Arromanches-les-Bains / Ouistreham
Cycling beside the beaches along this stage, you can't help but think of the soldiers who landed in these parts during D-Day and beyond in summer 1944. British and French soldiers came ashore at Sword Beach, Canadians at Juno Beach. The Vélomaritime leaves Arromanches via minor roads that offer 360° views of the sea and the oyster parks below. Take a break at the fishing port of Courseulles-sur-Mer, where a daily fish market takes place on the quays. This stage also allows you to admire Normandy's Côte de Nacre seaside villas, recalling the earliest days of tourist sea-bathing, along with the iconic beach huts.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
The route
From Arromanches to Ver-sur-Mer you benefit from a greenway along the RD514, with a passage via the Asnelles dike. Note that the section begins with a significant slope at the exit of Arromanches leading the majority of cyclists to dismount. The rest of the route is very accessible. From Vers-sur-Mer to Ouistreham, you alternate between roads shared with motorized traffic through the coastal villages and cycle lanes along the sea front. Signposting is in place, but keep your eyes peeled for the changes in direction.
SNCF
- Nearby train stations: Caen (10 km from Bénouville by the vélofrancette)
- Bayeux at 10 km (Main line Paris-Cherbourg)
