What better way to discover the diversity of Normandy's landscapes than on a bicycle? With 1,600 km of cycle routes in Normandy, of which more than 700 km are greenways, a variety of experiences await cyclists of all ages. With its unspoilt natural landscapes, countryside and sea, heritage, villages and gastronomy, the region offers a multitude of itineraries to choose from, depending on your interests and desires. Cycling in Normandy means cycling with family or friends for a day, a weekend, or more!
The main cycling routes in Normandy
Voted best cycle route in Europe in 2017, the Vélo Francette starts from the D-Day landing beaches and then crosses the bocage along the Orne valley in Suisse Normande. With its sandy beaches, towns and Norman mountains, the route is perfect for varying the pleasures and panoramas. Note that this route continues in the Pays de la Loire and as far as Poitou-Charentes.
For lovers of seaside atmospheres, the Vélomaritime reveals the most beautiful views of the region's coastline on its Norman section. The cliffs of the Côte d'Albâtre, the charming seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie, the steep coastline of the Cotentin, then the inland part of the route leads to a jewel of French heritage: Mont-Saint-Michel
On a route that takes cyclists through the heart of the Perche and Normandie-Maine regional nature parks to the hills of the Perche, passing through the town of Alençon, the castle of Carrouges and the thermal baths of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, the Véloscénie links Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel. This is an itinerary of all kinds of pleasures
For those who love the sea and history, the cycle route from the D-Day landing beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel is an opportunity to cross beautiful natural landscapes, to stop off at sites of cultural interest and to visit the key places of a moment in history that will be forever remembered. Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Bayeux and its famous tapestry, you will also cross the Normandy bocage and the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Nature Park.
Linking Paris to London by bike? It's possible with the London-Paris Green Avenue. In Normandy, we start in the Eure department to cross the Vexin Normand and stop to see the gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. Then we arrive in the Pays de Bray and its regional specialities: cheese, Neufchâtel and other ciders. Last rampart before England, the Côte d'Albâtre finally reveals its vertiginous cliffs, before crossing the Channel from Dieppe
From Paris to Le Havre, La Seine à Vélo takes you to the heart of the Boucles de la Seine Normande Regional Nature Park, to the foot of sumptuous monuments such as the Château Gaillard in Les Andelys, as well as to historic towns of character such as Rouen and the painters' villages of La Bouille and, of course, Le Havre, a seaside resort that has risen from the ashes and is adored by lovers of contemporary art. Another cycling route rich in experiences.
On the way to a gourmet route
Fancy an original cycling trip? Then head to Bayeux for a gourmet ride with a local guide. The ride takes you to the key sites of the D-Day landings, to Asnelles and then to Arromanches
While the guide does not fail to make reference to history, he takes the opportunity to make the cyclists pedal towards the places highlighting the local gastronomy. Shortbread, oysters accompanied by white wine or snails and cider, these 35 km rides are rich in historical elements, landscapes and gourmet pleasures.
