The Norman Vélomaritime from Caen to Mont Saint-Michel
8 days cycling from the Normandy landing beaches to the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel
© Emmanuel Berthier
© Emmanuel Berthier
© G.Wait
© Emmanuel Berthier
© E. Tessier - CRT Normandie
© G.Wait
© Emmanuel Berthier - EV4
© Emmanuel Berthier - EV4
© Calvados Tourisme
© Sébastien His - Abicyclette Voyages
© C. Lagu - CRT Normandie
© Emmanuel Berthier
Highlights
The Côte de Nacre
The medieval towns of Caen and Bayeux
The mythical landing beaches
The Norman bocage
Mont Saint-Michel and its bay
A secure and marked route
Discover the Vélomaritime in Normandy
Ideal for travelers looking for a getaway, this bike trip takes you on the small Norman roads and greenways, to discover a medieval Normandy with an exceptional natural, historical and cultural heritage.
You ride on a marked and secure route along the Vélomaritime, a cycle route that stretches over 1500 km from Roscoff to Dunkirk. French component of Eurovélo 4, the Vélomaritime is dedicated to all lovers of the sea!
On this Norman section, your stay starts in Caen, the city of William the Conqueror and capital of Lower Normandy, you then reach the coast by bicycle. A first stage by bike where you alternate between shared routes and cycle paths, along the mythical landing beaches. In addition to the magnificent seaside villas, the Côte de Nacre also offers many views of the sea.
The town of Bayeux, with its medieval alleys and its magnificent cathedral, constitutes a stop steeped in history where the curious set off to conquer England through the famous Bayeux tapestry. Then, on small country roads you reach Port-en-Bessin and its port. It is an ideal lunch break if you want to enjoy a platter of seafood before continuing your ride along the coast and its vast beaches where thousands of soldiers of the Allied forces landed in June 1944.
The oyster beds keep you company up to Isigny-sur-Mer, a town known for its specialties: butter, cream, cheese and caramel. You reach Carentan-les-Marais by the canal bridge. With your bicycles, you cross, like the G.I. before you, The Regional Nature Park of Cotentin and Bessin Marshes, located at the gates of the city, which hosts many animal and plant species. You then progress in the heart of the Norman bocage (hedgerow) and its green countryside. Take advantage of gourmet breaks to taste the many local products: cheeses, ciders, tripe, Vire andouille sausage, dairy and seafood, enough to fill your plates and bags!
Along your last cycling stage, Mont Saint-Michel is part of the coastal panorama. An exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you enjoy reaching to end this wonderful cycling holiday. The ultimate reward for your trip, the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel welcomes you for a visit that will remain etched in your memory!
Here is a video about the Velomaritime :
Leisure or 
Fit From CAEN to BAYEUX 52km 341m 
You take your bike to ride to the Canadian Reviers Cemetery through tiny country roads. Join Juno Beach, the Canadian part of the landing: do not miss the Juno Beach museum depicting the landing but also the history of Canada during the war. Continue to Arromanches and its Mulberry Harbor and visit the Landing Museum in downtown Arromanches or the famous 360 museum made of original films. From the 360 museum, enjoy a view of the entire bay and realize the magnitude of the Mulberry project. To end this day full of history, you take small roads to Bayeux.
- For a few more km 65km 292m
At the start of your day, you leave Caen on the banks of the Caen Canal to the sea to join the Vélomaritime at Pegasus Bridge. This name was given by the troops of British paratroopers whose emblem was the winged horse Pegasus. You continue towards the port of Ouistreham and ride along the seaside passing by Sword beach.
From BAYEUX to CARENTAN 72km 412m
You cycle to Port-en-Bessin and the ocean. From this charming little fishing port, you ride along the Côte de Nacre toward the American cemetery, Omaha Beach and the Pointe du Hoc. These three historical sites help you better understand the difficulty of the landing and the important human losses on D-DAY. You then enter a unique landscape, the Regional Natural Park of Cotentin. You spend the night in a charming hotel in the small town of Carentan, in the heart of the Regional Park. You arrive in Isigny-sur-Mer, known for its dairy transformation activity such as the famous “Caramel d’Isigny”, and its fishing acticity with its “caïeux”. Then ou cycle through the traditional wooded countryside. You finally arrive in Carentan where you spend the night.
