FRENCH BIKE TOURS - EMAIL: [email protected] - TELEPHONE +33 (0)5 53 73 08 61 - WWW.FRENCH- BIKETOURS.COM From the D-Day landing beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel 8 days, € 695

Introduction

Explore the historic and cultural heritage of , while cycling trough the characteristic landscape of marches, grasslands and hedgerows, the so-called “bocage”. Stops at Utah beach, the wetlands of the Contention peninsula, the viaduct de la Souleuvre and the bay of Mont Saint Michel. Cycling in special cycling paths or very quit roads.

Day to Day

Day 1 Arrival in Carentan Arrival in Carentan. Explore, after your check-in the marina and town centre.

Day 2 Cycling roundtrip via Utah D-Day beach (Optional) A roundtrip with a visit to the magnificent shoreline that was the theatre of the American landings on Utah Beach. The route then crosses the Contenin and Bessin Marshes natural park.

Challenge: 39km, flat

Day 3 Carentan - Saint-Lô Leave Carentan, the former trade centre, and follow the back roads through the marshes of Cotentin to join the green way in saint- Fromond. Continue along the river to reach Saint-Lô and on the way, enjoy life along the river (locks, dams). In Saint-Lô visit the remparts, the national Stud farm, the museums...

Challenge: 42km, 147m ascent, 17m descent

Day 4 Saint-Lô - Vire From Saint-Lô, ride along the river Vire on the green way (old towpath) until you reach Pont-Farcy. On the way, admire the breathtaking views of the Valley from the Roches de Ham. Also enjoy life on the river (locks, dams..). From Pont-Farcy, leave the towpath for the narrow lanes of the “ bocage” running along the river Vire. Wind your way through the valleys, which offer contrasting landscapes of wooded hills and stunning views over the gorges of the Vire river. This route leads to the Viaduct de la Souleuvre. From the viaduct, follow La Graverie through almost traf c free sections to continue on the green way leading to Vire,

well known for its local charcuterie: the “Andouille de Vire”.

Challenge: 66km, 446m ascent, 297m descent

Day 5 Vire - Mortain The green way starts again a few kilometres west of Vire, 8 km heading south, you will nd a stopover for hikers and cyclists (refurbished station with toilets and picnic facilities). Enjoy the rolling hills as you approach Sourdeval where you will nd another stopping point equipped with a shelter, picnic tables and toilets. Continue the ride up to Mortain where you can see the town’s heritage sites, the waterfalls and the surrounding countryside. Throughout this trail, nd out more about local history, traditions and customs with the information provided on site.

Challenge: 40km, 357m ascent, 307m descent

Day 6 Mortain - Ducey From Romagny, follow the green way that crosses the Pays de la Baie (or the Mont-Saint-Michel bay county) winding along the river Sélune. The Sée and Sélune rivers cross lush green valleys and unspoilt landscapes. Ride past Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, Isigny-le-Buat to reach Ducey, a town with traditional architecture.

Challenge: 36km, 65m ascent, 167m descent

Day 7 Ducey - Mont-Saint-Michel From Ducey, follow the rivers Sée and Sélune to reach the town of Pontaubault where you leave the green way.Then take quiet country roads, offering unique views of the Bay and the Mont-Saint-Michel, listed UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Cycle from one world to the other surrounded by a rich diversity of landscapes.Offering a spectacular sight, the Mont-Saint-Michel, this famous rock crowned by a magni cent abbey, originally a church built in the 8th century, dominates the surrounding landscape. Visit : the abbey, the museums.

Challenge: 32km, 135m ascent, 150m descent

Day 8 Departure from Mont-Saint-Michel End of your trip after breakfast. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful area of Mont-Saint-

Michel.

Prices, Data, Booking

Daily from April 01 till October 31 Of course you can also book extra night(s) during the trip. We can give you these prices on request. Please mention where you would like to add extra night(s).

Practical Info

7 Nights included

7 Nights included

2/3 Star Hotels or 3/4 Star Hotels (supplement applied)

Breakfast included, Halfboard optional on request

Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest

24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline

Luggage transport to your next hotels

Parking informations on request

GPS tracks are available on request