normandy-d-day-beaches-to-mont-saint-michel-cycling-tour

Self-guided

Cycling

lvl. 3
New
Hotel
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3VE
8 days from 2090 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • Exploring the Normandy countryside and the main landing beaches, including Omaha and Utah Beach.

  • A privileged route, alternating between the greenway on the Vélomaritime and small country roads.

  • Accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels and a night in a nice charming B&B. 

  • Discovering the chic and peaceful seaside resorts of the Cotentin Peninsula.

  • Arrival at and visit of the famous Mont Saint Michel.

  • A private shuttle return to the starting point is available to simplify logistic

This cycling tour departing from Bayeux offers an unforgettable immersion into the history and landscapes of Normandy. Leaving Bayeux-famous for its tapestry and well-preserved medieval town-the route leads to the D-Day landing beaches, beginning with Arromanches-les-Bains and the remains of the Mulberry harbor, a powerful reminder of D-Day. As you follow the coastline, you encounter Gold Beach, then Omaha Beach, where monuments and cemeteries pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. The Pointe du Hoc, with its steep cliffs and craters, offers a striking view and a poignant account of the battles. Further on, Utah Beach reveals its D-Day museum and long, peaceful shores-witnesses to Allied bravery. The route then continues along the Cotentin coast, exploring its seaside resorts, until it reaches Mont Saint Michel, towering above the vast bay-the grand finale of your cycling journey through Normandy.

Your travel option

Hotel april to november

Hotel april to november

Bike rental From 2090 €* Book / Enquire Devis

* Minimum price for the current season, subject to availability based on 4 participants. (Price incl. VAT)

Read the forum rules

To check out as well...

Itinerary

Level 3: 4 to 6 hours of riding per day (40 to 70 kilometers) on hilly roads or paths; a maximum of 800 meters of vertical gain. Hills up to 1 kilometer long and/or long distances on flat terrain (up to 70 kilometers). Accessible to anyone who regularly rides a bike on hilly terrain.

Cycling : another way to enjoy the trails and back roads. For beginners and experts, a bike allows you to explore a wide variety of places and landscapes in one trip and at your own pace. Our selection of self-guided bike tours also offers the possibility of using an electric bike to make them easier and more accessible to as many people as possible.
Duration : 8 days
Luggage transfers : With luggage transfer
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : april to november

Day by day

Day 1

Arrival day in Bayeux

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
Arriving in Bayeux feels like stepping into a town shaped by history. On the way in, you pass through the calm landscapes of the Normandy countryside-green hedgerows, small lanes, and patchwork fields. Before long, the outline of Notre-Dame Cathedral appears, marking the town's skyline.
In the center, cobbled streets and half-timbered houses give Bayeux a quiet, old-world atmosphere. Its past is easy to read in the buildings and in its museums, especially the one that holds the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of William the Conqueror.
Bayeux is also a lived-in town, with markets, small shops, and cafés that make it pleasant to explore on foot. Largely spared by the war, it offers a peaceful setting where heritage and daily life sit naturally side by side.

Day 2

Normandy countryside and Omaha Beach

Distance : 45 km (28 mi) - Ascent : 340 m (1,115 ft). Descent : 390 m (1,280 ft)
Lodging : bed & breakfasts. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
This morning, you'll cycle north through the Normandy countryside, to reach the coastline and the Vélomaritime to Omaha Beach, where the golden sand and calm sea contrast with the weight of the memories of 1944. A pause at the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking the beach, provides an opportunity to pay homage to the fallen soldiers, in a setting imbued with serenity. Continuing towards Pointe du Hoc, you will discover the steep cliffs and craters, witnesses to the fierce fighting, as well as the remains of German bunkers. The panoramic view of the English Channel is magnificent. Following the coast, the road then leads to Grandcamp-Maisy, a charming small port where colorful fishing boats come to life in the calm of the quays. Check in to your accommodation not far from the sea.

