Cycle route from Carentan to Cherbourg

133 km from station to station to discover the history of D-Day in the Cotentin

Do you love history, unspoilt countryside and cycling? Then we have just what you need! Leave your car behind and head off on an adventure, from the marshes of Carentan to the station in Cherbourg. Stage by stage, discover the history of D-Day as you pedal through a variety of natural landscapes, including a nature reserve, beaches, harbours and small villages. Hop on your bike and off you go!

Stage 1 : from Carentan to Ravenoville - 30 km

Prepare for an adventure starting in Carentan! As you leave the station, take in the history of the town before you set off. With its small harbour, its listed buildings and its rich past linked to D-Day, Carentan is well worth a visit. Next, head through the gorgeous landscapes of the Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Regional Nature Park. Then pedal round the Beauguillot nature reserve in the bay of Les Veys, a favourite spot for harbour seals, who like to rest there. Keep an eye out, if you’re lucky you might see some.

Moving on, you’ll leave the marshlands behind as you head to Utah Beach. This is where some of the history of D-Day was written. Park your bike and visit the Musée du Débarquement, built on the site where the American troops landed on 6 June 1944. You’ll pedal along the coast for the final kilometres to Ravenoville. You’ll certainly have earned a relaxing walk on the sand, with the colourful beach huts as a backdrop.

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Where to stay on this stage?

In Ravenoville, Le Cormoran campsite welcomes you in a 5-star setting just a few steps from the sea. Choose from mobile homes, chalets or even a gypsy caravan for a unique stay: several options are available with all the comfort you could need for your first stopover.

Book a night at Camping Le Comoran

Bonus: a travelling bicycle delivery service

Across the whole of la Manche, LocVélo proposes bicycle delivery and pick-up services to the place of your choice. A practical bike hire service to enable you to travel around without transporting your equipment.

LocVélo

Stage 2: from Ravenoville to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue - 35 km

Start this new day with a ride next to the dunes. You’ll pass close to the batteries in Azeville and Crisbecq. These bunkers were built by the Germans to defend the coast of the Manche during the Second World War. Next, pedal towards Quinéville and enjoy a tasty break while you try some delicious treats in the artisanal biscuit factory.

From there, head to Quettehou, then Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. This picturesque village in the Saire valley is your finish for the day. Stroll through the streets and around the little harbour and soak up its peaceful atmosphere. Be sure to visit the UNESCO listed Vauban tower, whose twin can be seen out on Tatihou Island.

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Where to stay on this stage

It’s time for a break! In Quettehou, park your bike at the 4-star campsite Le Rivage. The fully equipped “Tithome” are wooden or canvas cabins that can accommodate up to 4 people in 22 m². This comfortable accommodation is perfect for a restful stopover.

Discover Camping Le Rivage

Extra idea : visit Airborne Museum

Extra idea: starting from this stage, if the history of the Battle of Normandy interests you, take a detour to Sainte-Mère-Église and visit the unmissable Airborne Museum. We’ve tested it for you, and will tell you all about it!

Airborne Museum

Stage 3 : from Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue to Barfleur - 28 km

You’re now on the second half of the route. If you haven’t yet visited Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, be sure to do so or head to Tatihou island, before continuing the adventure. With pretty gardens, a maritime museum, a Vauban tower and a bird reserve, this little islet will take you back in time.

After this escapade, get back on your bike and pedal along the coast to Jonville point. If you’re feeling peckish, you could try some oysters or tapas with a lovely sea view at Goéland 1951. Next, head to Barfleur, the final stage of the day. Then all that’s left is to enjoy this charming fishing village where life moves with the rhythm of the tides. Take time to explore the harbour and enjoy the details around you as you stroll through the streets.

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Where to stay on this stage?

How about testing a bivouac in Barfleur? At the Indiana campsite, the Cyclo-rando tents can accommodate 2 to 4 people and are equipped with a picnic table, shelves, power outlets, lighting and beds. A unique experience!

Find out more about the bivouac tents at Camping Indiana

Extra idea : visit Gatteville lighthouse

if you feel like it, you could carry on for a few kilometres to the majestic Gatteville lighthouse, the second tallest lighthouse in France. It’s well worth a visit, with a breathtaking view from the top, and is especially magical at sunset.

Gatteville lighthouse

Stage 4 : from Barfleur to Cherbourg - 40 km

Cherbourg isn’t far now! Get back on your bike for a final stage full of surprises. You’ll leave the coast behind and head inland, with gorgeous scenery as you ride along the river Saire. If you fancy a bite to eat, why not stop in Le Vast and try the famous brioche that’s been made in the village since 1900? Next, there are lots of different rural landscapes to admire on your way to Cherbourg. Then you can park your bike and enjoy a stroll around the harbour while you soak up the local atmosphere. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Cherbourg umbrella factory, the Cité de la Mer and the art museum: take your pick! With pretty parks, lively markets and great places to eat, you can relax and enjoy yourself before heading back to the station in the town centre.

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