Bayeux, D-Day Beaches and the Norman Coast
Journey to a place steeped in history and art. Explore Bayeux, where the world-famous tapestry tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England in 1066. Then head along the D-Day beaches, the scene of another invasion centuries later. Explore seaside resorts graced by elegant villas and follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists who flocked here in the 19th century. Feast on fruits de mer and sip Calvados, Normandy’s famous apple brandy.
Only Great Explorations:
Bayeux, France
Starting Location
Omaha Beach
Day 3
Crépon, France
Day 4
Cabourg, France
Day 5-6
Honfleur, France
End Location
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| May 5-12 | May 4-11 |
| May 19-26 | May 18-25 |
| Jun 2-9 | Jun 1-8 |
| Jun 16-23 | Jun 15-22 |
| Sep 1-8 | Aug 30- Sep 7 |
| Sep 15-22 | Sep 14-21 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelDaily distance averaged 55 km (35 miles)
TerrainTerrain is rolling hills with flat stretches
CostLand Cost
US $3,700
Includes 7B/2L/6D
Single Supplement
US $940
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
E-Bikes*: US $560
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
The trip starts in Bayeux, about 225 km west of Paris. There are several direct trains every day and the trip usually takes around two hours.
Bayeux
Arrival in Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated in 1944. We’ll meet at 4:00 to fit bikes and enjoy a walking tour of the old town center.
Bayeux
Today, we’ll pedal south through the pretty countryside to the Abbaye de Mondaye, rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue to the Château de Balleroy, built in the 17th century and purchased in 1970 by the late Malcolm Forbes. Return to Bayeux with time to see the Bayeux tapestry, a remarkable piece of embroidery telling the tale of William of Normandy’s conquest of England in 1066.
Distance: 29-62 km; up to 277 m gain
Omaha Beach
Today head for the Landing Beaches. Visit Arromanches, with the vestiges nearby of the artificial harbour built by the British, and the German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer, the only coastal battery that has kept its guns. Finally, arrive at Omaha Beach, the scene of a terrible battle, vividly recreated in the movie Saving Private Ryan. The military cemeteries are moving memorials to the heroism that took place here. Stay overnight in a hotel just meters from Omaha Beach.
Distance: 29-60 km; up to 235 m gain
Crepon
Visit more D-Day sites along the coast today or follow a route that takes you along quiet country roads further inland. Whichever option you choose, your destination is the village of Crépon, known for its fortified manor houses.
Distance: 51 km; 235 m gain
Cabourg
Cycle to Cabourg, a seaside resort developed in the second half of the 19th century. Marcel Proust stayed here often and left a vivid evocation of life in Cabourg in “À l’Ombre des Jeunes Filles”. Stroll along streets lined by magnificent villas and on the promenade along the beach.
Distance: 48 km; 138 m gain or 57 km; 176 m gain
Cabourg
Next day we’ll head south into the Pays d’Auge, an area of pastures, thatched cottages, and farms that produce cider, calvados and Camembert, for which Normandy is famous. You’ll be able to sample some of these and other delicious produits du terroir in Beuvron-en-Auge, designated one of the plus beaux villages de France.
Distance: 41 km; 278 m gain or 63 km; 414 m gain
Honfleur
We’ll follow the Côte Fleurie, traveling in the footsteps of the Impressionist painters drawn here by the magical light and the sea. Arrive in Honfleur, once the haunt of artists such as Arthur Boudin and Claude Monet and home to composer Erik Satie. It was from Honfleur that Samuel de Champlain set sail on the voyage of discovery that resulting in the founding of Québec in 1608.
Distance: 37 km; 281 m gain or 45 km; 385 m gain
Depart
Take time for a final stroll around Honfleur before departing for your next adventure.
Located on a pedestrian street in the heart of old Bayeux with the Tapestry just next door and the Cathedral a few steps away, the Hotel Churchill is the place to stay in the center of town. The staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly and the hotel boasts 32 charming and personalized rooms.
Located opposite the Port-en-Bessin fishing port, this hotel is the perfect home base for visiting historical Omaha Beach, the beach at Arromanches, the Bayeux tapestry or the Baron Gérard Museum.
This 13th century manor and former farm has been restored to a quaint hotel, while maintaining the rustic feel. Cozy rooms have exposed beams and stonework, each personalized with 15th century furniture and fine rugs. The gourmet restaurant offers regional specialties made to order in an authentic medieval setting.
Located along the charming Rue des Bains, this quaint, modern hotel boasts a lovely location that’s only 2 minutes walk from the sandy beaches of Plage du Casino. From the intimate patio enjoy the sunsets of the Cote Fleurie.
Spanning a converted stone-built warehouse, 16th-century townhouses, and separate cottages, this elegant hotel overlooks the cobbled streets of the town square. It’s a 1-minute walk from the harbor front, a 4-minute walk from the Musée de la Marine maritime museum and a 14-minute walk from Plage du Butin beach.
Tour Reviews
A well organized trip with two very capable leaders. Good hotels, good restaurants and good biking routes. The leaders went out of their way to accommodate our wishes. I will definitely recommend Great Explorations.
Normandy was a destination my sister and myself wanted to make in order to find our uncles grave at the Canadian cemetary. The guides helped to make this a memorable experience and even picked roses for us to place on the grave.
All aspects of the trip came together to make a very enjoyable and memorable tour. Our guides were exceptional and travelling with friends made everything easier and more fun. The area was extremely beautiful and although we had been through parts of it before many years ago, the opportunity to bike through the countryside and in historic towns and villages enhanced our experience greatly. It was fun to have open air meals on occasion when weather and timings permitted. The Bayeux tour was exceptional and the guide extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. The comradery of the group was exceptional and the guides fit in very well. Learning more about and seeing WWI and WWII sites was very moving and gave more meaning to those points in history. I personally enjoy active holidays so touring by bike was perfect. It was our first trip and I would like to do more.
The level of service by the guides was excellent. Both were very attentive, knowledgeable and flexible. They were personable and engaging. We were very satisfied with the selection of restaurants and the food exceeded our expectations. We loved all the meals everywhere. We had some picnic lunches and the variety of food and snacks provided was outstanding. The routes were easy to follow and the daily briefings were very much appreciated. We were able to discuss options and adjust the route and site visits depending on weather. What did we enjoy most about our trip? Hard to say – scenery, site visits, food, wine, service, cohesiveness of the group – all great.
I really appreciated the attention to detail and care that our guides put into planning our days. They were both very supportive and we loved all the extra touches. We were absolutely delighted by the rides, taking us through back paths, villages, special sites and incredible vistas…it was a trip of pure joy. We were very lucky to have a group of people including both old and new friends, a really lovely camaraderie.
Rate the trip 15/10. Both our guides were superb – they made the trip for us – and a great/convivial group overall. Routes well thought out (awesome, varied terrain), hotels and restaurants really great. Great value in my view – I really couldn’t recommend it enough.
This trip exceeded my expectations. Our guides were the best and wonderfully thoughtful and helpful. I was also impressed with the selection of hotels, restaurants and cycling routes. It was a great itinerary, a wonderful group and I’m sharing this amazing experience with everyone I know. We’re already debating where to do our next cycling trip!
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