The D-Day and Battle of Normandy routes and circuits we offer range from 10 to 49 km. This gives you plenty of time to stop and explore the sites relating to this pivotal chapter of modern history.
The 3 ‘prologue D-Day’ loops of VéloWestNormandy
The VéloWestNormandy is one of the great cycling routes in Normandy. Begin on Loop 33, starting at Omaha Beach: Bayeux – Colleville-sur-Mer – Port-en-Bessin (39 km). Starting in the pretty town of Bayeux, which has a rich medieval heritage, you will alternate between green lanes and small country roads to reach the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, which overlooks Omaha Beach. You will then pass through Port-en-Bessin, which was an oil port during the Second World War and is now Normandy’s leading small-scale fishing port. The perfect place to enjoy scallops!
Difficulty: easy / Duration: 3 hours (source: cirkwi.com).
The other circuit we recommend is the 24 km-long loop 5 – Gold Beach: Bayeux – Longues-sur-Mer – Arromanches. Follow in the footsteps of the Allies and stop off at the Longues Battery. Then, the impressive artificial harbour of Arromanches will be right in front of you. At low tide, you can walk out to the caissons. If you have the time, a visit to the famous D-Day Museum, which has recently been completely redesigned, is a must. In Arromanches, there are several bike parks, some of which are very close to the museum. We also invite you to cycle up to the clifftops to discover the circular cinema, Arromanches 360°, on the heights of the town.
Difficulty: very easy / Duration: 2 hours (source: cirkwi.com).
The Boucle Neptune (49 km) is the codename for the route linking three towns that are emblematic of the D-Day landings in La Manche: Carentan, Utah Beach and Sainte-Mère-Église. The route begins at Carentan station. Get ready to be amazed! It takes you through the heart of the marshes. Before reaching the vast sandy expanse of Utah Beach, you will pass through the magnificent Baie des Veys. Along the way, you will find a number of unmissable museums, including the Utah Beach Museum, the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Eglise and the immersive D-Day Experience museum in Saint-Côme-du-Mont. Don’t forget the Normandy Victory Museum either!
Difficulty: medium / Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes (source: cirkwi.com).
A route along Utah Beach
Starting in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, the Espace cyclosport – Circuit du D-Day route takes you on a 19 km tour of the Cotentin Regional Nature Park. In winter, the marshes are said to turn white when the water covers the vast meadows. Next, you will arrive at the long, sandy beach of Utah. Right next to the beach is the Utah Beach Landing Museum, which is well worth a visit. The museum’s star attraction is an authentic American B-26 Marauder bomber. This route has been awarded the ‘Espace Cyclosport’ label by the French Cycling Federation. These routes are sponsored by local champions.
Difficulty: very easy / Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
A day’s cycling around Sword Beach
Sword is the easternmost of the five D-Day Landing Beaches. Starting from Colleville-Montgomery, you will pass historic sites, museums, and sensitive natural areas. At the end of the route, you will follow the Orne Canal to the seaside resort of Ouistreham. Here, you will have the chance to admire one of the iconic D-Day structures: Pegasus Bridge. You may even get to open the door of the Pegasus Memorial Museum during this cycle trip around Sword Beach. You can also enjoy a drink at the Café Gondrée, the first French house to be liberated on D-Day!
Difficulty: very easy
Linear tours on the theme of D-Day
Unlike a loop, a linear route takes you directly from point A to point B.
The 48 km Scénic Route 1944 starts in Arromanches and finishes in Grandcamp-Maisy. You can either have your bike delivered to Arromanches and pick it up in Grandcamp-Maisy, or take the shuttle bus in fine weather. As you cycle along the route, you can enjoy some of the best views of the D-Day Landing Beaches, including the artificial harbour at Arromanches, the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin, the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, and the moving Pointe du Hoc. Simply unforgettable.
Difficulty: medium
The coastal cycle route known as the ‘Voie Verte de la Liberté’ (13 km long), located on the the Vélomaritime itinerary, also offers some stunning views. Passing by the Pointe du Hoc, it runs along the Bessin cliffs between Grandcamp-Maisy and Vierville. If you’re not familiar with the Pointe du Hoc, you will certainly remember it once you have discovered the place. Picture the scene: it was here that the Allied soldiers climbed the Pointe, with its 30-metre-high cliffs. Picture the craters formed by the bombing that provided excellent shelter for the rangers. It’s an impressive experience.
Difficulty: easy
Running alongside the Canal de l’Orne is one of Normandy’s most popular routes: the 15km Vélo Francette linear trail. Starting in Ouistreham — where Sword Beach was located during the D-Day landings — you’ll follow the green route alongside the Orne Canal, linking the coast to Caen. En route, you will admire the iconic Pegasus Bridge before arriving in the magnificent city of Caen, which bears the mark of William the Conqueror‘s legacy.
Difficulty: easy (suitable for beginners and families) / Duration: approx. 1 hour
Another linear route option is the 22 km Vélomaritime route from Port-en-Bessin to Arromanches. Port-en-Bessin is Normandy’s leading small-scale fishing port and is famous for its scallops. You will take small country roads through pretty villages with stone houses and manor farms. You will then reach Arromanches and the impressive remains of its artificial harbour. It’s just unforgettable!
Difficulty: easy / Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (source: cirkwi.com).
The shortest route
At just under 10 km long, this route is suitable for all levels. The Gold Beach – Arromanches-les-Bains cycle route is a great way to explore the long sandy beaches that have gone down in history at your own pace. Make the most of the day by visiting the recently refurbished D-Day Museum in Arromanches and relaxing on Asnelles beach. And don’t forget to try the famous ‘sablés’ (shortbread), for which Asnelles is renowned.
Difficulty: easy / Duration: 40 minutes
Along the Vélomaritime
Unmissable sites to visit
If you cycle along any part of the the Vélomaritime route, you’ll have the opportunity to make some fascinating stops related to D-Day. Highlights include the Juno Beach Centre and the D-Day Omaha Museum, both of which offer the Low Carbon Rate.
Find out more about the Normandy Low Carbon RatePlan your cycling trip
D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Courseulles-sur-Mer
Sea Kayaking amid iconic D-Day landmarks
Arromanches-les-Bains
Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Airborne Museum
Sainte-Mère-Église
Thematics