal and intestinal, antispasmodic, antihistamine (allergies), saline solution or eye drops, light sleep aid, high SPF sunscreen, skin and lip protection, Biafine moisturizer (sunburn and burns), mosquito repellent cream or spray, Arnica Montana 9 CH granules (aches and pains)
- Emergency bicycle repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: cloth, oil, brake pads or brake pads
- For those who wish: 1 camera