Glorious gravel by Alex Strohl

Gravel route from Mont Saint-Michel to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

4 days and 290 km from station to station to discover the west coast

Prepare for a fantastic adventure
This four-day gravel ride, from Mont Saint-Michel to Cherbourg, takes you all along the west coast to discover the maritime face of La Manche. Head off the beaten track to explore windy coastal paths, admire clifftop villages, spot colonies of cormorants and feast on oysters by the dozen.
An adventure you’ll never forget.

290 km of cycling

4 stages

2 400 m elevation gain

Map updated with the help of the cyclo-club de Montebourg. (Version updated on 03/05/2023 with more paths, which are more accessible in warmer weather than in winter).

Stage 1: From Mont Saint-Michel to Granville

73 km - 408m D+

This first stage starts in Mont Saint-Michel. After visiting the village and the Abbey, hop on your bike to start the day. The first few kilometres give you some spectacular views of the famous mount. Sometimes surrounded by the sea, sometimes lost in the salt meadows amid the sheep, Mont-Saint Michel is at its very best viewed from the bay. It stands majestic and mysterious, and you’ll keep stopping to admire the show as you cycle along!

The route carries on to Avranches. It feels like the town was built on the hilltop to enjoy the view across the huge bay and to watch over Mont Saint-Michel. From there, take the coastal road to Granville. In the distance, you'll see the Pointe du Roc and its craggy coastline. The next few kilometres alternate between cliffs and sweeping beaches. Climb a last hill to reach the heart of the old privateer town, and this is where the first day ends. Recharge your batteries as you enjoy this picturesque seaside resort.

Where to stay in Granville ?

Stage 2: From Granville to Lessay

70 km - 230m D+

After a hearty breakfast in Granville, it’s time to get back on your bike. This second stage takes you through a varied landscape of tidal inlets, fields, dunes, pine forests, châteaux and oyster farms.

As you leave Granville, take in the view of the Chausey archipelago. This island paradise changes with the tides, and is just an hour from the coast by boat: the perfect place to get away from it all, especially in winter.

Next, you’ll travel along the Côte des Havres, a series of eight tidal inlets where saltwater meets freshwater, stretching along the west coast of La Manche. Enjoy a photo opportunity as you stop for a short break at the dunes in Gouville-sur-Mer.

The next section is a land of agriculture, oyster farming and dairy production. You’ll travel past fields of the special local carrots and leeks grown in sand, then the famous salt meadows where salt marsh lambs graze, and finally the oyster parks, a hive of activity at low tide. The stage finishes in Lessay, a town famous for its camembert cheese made at the Réo factory.

Where to stay near Lessay ?

Stage 3: From Lessay to Siouville-Hague

71 km - 451m D+

The first part of this stage takes you through the countryside. There are no sea views for now, but fields stretching as far as the eye can see, streams, rivers and marshes. From Mont Doville, standing at 130 m high, you’ll have a fantastic view of the surrounding area all the way to the Channel Islands. Next, head back to the coast at Portbail, crossing the famous thirteen-arch bridge, before arriving in Barneville-Carteret, a pretty seaside resort on the Cotentin peninsula. Climb up to Carteret headland and enjoy a well-earned break. Admire the view, scan the horizon and maybe you’ll see some dolphins out at sea.

From here on, the coastline gets wilder. The dunes in Carteret and Surtainville gradually give way to towering cliffs, headlands with 360° sea views and huge beaches swept by the winds and tides. Carry on to Rozel headland, then Flamanville headland, as you start to feel the burn! You’ll undoubtedly see vans loaded with surfboards as you arrive in Siouville-Hague, a top spot for surfers!

Where to stay in Siouville-Hague ?

Stage 4: From Siouville-Hague Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

78 km - 1 324m D+

Are you feeling rested after a good night's sleep? You'll need plenty of energy for this final stage as you gradually enter La Hague, known as Little Ireland. The climbs get more challenging here!

The day begins with a ride along the dunes in Biville. In the distance, you'll see the surfers and kite surfers hitting the waves: Vauville bay is a top spot for watersports enthusiasts. Climb the hill at your own pace to reach the famous Nez de Jobourg then La Hague headland and Goury lighthouse, where you really feel like you’re at the edge of the world.

From Goury, the route goes through Saint-Germain-des-Vaux, a village typical of the Cotentin peninsula, before reaching Port-Racine and the north coast of La Manche. The little fishing port of Omonville-la-Rogue, the Pointe de Jardeheu overlooking the sea, Landemer with its spectacular cliff views, and in the distance the huge harbour in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin: there’s a surprise around every corner! After a few more country roads and hamlets, you're there: the biggest town in La Manche is an ideal place for a well-earned rest. Great restaurants, top spots, ideas for visits: take the opportunity to explore the town before heading off again with some great memories.

Where to stay in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin ?

Transport: choose the train!

One way to enjoy this adventure is by loading your bike onto the train and heading to the station in Pontorson. From there, it’s just a few kilometres to Mont Saint-Michel, following the greenway along the river Couesnon. When you arrive in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, take the opportunity to explore the town before heading off again by train.

Are you travelling by car?

Park up in Pontorson and start the adventure! Once you get to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, take a TER train back to Pontorson with a change at the station in Lison.

Do you want to try this adventure by gravel bike?

Download the GPS route created and approved by Alex Strohl then improved with the help of the cyclo-club de Montebourg. (Version updated on 03/05/2023 with more paths). Remember to follow the rules of the road and ride safely!

See the GPS route

You can also download the GPS file to use it with a specific application.