Gravel bike route from Tatihou to Mont-Saint-Michel

Five days, five stages: our tips for this 285 km cycling road trip

How about crossing la Manche by gravel bike? The cycle route from Tatihou to Mont-Saint-Michel is the perfect way to discover the territory from east to west, covering 285 km and a variety of different landscapes. You’ll pedal along roads and paths between unmissable UNESCO-listed heritage sites: from the Vauban towers in Tatihou and La Hougue all the way to Mont Saint-Michel and its bay. This bike ride enables you to completely immerse yourself in la Manche, from the coast to the countryside, via the marshes and bocage landscapes. Five stages for five different worlds! Take a break and enjoy a stopover in the welcoming accommodation along the way. Get ready for an adventure!

Stage 1: Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte

66 km between land and sea

The first stage of the gravel bike route from Tatihou to Mont Saint-Michel begins on the quayside in Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. Before you get on your gravel bike, take a stroll around this charming village. Discover the picturesque port with its Vauban tower, whose twin is over on Tatihou Island. The first part of this stage takes you to La Pernelle hill, with gorgeous views over the bay of Les Veys, then on to Valognes, a “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” labelled town in the heart of the bocage countryside. From here to the finishing point, you’ll cycle past plenty of interesting sites: Roman ruins in Alleaume, old lime kilns and manor houses. Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte is where this stage ends, with a lovely view over the town and its medieval château.

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Where to stay on this stage?

In Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, stop at the Auberge du Vieux Château, a family-run hotel with a stunning view of the château and the surrounding countryside. It has cosy rooms for 1 to 4 people, guaranteeing a relaxing stopover on your trip. Try the delicious dishes concocted by the chef in the restaurant, using local and seasonal produce.

The Auberge du Vieux Château

Étape 2 : Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte to Périers

55 km through a nature reserve

A new day, a new atmosphere! This stage from Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte to Périers takes you through one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Normandy. If you haven’t had chance yet, visit the château of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte before heading off. From these medieval ruins, pedal away to explore the nature reserve of the Sangsurière and Adriennerie marshes. In this protected area, you’ll cycle between peatlands and plains, which are home to 230 botanical species and hundreds of bird species, making it a truly unique place. Carry on to Périers, where this stage ends at the foot of its Gothic church, a listed monument.

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Where to stay near Périers?

With direct access to the Voie Verte (greenway), 7 hectares of wooded parkland and a lovely terrace, La Verte Mare is the perfect B&B for a stopover. In this relaxing setting, Florence and Philippe sell the soap they make from donkey’s milk. Make the most of the countryside setting, the animals and the peace and quiet to recharge your batteries. In the morning, your hosts provide a delicious and 100% local breakfast. The perfect way to start the day!

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For your luggage, choose La Malle Postale

If you want to enjoy your cycling trip without carrying too much, La Malle Postale is what you need. This luggage delivery and shuttle service will accompany you so you can travel light.

Find out more about La Malle Postale

Stage 3 : Périers to Hauteville-sur-Mer

48 km towards the sea

Get ready to start the third stage between Périers and Hauteville-sur-Mer! This section takes you to the west coast of la Manche. From Périers, head to Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin with its lovely stone church. The adventure by gravel bike continues to Coutances, a “Ville d’art et d’histoire” labelled town, and a great place for a break. Famous for its music festival Jazz sous les Pommiers, the town is watched over by the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is well worth a visit. Next, follow the sea breeze all the way to the coast. After cycling through Montmartin-sur-Mer, you’ll soon see the beach and your finishing point in Hauteville-sur-Mer, where you can sink your toes into the sand after all that effort!

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Where to stay near Hauteville-sur-Mer?

Head to Annoville, 2 km from the beach, for a night in Fabienne’s cosy B&B. Le Feu Follet is a former country bistro that’s been carefully renovated to retain its old-world charm. Tiled floors, old books, pretty crockery: every detail helps to ensure the place is really welcoming. Relax on the terrace or sit in the garden and admire the gorgeous flowers. At the end of the day, you can cycle or walk to the sea to watch the sunset from the wild dunes in Annoville. The next morning, tuck into a hearty breakfast before starting the next part of the adventure!

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Stage 4: Hauteville-sur-Mer to Avranches

74 km through sweeping inlets

The fourth stage of the route takes you through the heart of the inlets of la Manche. From Hauteville-sur-Mer, head along the coast towards Saint-Martin de Bréhal. In Lingreville, enjoy the gorgeous views across La Vanlée inlet, with its wild landscapes. Carry on across the famous tidal causeway in Bricqueville-sur-Mer. During the spring tides, the setting changes completely, putting on quite a show! You’ll cycle through salt meadows grazed by saltmarsh sheep, then on to the villages of Coudeville-sur-Mer, Jullouville and Champeaux, with their year-round holiday atmosphere. This is where you enter the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. After Genêts, it’s just a short ride to Avranches, today’s finishing point. Don’t miss the Scriptorial, or take a break in the Jardin des Plantes with its gorgeous views across the bay.

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Spend the night near Avranches

At the top of the hill in Avranches, you’ll find Le Quesnoy B&B. This lovely stone house looks out over green bocage countryside. Enjoy the stunning view of the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel from your room or from the flower garden. If you fancy a walk, you can get to Avranches town centre along the hiking path that goes past the house. With its tranquillity, its bright rooms and its delicious home-made breakfast, this B&B is sure to please!

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Stage 5 : Avranches to Le Mont Saint-Michel

48 km with Mont Saint-Michel as your reward

Hit the saddle for the fifth and final stage of the cycle route from Tatihou to Mont Saint-Michel! Leaving Avranches behind, go along the River Sélune towards Pontaubault. From there, you’ll travel along country roads all the way to Mont Saint-Michel. Head to La Roche Torin, one of the best places to admire the spring tides and the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel. Then turn inland to Huisnes-sur-Mer, where you’ll go past the German military cemetery, a reminder of the Battle of Normandy. Then you simply carry on to the River Couesnon, which you’ll follow to your arrival. To end this fantastic gravel biking adventure, Mont Saint-Michel, the Wonder of the Western World, awaits you!

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