Planning your cycling trip

Our tips and practical information for your next trip

Do you want to discover la Manche by bike? Whether you fancy heading off for a few days or just a few hours, properly planning your adventure guarantees that you’ll get the most out of it. How to travel with your bike. Which accommodation to choose for a stopover. Where to hire equipment. Here are some tips and recommendations to make your next bike trip an unforgettable adventure.

Taking your bike on public transport

Travelling by train or bus with your bike

Do you want to discover la Manche by bike and plan to travel by train? Good news: you can take your bike with you on all trains to and from Paris. Transporting your bike is free of charge and there’s no need to book, depending on the space available. This is a great way to travel around the department, following our cycle routes from station to station. You can also take your bike on regular bus lines between Villedieu-les-Poêles and Mont Saint-Michel, limited to two spaces in the hold.

Transporting bikes by train and bus

Bike shelters available in stations

In some stations in Normandy and the Manche, covered or open-air bike shelters are available for you to park your bike. This service is available on subscription.

Find a station bike shelter

Bike hire in la Manche

Do you fancy a cycling trip but don’t have the equipment you need or can’t take it with you? Then why not hire it? A number of professional bike hire companies provide equipment close to the cycle routes. With regular bikes, electric bikes and additional equipment, they have everything you and your family could need to head off to explore la Manche.

“Accueil vélo” labelled accommodation: tailored services

For a cycling trip in la Manche, opt for “Accueil vélo” labelled accommodation and enjoy services adapted to your needs. After a day in the saddle, you’re guaranteed the best conditions for your stopover.

All “Accueil vélo” labelled accommodation is located less than 5 km from a cycle route and provides specific services: a secure bike shelter, a repair kit, etc. And for your comfort, you’ll find services that simplify your cycling trip: luggage transfer, equipment hire, washing facilities, catering on site or close by, and more. Everything you could need to get back on your bike in the best conditions.

See the map of “Accueil vélo” labelled accommodation

See the “Accueil vélo” labelled tourist sites

Some tourist information centres and tourist sites are also labelled and provide water points, toilets and basic bike repair equipment. These sites include the Musée du Poiré in Barenton, the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg and the Maison du Parc Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin in Carentan. Most of the tourist information centres in the area are also labelled: don’t hesitate to contact them for more details.

The Topoguides on cycling in la Manche

See our dedicated Topoguides in the Attitude Manche shop to plan your next cycling adventure. They’ll become your go-to travel companion!

Buy

La Malle Postale: a partner that takes care of your luggage

Do you dream of travelling light while somebody delivers your luggage? Then La Malle Postale is what you need. With vehicle delivery, luggage transportation, storage and shuttles, they provide services for your whole trip, covering four major cycle routes in La Manche: the Vélomaritime, the Véloscénie, the Tour du Cotentin and the Plages du Débarquement de Normandie au Mont Saint-Michel.

La malle postale

Responsible travel: eco-friendly cycling

Cycling through nature, taking the time to admire the scenery, stopping wherever you feel like it, all while protecting the environment: cycling holidays have it all! Travelling around la Manche by bike is a special experience that you can enjoy at your own pace while respecting the planet. Choosing to travel by bike is already a first step, and a few simple reminders will ensure you’re the perfect eco-responsible traveller:

Protect flora and fauna on your route by respecting the signposting
If you stay overnight, choose labelled accommodation and respect private property
If there are no bins on your route, keep rubbish in your rucksack until you find one
You’ll find equipment available along your route or in tourist sites and tourist information centres: water points, repair kits, bins, etc.
Do you want to take home a souvenir of your road trip? Opt for local products and take the opportunity to meet the artisans of la Manche!

Cycling equipment, directions, physical preparation: planning your cycling trip

How to travel by bike. Which route to choose. How to assess distances. Which equipment to take and what to put in your rucksack. These are some of the things to consider if you’re planning to travel by bike. Find all the answers to your questions on France Vélo Tourisme.

More information to plan your cycling trip