Day 3

Cotentin area and Utah Beach

Distance : 57 km (35 mi) - Ascent : 180 m (590 ft). Descent : 150 m (490 ft)
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
This bike ride towards Sainte-Marie-du-Mont takes you through landscapes shaped by both history and the quiet nature of the Cotentin. In the first kilometres, the route follows the coast, with open views over the English Channel, before turning inland into the Normandy bocage.
Near Carentan, the scenery shifts again: wide marshes spread out, threaded with canals and meadows where birds are often seen. The town itself, with its stone houses and small river port, is a good place to pause and remember its role during the D-Day landings.
From there, the ride continues to Utah Beach. A stop at the museum helps put the site into context, before you pedal on along coastal paths where the calm of the surroundings contrasts with the stories they carry. The sea air stays with you to Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, a small village closely linked to the first days of liberation.
Day 4

A day from the Cotentin countryside to the coast

Distance : 69 km (42 mi) - Ascent : 330 m (1,080 ft). Descent : 350 m (1,150 ft)
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

From Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, the route takes you through the deep countryside of the Cotentin, along peaceful small roads lined with bocage hedgerows. You cross a typically Norman rural landscape, with lush pastures, isolated farms, and sleepy villages. Here, time seems suspended, and cycling becomes the perfect way to savor this tranquility.
Approaching Créances, known for its sandy soils and vegetable production, the terrain opens up and the fields stretch as far as the eye can see. The village is an ideal spot for a leisurely stop or a quiet rest. A few more pedal strokes bring you to Lessay, where the imposing Romanesque abbey stands as a witness to a rich monastic past. The local market and surrounding marshes add to the charm of this journey.
The road then continues through wetlands, country paths, and maritime scents. Gradually, the air grows saltier-the ocean is near. At the end of the stage, Agon-Coutainville welcomes you with its seaside villas, lively promenade, and long sandy beaches.

Day 5

From Agon-Coutainville to Granville, along quiet shores

Distance : 45 km (28 mi) - Ascent : 180 m (590 ft). Descent : 165 m (540 ft)
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Leave behind the gentle seaside atmosphere of Agon-Coutainville and cycle this morning between sea and bocage. Very quickly, you reach Régnéville-sur-Mer, a charming port village where the ruins of a medieval castle and old lime kilns bear witness to a rich maritime past. The route continues toward Hauteville-sur-Mer, a quiet resort bordered by vast beaches, perfect for a relaxing break by the water.
A highlight of the stage awaits you next: the submersible road of the Vanlée. At high tide, this unique causeway appears to float on the waters of the harbor, offering a crossing both spectacular and unusual.
You then continue your journey through the wild dunes of Coudeville-Plage and Bréville-sur-Mer, surrounded by maritime vegetation and salty scents. The arrival at Donville-les-Bains marks a gradual return to urban life, with its elegant Belle Époque villas overlooking the sea. A few more pedal strokes bring you to Granville, a lively and bustling corsair town. Stroll through its fortified old town, wander along the port, or enjoy a sunset over the Chausey Islands in the distance.

Day 6

Along the southern coast to Avranches

Distance : 39 km (24 mi) - Ascent : 275 m (900 ft). Descent : 200 m (655 ft)
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Leaving Granville heading south, you follow the coastline towards Jullouville, a charming seaside resort nestled between the sea and cliffs. This stretch offers stunning views over the English Channel, with sections that run like balconies above the water and wooded passages that evoke the atmosphere of Belle Époque resorts. The route then winds through Carolles and Saint-Jean-le-Thomas, where the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel begins to reveal itself with spectacular vistas. 
You pedal between bocage and seaside, with landscapes that change with the rhythm of the tides. The route then ventures inland: rolling country roads, stone hamlets, and typical Norman hedgerows accompany your journey. The atmosphere becomes more rural, more intimate, as the gentle hills of southern Manche reveal a calming side of the region.
Arriving in Avranches, perched above the bay, marks a highlight of the day. From the botanical gardens, your gaze stretches out to Mont Saint-Michel, which seems to float in the vastness. The town reveals its heritage, from the manuscripts of the Scriptorial museum, to the ramparts and winding streets steeped in history.

