Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel

Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel

Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel

Prices

From $795USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

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Highlights

Cycle from the D-Day landing beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel on this 8-day self-guided tour

Enjoy unique cycling paths and quiet roads, riding alongside the marshes, grasslands, and hedgerows of beautiful Normandy.

Get in touch with history as you visit Utah Beach and take in the site of the Normandy landings of D-Day in 1944.

Cycle the unique terrain of Normandy’s “Bocage,” made up of enchanting woodlands and peaceful pastures.

Explore delightful small villages along the route, hopping off your bike to soak up the traditional architecture and local fare.

Explore Normandy's historical and cultural landscapes on this evocative 8-day cycling tour from the D-Day landing beaches near Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel.

The self-guided Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel cycling tour invites you to enter a world of fascinating history as you pedal the quiet scenic roads of Normandy through several sites and towns of immense historical significance. Cycling through the characteristic landscape of marshes, grasslands, and hedgerows, you'll experience the natural beauty of Northern France in addition to its rich history.

Normandy was familiar with invasion long before it was occupied by Germany in WWII, as it saw Celtic, Saxon, and Viking invasions all before the 10th century. The tour kicks off with a visit to the D-Day landing beaches on the famous Normandy Coast, where you'll explore Utah Beach and the magnificent shoreline that set the stage for the American landings of WWII. Then, hopping on your bike and heading south, you'll enjoy gorgeous routes through typical "bocage" (scenic woodlands and pastures particular to this part of France), enjoying views of the pretty River Vire and its plunging gorges along the way.

The Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel tour provides cyclists with a unique opportunity to combine a love for nature with a passion for history, exploring spectacular natural and cultural landscapes from the vantage point of two wheels.

Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Following check-in at your hotel in Carentan, set out to explore the town center and marina. Carentan, a small rural town in Normandy, was the site of the famous Battle of Carentan during WWII.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Carentan
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Utah Beach (D-Day Beach) Loop

Hop on your bike for your first day of exploring history-packed Normandy by bike. Your cycling tour kicks off with a gripping visit to Utah Beach, where you’ll take in the monumental shoreline that saw the landings of the American soldiers on WWII’s infamous D-Day.

Following a captivating historical encounter at Utah Beach, you’ll complete the loop with a scenic section through the Nature Park of Cotentin and Bessin Marshes, returning to Carentan.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Carentan
Distance
39km
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Cycle the Green Way in Saint-Fromond to Saint-Lô

Fuel-up with a hearty breakfast before hopping on your bike for a challenging but rewarding day of cycling! Today you’ll cover the longest distance of the tour (66km) as you ride from Carentan to Saint-Lô.

Pedalling quiet back roads, you’ll first ride through the marshes of Cotentin before linking the greenway in Saint-Fromond. Then, tracing the pretty river Vire, you’ll reach Saint-Lô.

Saint-Lô is yet another site of historical importance, as the Battle of Saint-Lô, one of the three Battle of the Hedgerows conflicts was fought here in July 1944. Today Saint-Lô has been restored to its former glory and boasts several historical sites, including ancient ramparts and towers, all set in the picturesque Vire Valley.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Saint-Lô
Distance
42km, 147m of ascent, 17m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Cycle the River Vire

Today’s marvellous route unfolds on the greenway along the River Vire, guiding you to Pont-Farcy. The route grants you spectacular views of the Vire Valley from the Roches de Ham and will also introduce you to the world of river locks and dams.

From Pont-Farcy, you’ll navigate a towpath through typical bocage (woodlands and pastures) that line the river, creating a true natural oasis to enjoy your ride in. Continue through pretty woods and gently rolling hills, revelling in the stunning views over the gorges of the Vire, until you reach the Viaduct de la Souleuvre.

From the viaduct, you’ll continue on the greenway to Vire, an ancient walled city built in the 12th century by the Duke of Normandy. Today Vire is especially well-known for its local charcuterie, “Andouille de Vire”—enjoy!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Vire
Distance
66km, 446m of ascent, 297m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Cycle to Mortain via Sourdeval

Picking up the greenway again this morning just a few kilometres west of Vire, you’ll pedal south, enjoying gentle hills to Sourdeval. Hop off your bike at the hiker/cyclist shelter here and refresh the legs with a snack and a stretch before continuing up to Mortain.

Mortain is home to beautiful waterfalls and enveloped in breathtaking countryside. It’s also a town steeped in rich history and tradition.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Mortain
Distance
40km, 357m of ascent, 307m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Cycle the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay County (Pays de la Baie)

Cycle to Romagny this morning, then take the greenway that crosses the Mont-Saint-Michel bay county, tracing the curves of the wild River Sélune. Enjoy the breathtaking scenes of lush green river valleys as you cruise past the villages of Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët and Isigny-le-Buat to reach today’s destination, Ducey.

Ducey is a lovely small village made up of pretty groves and hinterland and set on the picturesque banks of the Saline River.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Ducey
Distance
36km, 65m of ascent, 167m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Cruise Country Roads to Mont-Saint-Michel

With the rivers Sée and Sélune as your steadfast guides, depart Ducey this morning, riding to the town of Pontaubault where you'll exit the greenway. Enjoy a peaceful ride along quiet country roads that offer superb views of the bay and Mont-Saint-Michel in the distance.

