Cycle route from Saint-Lô to Mont Saint-Michel

78 km from station to station all the way to Mont Saint-Michel
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Photo, © Withaxie

From station to station, head off to discover Mont Saint-Michel from Saint-Lô on the Vélomaritime cycle route and enjoy every stage of the adventure. A tasty break at a local market, cultural visits or picnics in the great outdoors: on the way, experience the many faces of la Manche by bike. From lush countryside to the gorgeous bay of Mont Saint-Michel: off you go!

Stage 1: from Saint-Lô to Pont-Farcy - 30 km

Welcome to Saint-Lô, the capital of equestrianism and post-war reconstruction. As you leave the station, the River Vire stretches in front of you, at the foot of the unmissable stone walls. From here, you can head off on a walk around the town before getting on your bike. With its Haras National (national stud farm), art museum and good restaurants, Saint-Lô has plenty for you to enjoy.

To continue the adventure, head to the Voie Verte (greenway) for this first stage. You’ll pedal along the River Vire through peaceful landscapes on the way to Pont-Farcy. Horses, sheep, wildflowers and lush landscapes will accompany you along the way. Before finishing, take a short detour to the Roches de Ham, a unique site with a stunning view of the Vire Valley and the countryside around Saint-Lô.

See the full description on this stage

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Photo, © Sabrina Lorkin

Where to stay on this stage? 

When you arrive in Pont-Farcy, the Cabane Étape awaits you. This unusual, low-cost and ecological accommodation has everything you’ll need for an overnight stay: power outlets, a table, lockable cupboards, and a skylight for stargazing. A cosy cabin for two on the banks of the Vire.

Find out more about the Cabane Etape

Stage 2: from Pont-Farcy to Sourdeval - 60 km

After a good night’s sleep, get back on your bike to pedal along a section that’s also part of the “D-day beaches - Mont Saint-Michel” cycle route. You’ll leave the towpath behind and cycle along picturesque country roads, as lush valleys and wooded hills unfold in a succession of fascinating landscapes. Head towards the Souleuvre viaduct, a popular spot with adrenaline junkies! Feeling brave? Then try a 61 m high bungee jump!

See the full description of the stage from Pont-Farcy to Vire

Photo
Photo, © Un monde à vélo

Further on, you’ll cross into the Calvados department, where you can have lunch in Vire. Now’s the time to try andouille (chitterling sausage), the famous local speciality! Just a few kilometres from there, stop for a break at the viewing tower in Chaulieu. The highest point in la Manche, at 368 m, this spot gives you a gorgeous view of the Mortain region. You can refill your water bottle here ready for the final kilometres to Sourdeval.

See the full description of the stage from Vire to Sourdeval

 Where to stay on this stage? 

After this second stage, head to the overnight accommodation at Camping de Sourdeval. You can stay in one of the two pods for two to four people, with a table, kitchenette, toilet and shower.

See the overnight accommodation at Camping de Sourdeval

Bonus: bike hire from one stage to another with LocVélo

Maybe you don’t have a bike to use for your adventure or you don’t want to transport your bikes from station to station. With LocVélo, get the bike of your choice delivered to your starting point. Then the team will pick it up again directly at your finishing point. This service is available throughout la Manche.

Planning your cycling trip

Stage 3: from Sourdeval to Ducey - 49 km

Are you ready for the second part of your cycling adventure? Leave Sourdeval and explore the wild landscapes of the Mortain region. From Mortain to Mont Saint-Michel, you’ll cycle along a section that belongs to two major cycle routes: the Véloscénie and the Vélomaritime. Bathed in the sound of the waterfalls at Mortain, a place of legend awaits you. Cycle along the wooded paths and let yourself be transported to the world of King Arthur, fairies and elves.

See the full description of the stage from Mortain to Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët

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Photo, © Alexandre Lamoureux

Carry on towards Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, a lovely dynamic town and a recognised nature destination, as shown by its Station verte (green tourism) label. If you’re there on a Wednesday morning, be sure to stop at the unmissable market to try some local delicacies. Next, cycle towards Ducey, the final stage of the day. On arrival, you’ll see the Château des Montgommery standing on the banks of the River Sélune. You can explore this monument during a visit, or test the Ducey Code, a police investigation game for all the family.

See the full description of the stage from Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët to Ducey

Photo
Photo, © Un monde à vélo

Where to stay on this stage?

For your final night before reaching Mont Saint-Michel, why not head to La Rose de Ducey, a B&B in a splendid 19th century house? With a four-poster bed, elegant decoration, a flower garden and a tranquil terrace, there’s everything you need for a relaxing stopover. The delicious breakfast will be a real bonus before attacking the final stretch.
Find out about La Rose de Ducey

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Photo, © La Rose de Ducey

Stage 4: from Ducey to Mont Saint-Michel - 31 km

The last morning before reaching Mont Saint-Michel: you’re almost there! Get back on your bike and leave Ducey behind as you head to Pontaubault. The estuary of the Sée and the Sélune rivers stretches out before you. Ride along the country lanes with the wind in your hair and take in the unique views of Mont Saint-Michel and its bay. Admire all the different natural areas around you as you pedal past beaches, meadows and salt marshes.

Carry on all the way to Mont Saint-Michel and leave your bike behind to explore the medieval village. Be sure to visit the Abbey, a gem of history and architecture and a well-deserved reward! Then you just have eight more kilometres to get to the station in Pontorson, the end of your adventure.

See the full description of the stage from Ducey to Mont Saint-Michel

Photo
Photo, © Withaxie

Getting to Mont Saint-Michel by bike 

You can park your bike in any season at the Fanils entrance. An attendant will show you where to go. Three other parking zones are equipped with bike racks: the P9 car park, along the greenway and on the dam beach. Once you’ve parked your bike, you can walk the rest of the way to Mont Saint-Michel or take a shuttle.

More information on parking your bike at Mont Saint-Michel

 

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