Coastal Normandy and WWII History
5 nights from €2324
4.67Moving memorials and museums on a captivating coastal journey
From Caen to St. Mere l' Eglise, embark on a WW2 memorial tour of Normandy, cycling along the beaches where the famous landings took place and through towns brimming with moving history.
Beginning with a visit to the WWII Peace Memorial in Caen, you'll ride through the Calvados region to the famous Pegasus Memorial and Museum. From there, the bike tour takes you to Bayeux, known for the 11th-century tapestry. Along the way, you'll stop in Arromanches, where you'll visit the fascinating Landing Museum. As you continue along the coast, you'll soak up the atmosphere of historical beach battlesites, including Omaha Beach (with the US Military Cemetery), Pointe du Hoc, and Utah Beach.
This tour is as beautiful as it is emotional.
A Journey Through History on Two Wheels
“My significant other and I just completed the Coastal Normandy and WWII History bike tour, and it was nothing short of unforgettable. Cycling through the rolling countryside and…” Full Review
“My significant other and I just completed the Coastal Normandy and WWII History bike tour, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.
Cycling through the rolling countryside and along the dramatic coastline, we felt like we were pedaling straight into the pages of history. The sites—Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Pointe du Hoc—were powerful and humbling, evoking scenes straight out of Band of Brothers. Standing where paratroopers landed or where soldiers scaled cliffs gave us a visceral connection to the stories we’ve only seen on screen.
What made the experience even more meaningful were the people. The locals were incredibly welcoming—whether it was a café owner who insisted we try her homemade apple tart, or a farmer who pointed us toward a hidden memorial tucked behind his fields. Their kindness and pride in sharing their region’s history added a deeply personal layer to the journey.
The balance of physical activity, cultural immersion, and historical reflection was perfect. Each day’s ride brought a mix of quiet rural beauty and poignant reminders of sacrifice. By the end, we felt both enriched and grounded—grateful for the chance to honor history while experiencing Normandy’s charm up close.
This wasn’t just a bike tour—it was a moving journey through time, one we’ll carry with us for years to come.” Less
—HM
Extraordinary Adventure
“Disclaimer: I wanted to show my kids the Normandy battlefields and we did just that. And my youngest child, an eight year old rock star, was on this trip which is not normal. But…” Full Review
“Disclaimer: I wanted to show my kids the Normandy battlefields and we did just that. And my youngest child, an eight year old rock star, was on this trip which is not normal. But it also made it extraordinary. She biked every mile on the route btw! But buyer beware! This may not be the trip for you!
The positive points:
1. Good hotels. Especially Le Grand Hard (near St.Marie du Mont); it is extraordinary and you won't want to leave. It's a 15 minute bike ride from Utah Beach. That is not the case for the other hotels.
2. Good bikes and service. Dropping off the bikes on the first night, David was prompt, professional and made the fitting fun and easy. All the bikes performed as advertised.
3. The countryside is extraordinary - even without the famous and inspiring battlefields. Each beach is different and each day is different. I definitely recommend going from east to west!
4. Some concerns: the GPS and route maps are almost worthless considering the technology on your phone. Google Maps, especially, had
better bike routes than what the guidebooks were describing. The GPS units are way out of date and I would NEVER suggest this trip without a working phone with Google Maps! It saved the day often - especially for side trips and accurate mileage and arrival times. The tour company should get updated with current technology ASAP!
5. The return trips to Caen and Bayeaux take away from time at battlefield museums and introduce unnecessary busy roads. There are closer hotels near the beaches. Bayeaux was lovely and the tapestry a highlight but the mileage was too unbalanced.
Everyone at Biketours.com was super friendly and helpful. Food was good. But bring your phone with a good data plan! Because without it, you will be lost and probably going the wrong way. Lots of beautiful little country roads in Normandy. You will be tired every night!” Less
—Brendan
Great way to visit the Normandy coast and see first hand where it took place.
“The hotel accommodations were great. Everyone that we came into contact with were wonderful .”
—Crewdog10
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Caen
Arrive in Caen, the main commune in this captivating region and home of the WWII Peace Memorial. Check in at your hotel and then enjoy some free time to explore Caen. We recommend a museum visit to the Caen Memorial - a highly informative starting point to your historical tour. In the evening, you'll receive an orientation briefing from an English-speaking guide.
Overnight in Caen.
Day 2: Loop ride to the beaches of Normandy
option: 25 miles/40 km, 80m elevation gain or 31 miles/50 km, 80-90m elevation gain
Cycle to Merville-Franceville-Plage in the Calvados area this morning and visit the Battery Museum. Then, pedal onwards to Pegasus Bridge, originally known as the Benouville Bridge. It's here that you can visit the Pegasus Memorial and Museum, dedicated to the first liberators who arrived in Normandy on the night of the 5th/6th June 1944.
Later, you'll arrive in the Ouistreham where, on Riva Bella, you'll behold an impressive view onto the landing area of Sword Beach. Here, you can visit the Atlantic Wall Museum inside the 'Big Bunker' - a former German headquarters. In the Belvedere, you'll find a fascinating orientation table and can visit the Landing Museum.
Overnight in Caen.
Day 3: Caen – Bayeux
36 miles/58 km, 372m elevation gain
Today you'll ride from Caen to Bayeux, first reaching Arromanches and the Gold Beach. Here, you can visit Arromanches 360, a circular theater where The Price of Freedom is shown on 9 screens. The D-Day Landing Museum in Arromanches is an informative center for learning about the construction and operation of artificial harbors assembled in front of Arromanches on the days following D-Day.
You'll finish the day in the artistic town of Bayeaux, where you may grasp the opportunity to visit many points of interest, like the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry - 230 ft long, 2 ft high (70 m x 50 cm), and completed in the 11th century. Other sites include the recently re-opened Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the Mémorial du Général de Gaulle.
