NO RM A N DY CYCLING 8 DAYS
Great Explorations 2 NORMANDY CYCLING Bayeux, D-Day Beaches, and the Norman Coast Journey to a place steeped in history and art. Explore Bayeux, where the world-famous tapestry tells the story of William the Conqueror s invasion of England in 1066. Then head along the D-Day beaches, the scene of another invasion centuries later. Explore seaside resorts graced by elegant villas and follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists who flocked here in the 19th century. Feast on fruits de mer and sip Calvados, Normandy s famous apple brandy. ITINERARY Getting there: The trip starts in Bayeux, about 225 km west of Paris. There are several direct trains every day and the trip usually takes around two hours. Days 1+2 Bayeaux Arrival in Bayeux, the first French town to be liberated in 1944. We ll meet at 4:00 to fit bikes and enjoy a walking tour of the old town center. Next day, we ll pedal south through the pretty countryside to the Abbaye de Mondaye, rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. Continue to the Château de Balleroy, built in the 17th century and purchased in 1970 by the late Malcolm Forbes. Return to Bayeux with time to see the Bayeux tapestry, a remarkable piece of embroidery telling the tale of William of Normandy s conquest of England in 1066. Distance D2: 29 up to 62 km, elevation gain up to 277 m.* Day 3 Omaha Beach Today, head for the Landing Beaches. Visit Arromanches, with the vestiges nearby of the artificial harbour built by the British, and the German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer, the only coastal battery that has kept its guns. Finally, arrive at Omaha Beach, the scene of a terrible battle, vividly recreated in the movie Saving Private Ryan. The military cemeteries are moving memorials to the heroism that took place here. Stay overnight in hotel just metres from Omaha Beach. Distance: 29 up to 60 km, elevation gain up to 235 m.* Day 4 Crepon Visit more D-Day sites along the coast today or follow a route that takes you along quiet country roads further inland. Whichever option you choose, your destination is the village of Crépon, known for its fortified manor houses. Distance: 51 km, elevation gain 235 m.* Days 5+6 Cabourg Cycle to Cabourg, a seaside resort developed in the second half of the 19th century. Marcel Proust stayed here often and left a vivid evocation Only Great Explorations Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences. A ride you will never forget: each of the rides crafted to be a uniquely memorable experience. Local expert guides for historic walks and visits. Order off the menu at restaurants you won t find in guidebooks. Order off the menu at restaurants you won t find in guidebooks. Distinctive, charming hotels. We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises. Trip Dates 2017 June 12-19 Aug 25 - Sep 1 Sep 12-19 2018 June 11-18 Aug 24 - Aug 31 Sep 11-18 Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details. Trip Size 8-16 participants Total Days 8 days/ 7 nights Arrive/Depart Bayeux/Honfleur Activity Level Moderate Average 35 miles / 55km daily. Van supported Terrain Rolling hills with flat stretches.
Great Explorations 3 of life in Cabourg in À l Ombre des Jeunes Filles. Stroll along streets lined with magnificent villas or the promenade along the beach. Next day we ll head south into the Pays d Auge, an area of pastures, thatched cottages, and farms that produce cider, calvados and Camembert, for which Normandy is famous. You ll be able to sample some of these and other delicious produits du terroir in Beuvron-en-Auge, designated one of the plus beaux villages de France. Distance D5: 48 km, elevation gain 138 m or 57 km, gain 176 m. Distance D6: 41 km, elevation gain 278 m or 63 km, gain 414 m.* Day 7 Honfleur We ll follow the Côte Fleurie, traveling in the footsteps of the Impressionist painters drawn here by the magical light and the sea. Arrive in Honfleur, Omaha Beach Bayeux Crépon once the haunt of artists such as Arthur Boudin and Claude Monet and home to composer Erik Satie. It was from Honfleur that Samuel de Champlain set sail on the voyage of discovery that resulted in the founding of Québec in 1608. Distance: 37 km, elevation gain 281 m or 45 km, gain 385 m. Day 8 Take time for a final stroll around Honfleur before departing for your next adventure. *Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure. Caen Cabourg Le Havre Honfleur Weather (Bayeux) Average Daily High C F April 13 55 May 17 62 June 19 66 July 23 73 August 24 75 September 22 71 October 15 59 Cost Land Cost (current year): US $2850 Includes 7B/2L/6D Single Supplement: US $710 Bike Rental: US $220 What s included in cost? Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle. 7 nights lodging. All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1. Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums. Detailed map and route instructions. All baggage transportation (right to your room). All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities). Ready to reserve? Call or email our Travel Advisors with any remaining questions and to reserve your space at 1.800.242.1925. Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel, if necessary. We advise you to consider travel insurance.
