Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 12:51

Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: France
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    1 out of 7 - Leisurely

  • 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: W07NM

Trip Overview

This holiday is an introduction to the authentic Normandy. Explore this diverse and beautiful region, which was a source of inspiration for so many painters, and which is today the setting for the painful World War II vestiges in Colleville-sur-Mer or Arromanches.

This holiday is an introduction to the authentic Normandy. Explore this diverse and beautiful region, which was a source of inspiration for so many painters, and which is today the setting for the painful World War II vestiges in Colleville-sur-Mer or Arromanches.

Wander through the heart of a landscape full of small enclosed fields called ‘bocage’. These beautiful fields and gentle valleys are enclosed by hedges and copses and full of grazing cows. Walk in the scent of cider apples on quiet paths, shaded by the orchards and surrounded by stud farms or half-timbered manor houses.

At a Glance

  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3 star hotels
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Route directions and maps
  • Please note: Monday Arrivals only

Highlights

  • Discover the famous boardwalk in Deauville and colourful harbour of Honfleur, renowned for its art galleries
  • Walk through classic rural landscapes and sample the region's cuisine: Camembert, cider, and calvado
  • Facing the sea with feet in the sand, experience the special atmosphere of the D-Day landing beaches.

Is This Trip for You?

Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)
No. of days walking: 5
Terrain and route: Walks on this holiday are gentle and flat. There are no tough climbs. Walks are through villages, woods and along coastline.
Average daily distance and distances in itinerary aer based off the longest routes. There is a possibility of shorter routes on days 3 and 6.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with route directions so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy following route directions, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes directions contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested the minimum age for this trip is 8yrs as we feel they will be able to ride the bikes we have to offer and complete the route. However our local partner is able to offer child seats for children aged 2-4yrs (max. weight 22 kg, hills will be tricky). These are all subject to availability, and therefore we ask that you enquire about these on booking. Please note due to the size of the bikes and distanced required to cycle, this trip is not appropriate for children aged from 5-7yrs (who are too big for the child seats, but not big enough to ride the children’s bike). As a guide we have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be very high in the middle of summer and the child seats provided do not have any shade. We therefore recommend going either earlier or later on in the season if you have young children.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 12

Min group size: 1

Itinerary

Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

Land Only

  • Start City: Deauville / Trouville
  • End City: Bayeux

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Deauville / Trouville

Artists and writers have long fallen for Trouville, Deauville’s older sibling. It’s equally as charming with its villas, splendid and sands but it also has a vibrant fishing port.
You stay at Hotel Le Fer a Cheval (breakfast included)

Day 2
At Trouville

Follow the glamourous boardwalk where celebrities love to stroll during the American Film Festival in Deauville. It is one of the most memorable seaside resorts in Normandy and an international centre for horses with its two racecourses and range of prestigious international races.
You stay at Hotel Le Fer a Cheval (breakfast included)

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Activity hours: 3

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Trouville to Honfleur

Your day starts with a stunning view over the Seine Estuary. Then, walk along the coast through the villages of Villervile and Criqueboeuf. Then continue through woods to reach the Village of Pennedepie. Along your way, you will have the opportunity to explore a farm specialising in Cider and Calvados (apple brandy).
You stay at Hotel Le Dauphin (breakfast included)

A shorter walking option is also available.

Distance covered: 11mi (18km)

Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
At Honfleur

Discover Honfleur, the Normandy gem of art and history. Stroll in the narrow streets and along the picturesque harbour which has inspired many Impressionist artists. Wander around the famous Vieux Basin and up and down the alleys of the picturesque Sainte-Catherine district with the impressive France’s largest timber-built church with a separate bell tower. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit at the Impressionist museum or other art galleries in Honfleur.
You stay at Hotel Le Dauphin (breakfast included)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Honfleur to Port en Bessin via Arromanche

Walking transfer to Arromanches. This seaside resort is inextricably linked with the liberation of western Europe after D-Day, along with the staggeringly large concrete blocks remaining from the Mulberry Harbour towed over from Britain in June 1944. War museums bring the massive Allied operations here back to life. Start the walk towards Gold beach and get the best view from the cliff over the artificial harbour of Arromanches and reach the German Battery of Longues sur mer before ending at the fishing harbour of Port en Bessin.
You stay at Hotel Ibis (breakfast included)

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Activity hours: 3

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
At Port en Bessin

Walk to Colleville-sur-Mer. After a very emotional walk through the American cemetery, walk down the cliff to Omaha beach and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer exactly where the American troops climbed up and where 5,000 soldiers, fallen in the name of liberty, are laid to rest. Walk the beach most of the way to return to your hotel. Then, relax by the pool for a drink or enjoy the spa.
You stay at Hotel Ibis (Breakfast included)

A shorter walking option is also available.

