A short, single-centre cycling break based in Bayeaux, taking in the D-Day landing beaches of Gold and Omaha around Arromanches and Coleville-sur-Mer. Scenic cycling through rolling green countryside to places whose names have become synonymous with the D-Day landings of 6th of June 1944.
If you haven’t got the time to do our full, 7 day, D-Day Beaches Cycling Holiday then this short cycling break is for you. You’ll spend three nights in the charming town of Bayeaux, which besides being a thoroughly charming little town is of course also home to the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry. From here you will enjoy two days of cycling out into the stunning Norman countryside, visiting some of the towns and beaches that became famous and infamous during the D-Day landings
La Pointe du Hoc
The first ride will take you east along the coast to the bustling little town of Arromanches where the British forces came ashore on what was code named Gold Beach. On the town’s beautiful sandy beach you can still see the remains of Churchill’s ingenious Mulberry Harbours that allowed the ships to unload heavy equipment and troops more easily. The D-Day Museum in the town centre is also well worth a visit to learn more about the invasion.
The second ride heads west to Omaha Beach. Today it’s an idyllic, long, wide sandy beach but on the 6th of June 1944 it was hell on earth for the American troops struggling to come ashore and form a beachhead in the face of fierce, well dug-in German opposition. The American Cemetery just above the beach is a very serene and moving place that invariably leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. From here you can either head back to Bayeux through the charming Norman countryside or bolt on an additional 9 miles by cycling out to La Pointe du Hoc. This strategically important high point on the coast offers some great views as well as a story of incredible courage involving US Rangers.
The Normandy countryside is undulating so you will have regular climbs to contend with throughout both rides. That said, none are too long or steep but if you do have any concerns you might like to consider renting an e-bike rather than a regular hybrid bike – both are available on this holiday.