Great Explorations 4 OUR GUIDES Our guests tell us time and time again that our guides are what set us apart from other companies. Caring, knowledgeable, athletic, articulate and fun-loving, each one is a natural leader Here at Great Explorations, we are tremendously proud of our guides. A diverse group of passionate and charismatic professionals, they have the local know-how and expertise to make your vacation incredibly rewarding. Whether it s fitting your bike, arranging a one-of-a-kind activity or being your personal interpreter, our guides wear many hats with ease. They are intimately familiar with their travel regions, having either lived or traveled there extensively. Comfortable speaking the local language and knowing all of the off-the-beaten track secrets, our guides ensure you ll have the journey of a lifetime. Our website features detailed bios on some of the more than sixty guides who lead trips for us worldwide. OUR BICYCLES The majority of our bicycle fleet are Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is the premier bicycle manufacturer in North America and Europe. We also maintain a fleet of Van Nicholas Mistral titanium race bikes in Provence. Our Cannondale hybrid bikes in the Provence are new Quick Speed 2 performance hybrids with components as follows: Frame: aluminum; carbon forks Crank: Shimano 105 5700 50/34 Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 5700 Saddle: Cannondale Quick Speed Ergo Tire: 700 x 28C Racing bikes (dropped handlebar) models are as follows: Synapse 5 105 model with synapse alloy frame and components are follows: Components: Shimano 105 Crank: 50/39/30 Rear cogs: 12-32 Seat: Synapse CAAD 5 aluminum frames with components as follows: Components: Shimano Tiagra Crank (triple): 53/42/30 Rear Cogs: SRAM PG-950, 12-26 Seat: Selle Royal Viper All bikes come with pump, tire levers, spare tube, water bottle carrier etc. Hybrid bikes come with handlebar bags and rear racks; racing bikes, come with map case but not a rear rack. We tune each bike prior to your arrival so that it is ready to ride for you.
Great Explorations 5 CLASSIC ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Hotel Churchill Bayeux Located on a pedestrian street in the heart of old Bayeux with the Tapestry just next door and the Cathedral a few steps away, the Hotel Churchill is the place to stay in the center of town. The staff is exceptionally helpful and friendly and the hotel boasts 32 charming and personalized rooms. Hotel Ibis Port en Bessin Crepon This 13th century manor and former farm has been restored to a quaint hotel, while maintaining the rustic feel. Cozy rooms have exposed beams and stonework, each personalized with 15th century furniture and fine rugs. The gourmet restaurant offers regional specialties made to order in an authentic medieval setting. Ferme Hotel La Ranconniere Ferme Hotel La Ranconniere Hotel ibis Port en Bessin Omaha Beach Located opposite the Port-en-Bessin fishing port, this hotel is the perfect home base for visiting historical Omaha Beach, the beach at Arromanches, the Bayeux tapestry or the Baron Gérard Museum. chill Hotel Chur Villa les Bains Houlgate Located along the charming Rue des Bains, this quaint, modern hotel boasts a lovely location that s only 2 minutes walk from the sandy beaches of Plage du Casino. From thier intimate patio enjoy the sunsets of the Cote Fleurie Les Maisons de Lea Honfleur Spanning a converted stone-built warehouse, 16th-century townhouses, and separate cottages, this elegant hotel overlooks the cobbled streets of the town square. It s a 1-minute walk from the harborfront, a 4-minute walk from the Musée de la Marine maritime museum and a 14-minute walk from Plage du Butin beach. Villa les Bains Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 Les Maisons de Lea
Great Explorations 6 ACCOLADES Many thanks for setting up a great trip, and for being incredibly helpful with all my questions and backup information. Your personal help was invaluable. It was a good trip and I am glad I went. The route descriptions were accurate, and the restaurant superb. Again thank you for your help throughout this trip. A. Rosen We had the best holiday ever- loved every minute.. Pam and Peter R., Vancouver, BC We found the people we met made the trip so special. Several of us have already been talking about which trip to go on next year. Kay & Jim D, Burlington, VT