The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, which seemingly juts up from the sea, is a sight straight from a storybook! The 10th-century abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France's most visited cultural sites. The site was a significant pilgrim's destination as early as the 9th and 10th centuries and was later used as a prison (closed in 1863), returning to a site of Christian worship in 1922.

Enjoy your time in Mont-Saint-Michel, devouring fascinating history with visits to the ancient abbey and the town's museums. Tonight, enjoy your final dinner of the tour with a toast to beautiful Normandy and a fabulous week spent cycling its majestic landscapes!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Mont-Saint-Michel
Distance
32km, 135m of ascent, 150m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

Following breakfast this morning, your cycling tour in Normandy comes to an end. Check out of your accommodations and depart for the airport. Au revoir!

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel Price and Dates

This guided cycling tour in Normandy is always run as a private tour for your group and the price per person depends on the number of people staying in one room and the accommodation type.

Prices below are per person.

Standard Accommodation

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,475USD
  • Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,295USD
  • Price per person sharing a double or a twin room: $875USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $795USD

Deluxe Accommodation

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,675USD
  • Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,475USD
  • Price per person sharing a double or a twin room: $950USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $875USD
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Accommodation on the Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel tour

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels are 2-star and 3-star in the standard package or 3+ star in the deluxe package. All accommodations will offer either basic or modern conveniences that can make your stay more pleasant.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed price.

Hotel le Vauban in Carentan

Located just ten minutes from the landing beaches on the Normandy coast, this cozy hotel is the perfect base for exploring historical Carentan.

Hotel de France in Vire

Enjoy this lovely hotel offering guests a restorative stay in relaxing rooms and an excellent in-house restaurant.

Hotel Le Petit Poucet in Saint-Lô

Guests can enjoy dining in this hotel’s superb on-site restaurant and relaxing on the sun terrace. The hotel is also located nearby several nearby attractions in Saint-Lô.

L’Abbaye Hotel in Mortain

This is a charming hotel and restaurant located on the outskirts of Mortain, where guests are always made to feel welcome.

Hôtel Le Moulin de Ducey in Ducey

A former mill converted into a modern hotel offers guests a relaxing place to lay their heads after a full day of adventure at this tranquil setting on the Sélune River.

Hotel Le Saint-Aubert in Mont-Saint-Michel

At the entrance to the dam of Mont Saint Michel lies a pleasant and charming hotel surrounded by flower gardens. Guests will enjoy a lovely stay at this hotel and the in-house restaurant, found in an old, converted farmhouse.

Standard Accommodation

Hotel L’Auberge Normande in Carentan

Set in a delightful, qauint stone building, this hotel is just a stone throw from the center of town and has a great restaurant where guests can dine.

Hotel Mercure Centre in Saint Lo

Set on the pretty riverbanks of the La Vire, this hotel is well located in the city center, providing the ideal base for exploring Saint Lo.

Hotel Saint Pierre in Vire

Centrally located in Vire, Hotel Saint Pierre prides itself on a warm and welcoming atmosphere, offering top-tier hospitality in Vire. Guests can enjoy the use of a hot tub and several other modern amenities.

Hotel de la Poste in Mortain

Traditional charm and a friendly atmosphere make for a pleasant stay at this cozy hotel that features an outdoor pool and sun terrace.

Hôtel Le Moulin de Ducey in Ducey

A former mill converted into a modern hotel offers guests a relaxing place to lay their heads after a full day of adventure at this tranquil setting on the Sélune River.

Hotel la Digue in Le Saint Michel

Set near the Le Couesnon river, guests will enjoy a relaxing stay at Hotel la digue in this serene setting.

Deluxe Accommodation

What’s Included in the Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Carentan and after the tour in Mont-Saint-Michel are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at the hotels along the route.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage is included throughout the tour (up to 13kg per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.

Also Included

  • Detailed route notes and maps
  • Tourist information on all places of interest
  • Tourist city tax
  • 24/7 emergency phone support

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Guide services

Optional Extras

  • Bike rental
  • Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
  • Airport transfers
  • Optional activities or excursions

Frequenty Asked Questions about Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel

How hard is the Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel tour?

We rate this tour a 2/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 65km in a day with the help of a hybrid or e-bike. The route is a mix of flat and hilly terrain.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel tour?

7 breakfasts are included on this tour.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Carentan to start this tour?

Fly into the Paris airport of your choice, either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY) and from Paris city center, you can take a train to Carentan, taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Caretan as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.

Where does the Normandy by Bike: Carentan to Mont-Saint-Michel tour end?

The tour ends in Mont-Saint-Michel. You can reach your departure airport by train (Paris). Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.

Is this a guided tour?

No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are SCOTT Sub Cross Men/Lady Alloy Frame, 24-speed hybrid bikes or SCOTT E-Sub e-bikes.

What equipment is included in the bike rental?

The bikes come with a pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet, and lock.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for France?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?

The best time to travel to Normandy for this cycling tour is from June through August when the weather is most pleasant, however, this is also the peak tourist season. This tour is available from April through October, allowing you the option to travel during several seasons.

Reviews

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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $795USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour a 2/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 65km in a day with the help of a hybrid or e-bike. The route is a mix of flat and hilly terrain.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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