Updated on 19 October 2020
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If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your next cycling trip to Normandy, you’ve come to the right place. From short to multi-day rides, from foodie to historical trails, discover our full collection of cycle routes across the region. Find the perfect one for you by clicking on any of the cycle routes below to see a full breakdown of the route, distances, elevation, and heritage sites or hidden gems along the way. Feel free to download, print or share!
Author Information
La Vélomaritime Merville-Franceville à Cabourg
Further information
Services
Green way, Shared lane
IGN MAP
OPEN STREET MAP
Starting point
Plage de Merville-Franceville
The beach is accessible:
- From the main parking lot
- From Kite-r Evolution
- From the playground
- From Avenue Jean Mermoz
- From the Avenue de la côte Fleurie
- From the Parking des Mouettes
-From the Magniez parking lot
3 first aid posts are open in July and August every day from 12:00 to 18:30 (02 31 24 22 39). A Tiralo is available for people with reduced mobility at the N1 first aid post at the same times. Toilets and showers as well as baby changing facilities are also available at this same station.
To know the supervised and unsupervised areas, please refer to the attached document
In July and August, you have the possibility to rent beach baskets directly on the spot, next to the first aid post N1 :
- 6€ for half a day
- 10€ for one day
- 50€ for a week
- 150€ for one month
Unless special arrangements are made, dogs are allowed all year round on the beach but must be kept on a leash. However, from 1 July to 31 August, they are prohibited in the area between the western end of the bathing area of the N3 aid post and the eastern end of the bathing area of the N2 aid post between 9 am and 8 pm. They remain authorised all day long to the East of the N2 station.
Horses are allowed on the beach under the following conditions:
- From 16 June to 30 September from 5am to 9am and after 8pm: only between the eastern end of the town and the parking des Mouettes and between the Orne Estuary and the Kite-Surf marked out area and this only 2 hours before and 2 hours after the official low tide time.
- The rest of the year: every day except Saturdays, Sundays, bridges and public holidays where they are only allowed before 10am and after 7pm on the whole beach.
The main part is bordered by a pleasant promenade. The two extremities are wilder with the appearance of some dunes.
Location de vélos - Bazar Photo
Adults' and children's bikes for hire for a cycle through Normandy with family or friends.
Set off on a cycle tour to discover Normandy's Côte Fleurie coast, with your "Cycling in Calvados" brochure to guide you – available at the Tourist Office or on the cycle route map.
La Redoute de Merville
The Merville redoubt, known as the 'Redoute de Vauban', is located in the dunes of the mouth of the River Orne. Its role was to protect the bay. Built on the orders of Louis XVI, it was equipped with three 24 pound cannons and a 3.5 kg mortar. Inside, the redoubt could accommodate up to thirty men. it is currently under restoration by the Association de Défense de l'Environnement et du Patrimoine de Merville-Franceville (Association for the Presevation of Merville-Franceville's Environment and Heritage).
Musée de la Batterie de Merville
One of the Allied high command’s key targets on D-Day, the Merville Artillery Battery was put out of action by the British 9th Parachute Battalion.
Within a preserved site covering several hectares, an educational trail takes you past 6 bunkers, now converted into museums. An example of the legendary Douglas C-47 that took part in the Normandy Landings is on display in the museum grounds.
Plage le Hôme
At the foot of the dune, discover the fine sandy beach of Hôme Varaville, between Merville-Franceville-Plage and Cabourg. For lovers of coastal vistas, don't miss the spot at the top of the dune for a breathtaking view of the sea!
Pets are allowed on the beach, on a leash, all day every day from October 1 to June 15, and from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. from June 16 to September 30 (except on the left of rue Bracke Morel, which is continuous).