Distance covered: 13mi (21km)

Activity hours: 5.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Port en Bessin to Bayeux

Leave the coast to reach the Aure Valley and walk along beside stunning old granite manors and farmhouses to Tour-en-Bessin before arriving at the former allies headquarters through the commonwealth war memorial. In the heart of the medieval city of Bayeux, explore the Cathedral, a gem of Norman architecture, remarkably well preserved. Another unmissable place is the Bayeux Tapestry: listed ‘World Heritage’ by UNESCO, the 70 metres long Tapestry recounts the Conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy.
You stay at Hotel Le Bayeux (breakfast included)

Distance covered: 11mi (17km)

Activity hours: 4.5

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Leave Bayeux

Depart Bayeux after breakfast.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotels

Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

Hotel Le Fer a Cheval, Trouville

More than a hotel, Le Fer à Cheval is a family home combining gentleness and elegance. This family-run hotel is composed of two traditional houses close to each other in the centre of Trouville sur Mer, 200 yards from the beach and 200 yards from Trouville’s Barrière Casino. You will appreciate the typical brick architecture of the main villa and the charming patio of the small house.

Hotel Le Dauphin, Honfleur

Located in the Normandy region, Hotel Le Dauphin Les Loges is set in 3 17th-century wooden houses, typical of the town of Honfleur. It is located in the historical city centre, next to Sainte-Catherine Church. Renovated in 2019, each room or apartment is individually decorated. The 3 buildings are adjacent and each has its own entrance. All units feature a TV and a private bathroom. Upper floors are accessed by stairs. Onsite, you can enjoy massages and treatments from the La Plage wellness centre. The fitness centre is accessible without reservation and you can privatise access to the sauna at an extra cost.

Hotel Ibis , Port en Bessin

Located in the harbour in the heart of the fishing village, you can admire boats delivering fresh catch of the day. You are walking distance from restaurants and bars to enjoy an evening drink on a terrace.

Hotel Le Bayeux, Bayeux

Located in the heart of Bayeux, next to the cathedral in the historic centre, discover this beautiful house, once a lovely Normand inn, now a 3-star hotel.


Extra nights:
 Please contact us for details.

Single supplement from £ 364

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included.

From luxurious seafood to famous cheeses, Normandy has so much to offer.
Normandy is renowned for its andouillette d’Alençon, marmite dieppoise, mirlitons de Rouen, escalope à la normande, estouffade, rabbit in cider, duckling à la Rouennaise, chicken or omelette vallée d’Auge, mussels à la crème, and tripe à la mode from Caen.

Its desserts (the tarte normande, brioche, shortbreads, Isigny caramels, and rice pudding) are also delicious.

Transport

Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service.

Transfers to the beginning of some walks will be used as outlined in the itinerary.

 

Weather & Seasonality

August is the hottest time to visit Normandy, with an average temperature of 27 degrees C and providing the most hours of sunshine.
Rain is possible year round so you should be prepared for this with waterproof jackets.
The weather in Normandy is extremely changeable with four seasons frequently making a showing in one day.

Weather Charts

Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

Joining Instructions

Flight inclusive
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
British Airways Heathrow to Paris CDG 07:20/09:35 then rail Paris St-Lazare to Lisieux 12:30/14:22 (Monday arrivals only)  and transfer to hotel 40 mins. Return: Transfer to station 5 mins then rail Bayeux to Paris St-Lazare 09:40/12:02 then British Airways Paris CDG to Heathrow 17:40/17:55 (Tues), 18:05/18:20 & 18:50/19:05.

Business/club/first class seats are available on request.

Land Only
Standard transfers
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Lisieux station at 14:22 (Monday arrivals only) and back to Bayeux train station at 09:30.

Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Deauville / Trouville
Location end: Bayeux

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Walking boots

Water bottle

Daypack

Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses

Warm jumper

Waterproofs

Optional Equipment

Walking poles

Practical Information

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Vaccinations and Health

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

230 Volts AC, standard European adapter required.

Money

France's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Lunches can cost from €6-12 depending on the size of lunch and the establishment you choose. Dinners can cost €20-35 for a set menu or a la carte meal. If you will be ordering wine with meals, please add extra for this.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.