Carentan-les-Marais / Grandcamp-Maisy
You start off along the Vélomaritime from Carentan taking a rather unusual bridge-canal, on which boats and cyclists cross at a higher level than the cars! The route then takes you around the Baie des Veys, an estuary where four rivers converge, offering a peaceful haven for birds and common seals who appreciate the plentiful food supply. You then reach Isigny-sur-Mer, synonymous for human gastronomes with fine butter, cream and cheese! After enjoying a wander through the marshes and alongside the Aure River, you arrive back at the coast at Grandcamp-Maisy.
Gradients and elevation
Slope breakdown
Road types
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
The route
In the county of Manche:
This portion of the route runs alongside the canal, almost 2km in length, linking Carentan's yacht harbour to the sea, taking you via the unusual bridge-canal on which the waterway is suspended over the road! After crossing the Taute River, the route is along minor roads meandering past hedge-row-divided fields with views over the Baie des Veys. At the place named La Blanche, you need to ride 400m on a greenway along the D613 county road before you cross the Pont du Vey bridge. The whole of this stretch is easy for cyclists.
In the county of Calvados:
This greenway continues in Calvados, first along the RD613, then on the right-of-way of an old railway line which takes you to the port of Isigny-sur-Mer. This stage then continues along minor county roads that offer views over the Baie des Veys as they lead you round to Grandcamp. There are no particular difficulties for cyclists along this stretch and any slopes are very gentle.
