The maritime cycle route, from Mont-Saint-Michel to Caen

Cyclists on the Vélomaritime and Véloscénie routes share this first stage. After a spectacular start from the bay and its iconic monument, you'll cross a peaceful countryside, passing through typical villages and hedged landscapes. The route becomes hillier as you approach the Mortain area, revealing superb panoramas. In Mortain Bocage, the waterfalls and the Saint-Michel chapel offer remarkable viewpoints.

Passing Sourdeval and its green paths, the La Vélomaritime route joins Vire, rebuilt following the Allied bombings of 1944. Then, the greenway gives way to small roads through hedgerows and Norman valleys.

Throughout the day, you will travel along the peaceful Vire Valley. The route passes iconic sites such as the Roches de Ham, the Château de l'Angotière, and the village of Pont-Farcy. The highlight of the journey is the Souleuvre Viaduct—an imposing railway structure built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel—impressing with its dimensions: 61 meters high and 364 meters long, a true architectural feat in the heart of the Normandy countryside.

The cycle route follows the Vire Canal as it winds its way to St-Jean-de-Daye through picture-postcard countryside. Your two-wheeled journey through the Norman bocage gives way to marshes and their impressive network of channels and canals. Once in Carentan, nestled in the Bay of Veys, its marina immediately immerses you once again in the coastal atmosphere of this cycling adventure to Isigny-sur-Mer.

Departure from Isigny-sur-Mer, land of gourmet delights! From Isigny cream to caramels, via oysters, scallops, all accompanied by a small glass of cider, pommeau or apple juice… Your route will also take you to the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer and you can also make a short detour to Omaha Beach.

As you cycle along the beaches of this stage, you'll inevitably think of the soldiers who landed here in 1944. You'll leave Arromanches via small roads offering 360° views of the sea and oyster beds. From Courseulles-sur-Mer, the route gradually veers away from the coast, following the gentle valleys of the Normandy hinterland. The journey passes through small villages where the history of the D-Day landings is still palpable. Reaching the banks of the Orne River, the road becomes shadier and more peaceful, providing a pleasant transition to the city. The arrival in Caen, dominated by its ducal castle and ancient abbeys, brings this wonderful week in Normandy to a close.

Departing from Caen, a city dominated by its ducal castle and ancient abbeys, this beautiful week in Normandy awaits. We suggest you visit the Memorial there. You can take a TER train from Caen to Pontorson to retrieve your vehicle.