Caen-la-Mer is heaven for cyclists and for fans of bike touring! Along the Orne canal or the preserved landscapes of the Normandy coast, explore the vast network of cycle paths and green ways! Ready, steady, go!
Cycle to the sea along the Vélo Francette cycling route
15,5
Along 15.5 kilometres of safe cycle paths, set off along the Vélo Francette green way for a ride of about 1 hour 30 minutes at the heart of nature.
Are you ready? Leaving from the Saint-Pierre basin in Caen, go along the coast past the D-Day landings beaches. At the Calix viaduct and basin, you will find yourself alongside the Caen-la-Mer canal and the former towpath. Take the time to look around you and don’t forget your camera! A few miles further on, you will come to the Château de Benouville, dating from the 18th century. And after another 1 km, you come to the famous Pegasus Bridge and memorial, a historic D-Day site that is not to be missed. Bénouville Bridge owes its nickname to the British soldiers who wore the emblem of Pegasus on their uniforms. For a tasty break, take a seat at the Pegasus Bridge Café Gondrée. As well as being the very first house in France to be liberated by the 6th division, it was also a small hospital where the wounded were cared for.
hen continue on your way to the Venoix marshes before arriving at the coast! But before that, you can enjoy the unique sight of breathtaking nature at Pointe du Siège and the Orne Bay. When you go past the marina, don’t miss the lighthouse overlooking the bay. If you want an unforgettable photo, then this is the place to go! Want to take an early morning walk? Then don’t miss the fish market! A few miles further on, can you see it? The vast Ouistreham Riva-Bella beach!
See the D-Day landings beaches by bike along the Véloroute coastal cycling path
Combining wonderful natural scenery and vestiges of the Second World War, the coastal Cycling Path (Véloroute) is a real journey through time. For a full day or just a few hours, this a great ride to share with friends or family.
A tip: take your time because the trail can be a long one if you choose! The Véloroute is 250 kilometres of safe cycling trails, going from the D-Day beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel! But have no fear, just a few hours are enough to take you back to 1944. Ready for the off?
We leave from the port of Ouistreham, east of Caen, or from Omaha Beach, to the west of Colleville-sur-Mer! Sword Beach, Omaha Beach and Juno Beach: take the time to see the major landmarks of the Second World War along the coast.
For nature lovers, the Véloroute will take you through wonderfully preserved natural treasures! Along the regional green ways and small country roads, you will go past the Green Resorts on the Côte de Nacre. With large seaside villas on one side and the sandy beaches on the other, a breath of fresh air is guaranteed! Fans of water sports will no doubt take a break in one of the famous seaside resorts.
Pedal on the old mining road!
For an afternoon’s cycling through nature in Caen-La-Mer, head for the Green Way running along the 19th century mining track! The railway track was built towards Caen and the coast, but was soon abandoned due to competition from the road networks. Today, you can walk in the midst of 20,000 perennial plants, shrubs and 750 maple, acacia and oak trees… From the hills, often you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the southern plain and the villages. Keep your eyes peeled! Rail track can sometimes be seen in places, recalling the site’s historic past. Take a look at the illustrated panels explaining the role of the railway at the period of the mining industry. And what could be better than rounding off the day with a snack in the special picnic area in the shade of the trees?
Download the maps of the greenways on the “By bike” page
