Normandy Beaches

[Polite]

As an inexperienced cyclist I know I would have appreciated something like this before, so apologies if this already appears.

I have just, today 31-12-2011, completed a three day trip of some of the beaches used during the Second World War and I would like to share with you.

Day 1; AM; arrive at Ouistreham (6am), cycle to Arromanches les Bains. PM; museums/lunch.
Day 2; AM; Arromanches to the American war cemetery at Omaha beach (Colleville sur Mer). PM; Cycle to Bayeux.
Day 3; AM: visit the Tapestry and Cathederal. PM; Lunch then cycle to Ouistreham for late ferry (11pm).

Total is about 110 km and it's fairly easy cycling, a few ups, I'm reasonably in shape and had no problems.

I would have liked to have spent more time in Bayeux, wonderful little town, and had I planned the trip better I think much more time could have been spent at the various memorials that truly deserve more time. I may fill in the gaps in better weather.

Anyway I hope this is helpful, please let me kow if it isn't, and I plan to post sme pics soon.

 

[upsidedown]

Sounds brilliant, can't wait to see the pics.

 

[Nebulous]

Hi - welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing.

I have spent a lot of holidays in France, and have visited quite a few of the war sites - more WW1 than II though. I'd also like to read a bit more about your trip and see your photos.

 

[Chrisz]

Fantastic area - I did a trip ther on a H4H ride a couple of years ago - great history!

 

[Dogberry]

Great area for cycling. Looking forward to seeing your pics.

 

[Polite]

Here's a few pics from the said trip.

 

[Chrisz]

Nice pics - did you visit St mare Eglaise as well???

I got some great pics of the beaches

 

[Polite]

Hi,

No, I didn't make it there ... bit of a rush as I only had a few days, plan to do a Part II in the better weather as I think it deserves it. Your pics look great.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

it's acool place to tour...I did it a few years ago...all the invasion beaches, st mere eglise and I also went inland to the battlefields around trun and the falaise gap, corridor of death...very interesting stuff.

 

[Chrisz]

We did Falais Gap as well as a few other places who's names I no longer remember! A fantastic trip, despite the weather

 

[Brandane]

Nice one, Polite. I had a pleasant week cycling in that area 2 years ago. I too got the ferry to Ouistreham, and based myself at a hotel in the centre of Caen. Spent the time doing day trips out of Caen in different directions, to Lisieux, Bayeux, Arromanches, Deauville etc.. If I didn't live so far away I would be a much more regular visitor.

I love all those quiet back lanes that you can use. All the traffic seems to have been taken away by the comprehensive network of motorways and dual carriageways; and yet the minor roads remain well maintained.

 

[Dogberry]

I love all those quiet back lanes that you can use. All the traffic seems to have been taken away by the comprehensive network of motorways and dual carriageways; and yet the minor roads remain well maintained.

Agreed.
We stayed at St Mere Eglise and it was beautiful cycling country.