Cycling in North Normandy (Near Cote de Fleurie)

[GlamorganGuy]

Hi, I'm about to set off on a family holiday to North Normandy (between Caen and the Cote de Fleurie) and hoping to get some cycling in - anyone have any recommendations for routes or must-see features in that part of the world? I've never been before.

 

[Cathryn]

I don't know the area well but Normandy is gorgeous and you will love it!

 

[alicat]

A little to the west, but the Bayeux tapestry is a must see imho.

 

[Brandane]

Hi, I'm about to set off on a family holiday to North Normandy (between Caen and the Cote de Fleurie) and hoping to get some cycling in - anyone have any recommendations for routes or must-see features in that part of the world? I've never been before.

Probably the best place I have ever cycled. So much so that I can't even begin to recommend routes. There is a seemingly endless network of well surfaced minor roads, so I would recommend buying a road map of that specific area. I found one in a shop, I think it was called Calvados a Velo or similar. It gave details of numerous routes in the area, including some traffic free. Just get out and explore would be my suggestion!

One route worthy of mention is the Route du Cidre, about 25 miles taking in some great scenery, quiet roads, and opportunities to stop and sample the local produce.

 

[GlamorganGuy]

Sounds awesome, thanks!

 

[Dogtrousers]

My recommended route in Normandy is: Find some small lanes, amble around on them. It's beautiful. Must see features: Go to the nearest small town, it will be very pretty and will have a fantastic patisserie. If you're near the coast, go there via some small lanes.

Beware that the opening hours of everything will be much shorter/different to what you are used to in the UK. Except maybe the mega LeClerc and SuperU stores and even they can suddenly decide to be shut when you desperately need something.

If you have a car and you fancy an interesting family day out I can recommend the Velorail at Pont Erambourg in Suisse Normand but that may be a bit of a long way from where you are going to be, I'd need to look at a map as I can't remember the geography. You get to drive your own pedal powered rail car along the tracks through the woodland.
https://www.paysdevire-normandie-to...ail-des-collines-de-normandie-pont-erambourg/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-100kg-bike.252721/

 

[JB052]

We cycled from Caen (Ouistreham) along the Orne canal to Pegasus Bridge which is where the gliders landed as part of the Normandy landings, an amazing story and well worth a visit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_of_the_Caen_canal_and_Orne_river_bridges

 

[GlamorganGuy]

My recommended route in Normandy is: Find some small lanes, amble around on them. It's beautiful. Must see features: Go to the nearest small town, it will be very pretty and will have a fantastic patisserie. If you're near the coast, go there via some small lanes.

Beware that the opening hours of everything will be much shorter/different to what you are used to in the UK. Except maybe the mega LeClerc and SuperU stores and even they can suddenly decide to be shut when you desperately need something.

If you have a car and you fancy an interesting family day out I can recommend the Velorail at Pont Erambourg in Suisse Normand but that may be a bit of a long way from where you are going to be, I'd need to look at a map as I can't remember the geography. You get to drive your own pedal powered rail car along the tracks through the woodland.
https://www.paysdevire-normandie-to...ail-des-collines-de-normandie-pont-erambourg/
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-100kg-bike.252721/

I'll check those places out, thank you!

 

[GlamorganGuy]

We cycled from Caen (Ouistreham) along the Orne canal to Pegasus Bridge which is where the gliders landed as part of the Normandy landings, an amazing story and well worth a visit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_of_the_Caen_canal_and_Orne_river_bridges

Thanks for the recommendation, looks like a must as we will be staying close to Caen.

 

[Gillstay]

Flan natural is good for a mid afternoon break, and a good game is to send a chum into a expensive Patisserie and see if they can order two Paris-Brest cakes without smiling. if they smile they have to pay for them, if they don't then you pay. Poire to drink as some are fabulous. look out for cycle spares at any flea markets. Have fun.