Day 7

A gentle ride to Mont Saint-Michel

Distance : 39 km (24 mi) - Ascent : 185 m (605 ft). Descent : 275 m (900 ft)
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

From Avranches, you gently descend towards the coastline, passing through a characteristic Norman bocage where lush meadows, hedgerows, and quiet country lanes set the rhythm of your ride. The route then skirts the edge of the bay, offering splendid views over the salt marshes and the vast expanse of water. In the distance, the majestic silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel rises-iconic and unforgettable. This granite rock topped by its medieval abbey, a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture, seems to float between sky and sea. Its ramparts, cobbled streets, and historic buildings tell a story spanning more than a thousand years.
The ever-changing light and reflections of the sea on the tidal flats create a living tableau, perfect for lovers of maritime landscapes. Arriving at the foot of Mont Saint-Michel is a moment of awe: the medieval town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites you to a timeless stroll between its ramparts, artisan shops, and the famous abbey perched at the summit.
This short and easy stage, between land and sea, gently prepares you to discover one of the world's treasured heritage jewels, where nature and history blend with magic.

Day 8

Goodbye Mont Saint-Michel and transfer back to Bayeux

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 1,5 hrs.
After breakfast at your hotel, take some time-if you wish-to enjoy Mont Saint-Michel one last time. Stroll through the narrow streets, walk up to the ramparts, or simply treat yourself to a final view over the bay before departure.
At the agreed time, meet your taxi at the designated pick-up point; it will take you back to Bayeux, bringing your trip to a close.
The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from april to november 2026

Hotel
Price per person		Bike rental
Low seasonPeak season
2 people 1 double room2430 €2550 €
3 people 1 room with 3 beds2200 €2350 €
4 people 2 double rooms2090 €2240 €
5 people 1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds2030 €2190 €
6 people 3 double rooms1990 €2160 €
  • Low season : From 04 April 2026 to 30 April 2026, from 01 October 2026 to 15 November 2026
  • Peak season : From 01 May 2026 to 12 May 2026, from 13 May 2026 to 06 June 2026, from 07 June 2026 to 30 September 2026
  • No departures on Thursday

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:

  • Accommodations as described.
  • Breakfast for days 2 through 8.
  • Diner at the hotel in Grandcamp-Maisy, near Utah Beach (day 3) and in Avranches (day 6).
  • Transportation of your bags every night.
  • According to the chosen option: rental of a trekking bike; electric trekking bike; otherwise, you use your own bike.
  • The private transfer from Mont-Saint-Michel to Bayeux at the end of the tour (day 8).
  • The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2-to-4-person group.
  • Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).
  • 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

The price does not include:

  • Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • Lunches and dinners (exept on day 3 and day 6).
  • For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing.
  • Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Other expenses:

  • Tickets to any visit, monument, museums or activities during the tour,
  • Drinks and tips.

Currencies

France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

Access

Access

Getting to the departure point:

All of our self-guided tours are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the most flexibility.
This trip starts and ends in Bayeux.

The easiest way for international travelers is to fly to Paris CDG, as Bayeux is easily reached by train via central Paris with connections:

  • From Paris CDG, take the RER B into Paris (about 35-40 min, very frequent), then transfer to Paris Saint-Lazare station.
  • From Saint-Lazare, several direct trains run every day to Bayeux (fastest around 2h13; about 14 trains/day).Allow around 3.5-4 hours total from CDG depending on connections, and book tickets in advance.

Bikes: folding bikes are accepted when folded; standard bikes must be packed in a bike bag/box on French trains unless a bike space is booked.

To plan your journey, do not hesitate to check the official website of the French rail company (SNCF Connect), or feel free to ask us!

A few helpful tips:

  • We strongly recommend booking trains in advance, especially in summer.
  • Allow a comfortable connection time in Paris (at least 2.5-3 hours after landing) before your onward train.
  • Trains have generous luggage space and are the smoothest way to start the trip.
  • Getting around on the RER B with a full-size bike outside its box is often inconvenient: bikes are restricted during rush hours and trains can be crowded, making transfers and station access awkward. We recommend keeping bikes packed until Bayeux whenever possible.

Meeting times:

As the first day is a non-bike day, you will arrive at your leisure depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available mid-afternoon depending on your accommodation. Please, let us know if you are arriving late.

