Grandcamp-Maisy / Port-en-Bessin-Huppain
Cycling along this section is a humbling reminder of the landings of 6 June 1944. Shortly after Grandcamp-Maisy, the cycle route joins the Liberté Greenway, which runs along the clifftops of the Bessin coastline. It takes you to Pointe du Hoc, a landmark site of the Normandy landings, and on to equally symbolic Omaha Beach, where the US troops disembarked under enemy fire. You then cycle on to Port-en-Bessin, where a delicious seafood platter awaits you on the waterfront.
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
This section boasts a brand-new greenway hugging the beautiful Bessin coastline. It takes you to breath-taking Omaha Beach and then winds inland around the American cemetery along paths and country roads.
At Colleville-sur-Mer, you join a stretch that is well signposted, alternating between parish roads and greenways up to Port-en-Bessin. There's a very steep descent (>18%) as you come down to the port. Stop to admire the magnificent views!
Links
From Colleville-sur-Mer two connections take you to the American Cemetery (1.2 km) and to Omaha Beach (1 km).
SNCF
- Nearby station Bayeux station (10 km from Port-en-Bessin-Huppain), served by Normandy Intercity trains Paris-Saint-Lazare <> Cherbourg or Saint-Lô, via Caen, and Normandy TER trains.
