Explore Normandy by bike: unforgettable cycling routes

For cycling and cycle tourism, Normandy is a prime destination. With over 1500 km of cycle paths, more than half of which are secured, and facilities adapted for cyclists of all levels, it’s perfect for tourist discovery by bike.

Along the routes, Normandy reveals its natural and historical treasures: remarkable landscapes, D-Day beaches, bocage countryside, picturesque villages, and cultural heritage.

Cycling and bike tourism along Normandy’s waters

La Vélomaritime: the coastal cycling route of northern France

La Vélomaritime is the French section of the EuroVelo 4 route, a European cycling itinerary connecting Roscoff (Brittany) to Kiev (Ukraine).

Its path along northern France’s coast crosses from Brittany’s shores to the Belgian border, passing through Normandy near Caen. La Vélomaritime offers the chance to experience cycling close to Norman coastal treasures.

It’s renowned for its spectacular views and access to remarkable tourist sites: Mont-Saint-Michel, Deauville, Étretat… Its route will lead you to discover majestic white chalk cliffs and historically significant beaches.

Combining greenways, cycle paths, and quiet shared roads, La Vélomaritime’s reputation comes from its cyclist-friendly services. Along the route, you’ll appreciate the “Accueil Vélo” accommodations (camping or hotels), available shops during your journey, repair and rental services, GPX tracks, and green signage on paths.

The Cotentin peninsula circuits

The Cotentin presents itself as a peninsula in northern Normandy and Calvados. Multiple multi-day itineraries are mapped out for cycling holiday enthusiasts.

This region offers the opportunity to marvel at the richness of landscapes. You’ll discover Normandy’s exceptional natural heritage, including its marshes and characteristic coastline.

The routes, often shared with La Vélomaritime, benefit from reassuring signage and numerous greenways for peaceful family cycling.

Breathe in the sea air while exploring the 1500 km of cycle paths that crisscross La Manche, connecting Cherbourg to Mont-Saint-Michel Bay. Embark on a cycling journey along the region’s wild coasts and D-Day beaches.

Let yourself be surprised by Cap de la Hague, which will give you the impression of being in Ireland with its coves, moorland, and cliffs.

Discover inland Normandy’s treasures by bike

Tour the Pays d’Auge by electric bike

Want to enjoy your favorite activity peacefully during your stay in Normandy? Electric bikes offer a gentle cycle touring experience.

Near Caen, the Pays d’Auge tour is perfect for discovering magnificent Norman landscapes. After passing along the beaches, the route winds through inland Normandy.

It leads cyclists through verdant valleys, orchards, marshland, and picturesque villages with half-timbered houses like in Beuvron-en-Auge.

This adventure can be completed in 3 days. It’s well-suited for cycle touring with its many accessible services: accommodations, rentals, signage. As a loop route, it facilitates cyclists’ organization by returning to the starting point after exploring the region.

La Vélo Francette: immersion in normand bocage

From the Channel to the Atlantic Ocean, the Vélo Francette is an inland route connecting Normandy to La Rochelle via the borders of Brittany. Starting from the D-Day beaches, it crosses Calvados and Orne in its Norman section.

Greenways, towpaths, and numerous secured cycle paths make it an ideal cycling route punctuated by countryside, forests, bridges, villages, and châteaux. La Vélo Francette was even voted “Europe’s best cycle route” in 2017, two years after its creation, an invitation to travel appreciated and recommended by cyclists.

Without particular relief constraints, its 630 km length can be adapted to all levels. The route is structured with many services allowing for between 10 and 25 stages.

For a complete cycle touring stay along the Orne, many hiking trails or water sports in the rivers are accessible during stops along the route.

Cultural cycle tourism during your Normandy holiday

Meet the region’s historical and artistic heritage by bike

The Seine greenway from Paris to Le Havre or Deauville spans over 400 km. This cycling route offers the opportunity to experience rich cultural cycle tourism in both the capital and Normandy.

Rouen, city of art and history, awaits you to discover its cathedral painted in different harmonies by Claude Monet, its medieval quarter, and its museums.

Near the route, don’t miss Giverny. You’ll visit the house and gardens of famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet. You’ll be charmed by the Japanese bridge and water lilies that inspired the artist for his world-renowned paintings.

At the end of the Seine cycling route, Honfleur with its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and authentic port has inspired many painters. Take advantage of a walking break to feel its cultural atmosphere: art galleries, museums, and music festivals.

From Honfleur, you’ll quickly reach prestigious Deauville. You’ll appreciate its Belle Époque architecture, luxury hotels, American film festival, famous boardwalk promenade, and iconic colorful beach umbrellas.

Enjoy norman gastronomy during route stops

Craving gourmet breaks during your cycling excursions? Normandy has much to offer cycle tourists who love good food.

Each bike stop can be an opportunity to taste local specialties. At the region’s many local markets, you’ll savor the smoothness of Norman cheeses like Camembert. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in Honfleur butter cookies.

During your coastal bike rides, don’t miss tasting seafood like oysters in Grandcamp-Maisy, near the D-Day beaches of Omaha Beach, and visiting the oyster parks.

Further south, in Suisse Normande and the Pays d’Auge, cycling routes will lead you to the heart of apple cultivation. Sip a cool glass of local cider and taste Calvados, the apple brandy distilled from cider.

To end your Norman gastronomy discovery on a sweet note, treat yourself to teurgoule, this traditional Norman dessert made of slowly baked rice pudding delicately flavored with cinnamon.

Normandy offers a unique combination of varied landscapes, cultural visits, gastronomic traditions, and rejuvenating nature for cycle tourism enthusiasts. If holidays for you mean cycling and discovery, the region is an ideal destination to explore for unforgettable moments.