Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux

Experience 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. 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.
Profile
— 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
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
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 Description
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.
Eating Drinking
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.
Transportation
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.
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.
Weather Information
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.
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.

Highlights