During your trip

Travel documents

You will receive the following documents for this trip:

  • The Mont Blanc Experience roadbook with a step-by-step description of each day.
  • GPX tracks for each day.
  • The list of accommodations for your tour and the contact details of the service provider for luggage transfers.
  • Useful contacts with telephone numbers in case of emergency.

Transfers

No transfers are required during your stay; you'll travel exclusively by bike.

On the last day of your tour (Day 8), a private transfer will take you from your hotel in Mont-Saint-Michel back to Bayeux.

Lodging

Special attention is given to the selection of accommodations, with priority placed on location, welcome, and the quality of services. Mainly accommodated in 3 and 4-star hotels, you will enjoy high-quality comfort, and one night in a charming B&B in Grand-Camp-Maisy (day 2).

Please note:

  • Accommodation availability is subject to seasonality. In some cases, we may be able to offer you alternative solutions. Depending on availability, we may also be able to suggest accommodations usually offered on other tours, possibly of a different standard.
  • If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment.

Meals

Breakfasts are included. Generally consisting of pastries (pain au chocolat or croissant), fresh bread, fruit, yoghurt and cereals. Some accommodations also offer savory dishes with cheese or ham and eggs. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you book.

We have chosen not to include lunches and dinners (except on day 3 and day 6) to give you more flexibility and freedom during the day :

  • For dinners: some of our accommodations have their own restaurant. If not, there are always restaurants nearby.
  • For lunch: you'll always pass by a village, a market or a bakery. Your roadbook will contain suggestions of places where you can buy supplies.
    You should also bear in mind that, as a general rule, shops in small villages are closed on Sundays and Mondays. That's why we suggest you carry a small snack with you at all times.

There are drinking water points along the route where you can fill your water bottles during the day. Be sure to think ahead when it comes to water, and follow the sanitary instructions given.

Luggage transfer

You will carry only what you need for the day. Your bags will be transferred between your accommodations as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 23kg maximum per person and a maximum size of 158 cm (total height + width + length).

Mont Blanc Experience reserves the right to charge an additional fee if your luggage exceeds the specified size or weight limits.

Trails

The routes have been designed by our team. They take in a mix of cycle paths, quiet country roads and a few short segments on busier roads, usually with a narrow cycle lane or shoulder. Your regularly updated travel documents (roadbook and maps or map extracts) ensure that you can complete the program with complete peace of mind.

We also provide you with GPX tracks via our smartphone navigation application. Simply download the routes to your phone for offline use, and you're ready to go.

The "Mon Roadbook" app allows you to centralize all the necessary information for your trip:

  • The identification of service providers operating during your stay
  • GPS guidance on a map background
  • Photos of crossings
  • The various points of interest on the hike: natural or heritage.

This application, included for this trip, must be downloaded before your departure and works offline (without network).
To learn more, feel free to read our article: Mon Roadbook, your digital travel guide.

Itineraries

Our elevation gains are calculated based on altitude differences provided on maps, not by GPS, which, for technical reasons (GPS altitude inaccuracies + statistical dispersion), often give overestimated elevation gains, sometimes by up to 20%.

Bikes

According to the chosen option:
  • With your own bike: bike rental is not included in our services; you use your own bike.
  • Bike provided: You can reserve a VTC (hybrid) bike. We mainly use Vélodeville touring bikes (Germany) or Trek touring bikes (United States).
    All bikes feature an aluminum frame, a carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes, a 24-speed Shimano drivetrain, and puncture-resistant all-terrain tires.

  • You can also reserve a trekking e-bike, usually a unisex Vélodeville or Trek model, equipped with a 400Wh Bosch battery.
    E-bikes are equipped with a small motor to help with pedaling, allowing the rider to use less effort than with a regular "human-powered" bike to cover the same distance. Every evening, plug your bike into a wall or designated electric socket at your accommodations to recharge your bike. The next day you will enjoy a full battery for your ride.

Your bike will be delivered to you on day two in the morning. A security deposit is required. Remember to provide us with your height when filling out the reservation form. 

