The Vélomaritime from Caen to Dunkerque

CAEN

Arrive on your own to Caen, easily accessible by train. Caen, city of William the Conqueror, offers a concentrate of medieval heritage between the ducal castle, the abbey to Men and the Abbey to the Ladies. Learn more about 20th century history with the Memorial for Peace.

From CAEN to TROUVILLE SUR MER 56km 358m

You leave the Normandy capital along the banks of the Canal de Caen à la Mer. Like the allies of 1944, you cross the famous Pegasus Bridge before entering the enchanting space of the Baie de l’Orne. Nature lovers, make a stopover at the Maison de la nature et de l’estuaire located on the shore of Sallenelles if you want to learn more about this incredible natural space. The cycle route continues along the Côte Fleurie where charming villages follow one another: Cabourg and Houlgate, and their famous “Belle Epoque” villas, the timeless beach cabins, then Deauville and its famous Planches (beach promenade).

From TROUVILLE SUR MER to HONFLEUR 49km 358m

A beautiful green way leads you to the charming port of Honfleur. You can enjoy paintings in the Eugène Boudin museum, Sainte Catherine church the biggest wooden church in France, the Marine Museum for Honfleur history, or immerse yourself in the world of the musician Erik Satie.

From Honfleur to Etretat, with a shuttle transfer across the Pont de Normandie 45km 302m

To start of the day, a private shuttle will take you to Le Havre via the Normandy bridge, which is not very suitable for cycling. Before taking the road along the Alabaster Coast, you cross the city to discover its gigantic port and its unique post-war architecture listed as World Heritage.
Then as you roll, a succession of breathtaking landscapes are offered to you: white chalk cliffs, pebble beaches, small fishing villages … A route that ends in Etretat, well known for its cliffs sculpted by the sea that will leave you speechless.

From ETRETAT to VEULETTES SUR MER 55km 472m

You leave the pearl of the Alabaster Coast and Arsène Lupine’s landmark behind you. Fairly quickly, you reach Fécamp, the ancient city of the Dukes of Normandy. The terrain becomes a little steeper but your efforts are quickly rewarded with, in particular, a breathtaking view at the Senneville Semaphore. On this portion along the coast, you follow in the footsteps of Sissi, the famous Empress of Austria who took revitalizing baths in the sea at Petites et Grandes Dalles and of enjoyed the calm of the Château de Sassetot-le-Mauconduit. You then reach Veulettes-sur-Mer, which marks the end of your cycling stage.

From VEULETTES SUR MER to DIEPPE 53km 545m

This route has some great discoveries in store for you along the way. A few pedal strokes away from the starting point, you cross Veules les Roses, a charming village classified among the most beautiful in France. You continue your journey on small roads between land and sea. In Varengeville-sur-Mer, climb a bit by reaching its Saint-Valery church, perched on the top of the cliffs, thus offering a remarkable view on the sea. Your route ends in Dieppe, city of Art and History, where it is pleasant to stroll.

From DIEPPE to SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME 73km 405m

You get back on the road always as close to the sea as possible, on beautiful small country roads, sometimes with a few hills in reserve. In Criel-sur-Mer, discover the highest white chalk cliff in Europe! Then continue your journey to Tréport, a jewel of the Belle Epoque which will charm you with its colorful villas and its fishing port. If the weather allows it, take the funicular, it promises you a beautiful view of the city!
Before reaching Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, you cross the small seaside resort of Cayeux-sur-mer, characterized by its white lighthouse, its pebble beach and its colorful cabins.

From SAINT-VALERY-SUR-SOMME to LE TOUQUET 72km 181m

Your route continues to Crotoy with a magnificent panorama over the Baie de Somme. From Quend-Plage to Fort-Mahon Plage, this route runs along the largest dune massif in northern Europe! In Berck-sur-Mer, you will be seduced by its immense beach with 12 kilometers of fine sand, a paradise for kites and the Bay d’Authie, a preserved natural setting. You reach the seaside resort of Le Touquet. Elegant and stylish, it stands out for its wooded avenues, remarkable villas and numerous cycle paths.

From LE TOUQUET to WISSANT 64km 535m

Today you ride on cycle paths and small peaceful roads, between sea and forest. After crossing the town of Etaples and its bay, you reach the Mont Saint-Frieux nature reserve. Then it is along the cycle path that you arrive in Hardelot and discover its castle, nestled in the heart of the Marais de Condette nature reserve. As you ride, you feel the sea air, especially when you arrive in Boulogne-sur-Mer, city of Art and History, renowned for being the first fishing port in France. Up to Wissant, many wonderful sites follow one another such as the colorful villas of Wimereux, typical fishing villages, or even the Cap Gris-Nez, the closest point to England, and the bay of Wissant.

From Wissant to Dunkirk 75km 272m

The Opal Coast hasn’t ceased to amaze you. For this last cycling stage along the Vélomaritime, you leave Wissant and its bay and take the road to Cap Blanc-Nez, which again promises you a remarkable landscape. Your journey continues and takes you to Calais, a port city and also world famous for being the City of Lace. Towards Dunkirk, you cross the Platier d’Oye nature reserve where many animal and plant species coexist and make this place so unique. A little further north, take a short break in Gravelines to stroll through the alleys of this town fortified by Vauban. Finally, with its remarkable maritime heritage, the corsair city of Dunkirk warmly welcomes you after this great cycling adventure.

Dunkirk

End of stay after breakfast.

Have a safe journey home!