Overnight in Bayeux.
Day 4: Bayeux – St. Marie du Mont
44 miles/70 km, 590m elevation gain
A strong ride today, starting out from Bayeux and leading you towards some of the most famous WWII sites in the area: Colleville-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach. In Colleville, take some time to visit the US Military Cemetery, the chapel, and the memorial dedicated to the youth of America.
Behold a historical scene as you gaze out over the viewpoint overlooking Omaha Beach. Afterwards, ride onwards to La Pointe du Hoc, Carentan, and Utah Beach.
Overnight in St. Marie du Mont.
Day 5: Loop ride to St. Mere Eglise
30 miles/49 km, 188m elevation gain
A loop tour starts from your hotel today with the first focus on the Utah Beach landings, close to your hotel. You'll then ride northwards along the coast towards Quineville, then inland towards St. Mere Eglise, where you can visit the famous battery of Crisbecq, Azeville, and the famous village of St. Marie du Mont.
Overnight in St. Marie du Mont.
Day 6: Departure
Departure after breakfast at your leisure. Trains through Bayeux and on to Paris are possible.
Don't want the experience to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in another of our French locations.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Upgraded hotels: 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels
Caen: Hotel Le Dauphin
Bayeux: Villa Lara
Sainte Marie du Mont: Le Grand Hard
Standard hotels: 3- and 4-star hotels
Caen: Hotel Le Dauphin
Bayeux: Lion d'Or
Sainte Marie du Mont: Le Grand Hard
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard touring bike
The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent)
Features a sporty “trekking” geometry that is suitable for trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27-speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is ready for any adventure.
Electric bike
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 30 Unisex (or equivalent)
Enjoy all the fun of cycling in an electric version. The SCOTT Sub Tour eRide 30 assists you on all your rides, whether in town or in the countryside, thanks to its 500 Wh Bosch battery.
Available sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Road bike
SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
Featuring a new geometry focused on endurance, the SCOTT Addict 30 Disc is designed to be your preferred choice for long-distance rides.
Available sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Accessories
Equipment included with bike rentals:
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pannier and handlebar bag
- Repair kit (2 spare tube, tool kit, tire levers, patch kit, pump)
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals (Look Ke, Shimano SPD-MTB, and Shimano SPD-SL pedals. are available on request). If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmet:
A helmet is included with your bike rental; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The route contains some rolling hills. The tour takes place on quiet roads around 95% of the time.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Paris
Nearest train station: Caen
Tour end
Nearest airport: Paris
Nearest train station: Carentan
The arrival city is Caen; from Paris St Lazare by train in 2 hours. Departure city Carentan, by train to Paris St Lazare in 2 hours 30min. Flights between Caen and Paris possible.
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
Reviews
- ★★★★★ HM
A Journey Through History on Two Wheels
My significant other and I just completed the Coastal Normandy and WWII History bike tour, and it was nothing short of unforgettable.
Cycling through the rolling countryside and along the dramatic coastline, we felt like we were pedaling straight into the pages of history. The sites—Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, Pointe du Hoc—were powerful and humbling, evoking scenes straight out of Band of Brothers. Standing where paratroopers landed or where soldiers scaled cliffs gave us a visceral connection to the stories we’ve only seen on screen.
What made the experience even more meaningful were the people. The locals were incredibly welcoming—whether it was a café owner who insisted we try her homemade apple tart, or a farmer who pointed us toward a hidden memorial tucked behind his fields. Their kindness and pride in sharing their region’s history added a deeply personal layer to the journey.The balance of physical activity, cultural immersion, and historical reflection was perfect. Each day’s ride brought a mix of quiet rural beauty and poignant reminders of sacrifice. By the end, we felt both enriched and grounded—grateful for the chance to honor history while experiencing Normandy’s charm up close.
This wasn’t just a bike tour—it was a moving journey through time, one we’ll carry with us for years to come.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Brendan
Extraordinary Adventure
Disclaimer: I wanted to show my kids the Normandy battlefields and we did just that. And my youngest child, an eight year old rock star, was on this trip which is not normal. But it also made it extraordinary. She biked every mile on the route btw! But buyer beware! This may not be the trip for you!
The positive points:
1. Good hotels. Especially Le Grand Hard (near St.Marie du Mont); it is extraordinary and you won't want to leave. It's a 15 minute bike ride from Utah Beach. That is not the case for the other hotels.
2. Good bikes and service. Dropping off the bikes on the first night, David was prompt, professional and made the fitting fun and easy. All the bikes performed as advertised.
3. The countryside is extraordinary - even without the famous and inspiring battlefields. Each beach is different and each day is different. I definitely recommend going from east to west!
4. Some concerns: the GPS and route maps are almost worthless considering the technology on your phone. Google Maps, especially, had
better bike routes than what the guidebooks were describing. The GPS units are way out of date and I would NEVER suggest this trip without a working phone with Google Maps! It saved the day often - especially for side trips and accurate mileage and arrival times. The tour company should get updated with current technology ASAP!5. The return trips to Caen and Bayeaux take away from time at battlefield museums and introduce unnecessary busy roads. There are closer hotels near the beaches. Bayeaux was lovely and the tapestry a highlight but the mileage was too unbalanced.
Everyone at Biketours.com was super friendly and helpful. Food was good. But bring your phone with a good data plan! Because without it, you will be lost and probably going the wrong way. Lots of beautiful little country roads in Normandy. You will be tired every night!
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 11-17
- How many tours have you completed?
- More than 10/First for family
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Crewdog10
Great way to visit the Normandy coast and see first hand where it took place.
The hotel accommodations were great. Everyone that we came into contact with were wonderful .
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Families with teens, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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