NB:

  • In France, wearing a helmet is mandatory for cyclists under 12 years old.
  • The bike will be equipped with 1 waterproof rear pannier (25L) and a lock (for two bikes).
    A repair kit (pump, spare inner tube, light tools, puncture repair kit) is also provided.
  • Of course, if these models are not available, we will ensure to offer you a similar model.

Required before leaving

Formalities

American, Canadian, Australian and British Travellers

Visa Requirements

  • No visa is required for American, Canadian, British or Australian citizens for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area (France, Italy and Switzerland included).

Passport Requirements
Travellers must hold a passport that:

  • is valid upon entry, and
  • remains valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

It is strongly recommended to ensure a minimum of 6 months' validity prior to expiration to avoid potential boarding refusals by airlines.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Exempt Countries

The following nationalities may enter the Schengen Area for tourist stays of up to 90 days without a visa :
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong (HKSAR passport).

Entry conditions for these travellers are identical to those applicable to American or British nationals:

  • no visa required,
  • passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Required Countries

Travellers holding passports from China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and other South and Southeast Asian countries must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa prior to travel, including for stays of less than 30 days.

  • Visa applications must be submitted to the relevant French, Swiss or Italian consular authorities in the traveller's country of residence. Processing times may vary.
  • Passports must be in good, undamaged condition (no tears, stains, staples, clips, or other alterations).
Important Notice:
The information above is provided for guidance only and may change according to decisions made by the French, Italian or Swiss authorities.
Please consult official sources before travelling. 

Health

Routine Vaccinations:
Travellers should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, according to national guidelines :

  • Tetanus - diphtheria - pertussis (Tdap)
  • Measles - mumps - rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Seasonal influenza
  • COVID-19

These vaccinations are generally recommended for all adults.

Altitude and Physical Effort
Our tours involves sustained daily effort and includes sections at moderate altitude. Travellers are advised to :

  • ensure they are in adequate physical condition,
  • consult a healthcare professional in case of medical conditions potentially affected by altitude or exertion,
  • bring all personal medication required for the entire duration of the trip.

Dentist and general physician:
We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.  

Food and Water Safety
In these area, tap water is safe to drink and hygiene standards are high.
Nonetheless:

  • wash hands regularly,
  • use a clean reusable water bottle,
  • avoid drinking untreated natural water sources without proper filtration or purification.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Your first aid kit

It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek! 

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificity of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets,
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips, non-stick bandages, and an elastic bandage.
  • An antiseptic.
  • Sunscreen and a burn cream.
  • Eye drops.
  • Other : survival blanket, scissors, 2 or 3 safety pins, a tick remover, a pair of latex gloves, earplugs.
  • Any personal medication.

Gear list

Luggage
All your luggage must be distributed in two bags: a backpack or saddlebag and a travel bag:

1/ Backpack (or saddlebag)
This is the bag or saddlebag (saddle or handelbar) you use every day while cycling, if you choose to take a picnic lunch (see paragraph "Food"). This bag should not be too large (up to 20 litres).
It will contain: a picnic for lunch, snack food, camera, waterproof and extra clothing and sunglasses...

2/ Travel bag
This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It will contain all the belongings you will not use during the day. You will find it at the accommodation in the evening (or sometimes for lunch).

Important: all items carried from one accommodation to another must be in a single bag, which must not exceed 23 kilos and a maximum size of 158 cm (total height + width + length).

Mont Blanc Experience reserves the right to charge an additional fee if your luggage exceeds the specified size or weight limits. 

List of equipment to pack:

For your head:

  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or sweat band
  • A bicycle helmet (mandatory)

For the body :

  • Two cycling jerseys or technical t-shirts (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket and pants
  • Two good quality cycling shorts (avoid triathlon shorts)
  • A pair of warm cycling tights or leg warmers
  • Pants
  • Casual short
  • A pair of biking shoes
  • Sport socks
  • A pair of shoes suitable for the evening
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice for warm evenings...)

 Miscellaneous

  • A pair of bike specific gloves
  • A headlamp with batteries
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A pocket knife
  • A few plastic bags to protect your belonging
  • A swimsuit
  • A needle and thread
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin (Compeed); Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.