Paris to Cherbourg (via Caen or Hornfleur?)

[Twilkes]

Planning a route from Paris to Cherbourg - any particular routes/roads to avoid? Any best options? It's looking like 360km/220 miles, does that sounds about right?

I saw a route that follows the Seine to Hornfleur and then along the coast, is that going to take much longer than a seemingly more direct route cross-country to Caen? I'm fine on fast-ish country roads if they're single lane and not much traffic, but obviously not the heavier trafficked roads, from both a safety and a 'nice ride' pov.

Here's an example if anyone can comment on any part of it: https://web.bikemap.net/r/1129611?utm_campaign=header_cta&utm_medium=route&utm_source=website

 

[TomDW]

I've done Charbourg to Dieppe via Honfleur so can tell you about that bit. Do go to Honfleur as it's very picturesque with a unique wooden church. No need to go into Caen, just cross the Orne at Bénouville (Pegasus Bridge). If you had time I guess you could go inland to Bayeux but there's so much DDay stuff along the coast to keep you occupied. We stuck to the coast mainly following the cycle route.

The Cherbourg peninsula is lovely, a bit like England really but worth stopping for lunch at Chez Roger which is an idiosyncratic restaurant at a scenic spot with amazing food. "Pas Anglais"

I would love to do Paris to Honfleur but it's always been difficult to organise getting the bike to Paris etc

 

[Dogtrousers]

My vague waffly thoughts on cycling in Northern France, especially the Cotentin peninsula...

I haven't checked out your route as I'm on my phone and it wants me to install an app. I'll take a look on a PC when I can.

The whole area is criss-crossed with small roads and it's generally possible to plot a lovely, if not necessarily direct, route that passes through pretty little towns (complete with shops that will probably have shut just before you arrive ) nearly all on minor back roads which are a delight to ride on.

If you're happy to meander then just do that: . You won't be disappointed.

It can be surprisingly hilly at times.

You can browse IGN maps here. https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/

 

[Moodyman]

As per @Dogtrousers. However, if you have to decide between the two towns, Honfleur is lovely. Been to Caen a few times due to the ferry and I can’t remember any of it, which tells you everything about the place.

 

[Dogtrousers]

As per @Dogtrousers. However, if you have to decide between the two towns, Honfleur is lovely. Been to Caen a few times due to the ferry and I can’t remember any of it, which tells you everything about the place.

Caen is famous for its delightful ring road (le périphérique) with its picturesque incredibly short slip roads and traditional confusing signs.

To be fair to Caen it did have the misfortune of being heavily damaged during the war.

 

[Brandane]

Thread 'St. Malo to Caen.' https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/st-malo-to-caen.206917/

Above link is to my trip report after a ride from St. Malo to Caen in September 2016 (was that really 9 years ago? ). It may or may not be of some use to the OP as I covered much of the route from near Cherbourg, to Caen.

I'm not sensing much love for Caen from other posters on this thread, but I quite like the place. Some good cycle facilities including a riverside traffic free route all the way from the ferry at Ouistreham into the city centre. Also a wide choice of accommodation if you choose to stay a night or longer. A chateau, plenty green spaces, shops, restaurants, cafés etc... I recently used it as a base for day rides to the likes of Lisieux, Arromanches/Bayeux, and Carentan. Also for non cycling day trips on the train to Rouen, and Le Mans.