From CARENTAN to SAINT-LO 41km 236m
You leave the Cotentin marshes and its canals to reach the landscapes of the Norman bocage. The landscape evolves towards meadows where horses are kings. Indeed this region is reputed to be the capital of the horse. The Vire Canal accompanies you by winding up to Saint-Lô where the National Stud Farm is located.
From SAINT-LO to VIRE-NORMANDIE 54km 484m
At the exit of Saint-Lô, a peaceful and luxuriant nature surrounds you in the Vire valley which formerly welcomed the navigation of barges and gabarres (flat-bottomed boats). The meadows of sheep, horses and green pastures follow your route on the towpath to the Roches de Ham. This rocky outcrop rising over 100 meters in height offers a unique panorama of the surrounding countryside. At Pont-Farcy, you leave the Vélomaritime to reach Vire by small country roads. Vire and its Porte-Horloge is a pleasant stopover town situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Vire.
- For a few more km 67km 695m
In Pont-Farcy, you continue your journey on the Vélomaritime on a challenging route taking a succession of small roads on the Norman hills. Your efforts will be rewarded with sumptuous views of the Norman countryside … and descents! Before reaching Vire, you will discover the Souleuvre viaduct.
From VIRE-NORMANDIE to SAINT-HILAIRE-DU-HARCOUET 56km 405m
The Vélomaritime heads west out of Vire before plunging south through the authentic landscapes of the Norman countryside. A cool stop inviting you to daydream is a must in Mortain to admire the Little Waterfall, at the confluence of the Cance and the Cançon. Here the river runs down the rocks over a height of more than 30 meters before continuing in a narrow canyon with white water that is crossed from footbridge to footbridge. From this crossroads between Vélomaritime and Véloscénie, you continue your ride until Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët where you can make the most of the numerous leisure infrastructures (swimming pool, cinema, equestrian center, …).
From SAINT-HILAIRE-DU-HARCOUET to MONT-SAINT-MICHEL 48km 169m
Towards the sea and the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. The Vélomaritime joins the mouth of the Sélune river on a charming and pleasant greenway. The Norman bocage leaves room for the salt meadows of the Bay. In the distance, you can see the majestic Mont Saint-Michel. An additional effort then awaits you, on foot this time, to reach the heights and the famous abbey.
MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
It’s the end of your stay after breakfast. You are able to enjoy a morning to visit to the Abbey which sits at the top of the Mount!
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 1085€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1290€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminium frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Drivetrain Shimano 11 to 30 speeds (single, double or triple crankset). Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Shimano 11 to 30 speed transmission (single, double or triple crankset depending on the model). Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Gravel BikeA versatile bike brimming with qualities: maneuverability, lightness, versatility, elegance. Aluminum frame, carbon fork and steerer tube, Shimano GRX 400 derailleur, double chainrings, 11 speeds. Hydraulics disc brakes. Luggage-rack (not in photo) Weight: 10.50 kg Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
|  |
Getting here
Departure city : CAEN
Coming by car
- at 2h45 from PARIS
- at 5h45 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking Hôtel de Ville – CAEN
- Parking Indigo Caen République – CAEN
Coming by train
- Caen train station - 2h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Caen airport
Arrival city : MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
Coming by car
- at 3h from PARIS
- at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 7h from LYON
Coming by train
- Pontorson train station - 3h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Rennes Airport
Bus Line C6 - 36 min then Metro Line A - 2 min then Ter: 48 min then Taxi 10 min
Taxi: 1h
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Pontorson to Caen in 6h
- Return by car in 1h30 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Leisure ou Fit
Departure date From April 1st to October 31st
Destination EuroVelo 4
La Vélomaritime I EV4
Normandy
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Easy , 
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.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.