Love cycling? Here is the perfect chance to live your passion while breathing in the fresh Normandy air. For your next vacation, we suggest a cycling tour of the Cotentin. This peninsula is one of France’s most beautiful destinations, located in the northwestern part of Normandy.
The circuit awaiting you consists of 4 stages, taking you through the region’s most iconic sites. For your stay, we recommend booking at Utah Beach. It is a Utah Beach campsite located 38.3 km from your destination (a 31-minute drive).
Cycling Trip: The Route from Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Your journey begins with this itinerary where you will follow the tracks of the old railway. You will cross forests, marshes, and the Clos du Cotentin before reaching the greenway.
Once there, you can enjoy a quick gourmet break. Then, you can admire the Bricquebec Castle and discover the old village. Afterward, you will head toward Cherbourg. The route covers 43.80 km (3 hours).
Cycling in Normandy: From Cherbourg-en-Cotentin to Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue
This stage covers a distance of 42.5 km (2 h 50). You will reach the north of the peninsula, in the heart of Cherbourg. This is the perfect opportunity to visit several monuments, such as the city’s manufactory and the former headquarters of the Bank of France.
Discoveries and Gourmet Breaks
You can also visit Le Redoutable, France’s iconic submarine. A stopover rich in discoveries awaits you.
Once finished, you can enjoy a gourmet break in Le Vast. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique taste of local pastries, such as the brioches of Le Vast. The recipe for this delicacy is a well-kept secret, passed down from generation to generation.
The Route from Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue to Utah Beach
Enjoy an unforgettable ride along the quays of Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue. This circuit covers a distance of 34.58 km, which you can complete in 2 h 18.
This stage of your journey will also take you through the Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Natural Park, as well as the Bessin area.
The D-Day Landing Beaches of World War II
You will then arrive at the landing beaches. A place rich in emotion—due to the thousands of lives lost in 1944—and in history.
It was June 6, 1944, or the famous D-Day. Allied soldiers landed in Normandy to liberate France and Europe from the Nazi yoke.
The Route from Utah Beach to Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
To complete this circuit, you need to be in excellent physical condition. Endurance athletes will surely appreciate it. Indeed, it covers a distance of 60.64 km. Allow nearly 4 hours to cover it by bike.
Natural and Historical Sites to Discover
This is the longest stage of your journey. It creates a loop to return to the starting point in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. Along this route, you will head toward Carentan-les-Marais.
This will also be an opportunity to discover the region’s marina. You will also pass through the Beauguillot Nature Reserve in the Baie des Veys, or the 11th-century La Haye-du-Puits keep.