Cycling on the vélo-maritime

Calvados, land of freedom and wide open spaces

Calvados is the perfect place for hiking. Here, nature offers itself generously to those who take the time to explore it, whether on foot, by bike or on horseback. From the Normandy bocage with its centuries-old hedgerows, to the customs paths winding along the cliff tops overlooking the English Channel, to the sunken lanes lined with apple trees, each step or pedal stroke reveals a new facet of this unsuspectedly rich territory.

What makes Calvados so special is the diversity of its landscapes. In the space of a few kilometers, you can go from sandy beaches to lush green meadows, from limestone cliffs to gentle valleys carved by tranquil rivers. Each season brings its own light, color and atmosphere: the blossoming orchards of spring, the golden panoramas of summer, the autumn mists over the Normandy countryside or the mineral silence of the coast in winter. Whatever the season, adventure is just around the corner.

To each his own rhythm, to each his own adventure

One of Calvados’ great assets is its ability to cater for all types of walkers. For families with children, the signposted walking trails offer accessible loops, punctuated by natural and heritage points of interest. For sports enthusiasts looking for a challenge and a change in altitude, more demanding itineraries allow you to work out over several days, with backpacks and bivouacs on the agenda.

Nature lovers on horseback will find an ideal playground here, with equestrian itineraries through unspoilt landscapes and forest paths where time seems to stand still. And for those who prefer to ride, the Calvados network of cycle paths is one of the most extensive in Normandy, with safe trails linking villages, historic sites and natural areas in optimum comfort.

Country walks or original escapades, the discreet charm of a forgotten chapel at the bend in the path, exceptional panoramas over the bay or the bocage: here, every hike is a promise kept.

The Véloroute: 230 kilometers of Normandy to discover

Starting from Camping de la Prairie, an exceptional cycling adventure awaits you. The Véloroute linking the D-Day landing beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most beautiful and historic cycling routes in France. With 230 kilometers of safe, well-maintained itineraries, it invites you to cross Normandy in all its diversity, at your own pace, with your eyes wide open.

The route skirts the mythical beaches of June 6, 1944 – Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword – before entering the Normandy countryside, passing through picturesque villages, bocage valleys and remarkable heritage sites. You’ll come across moving memorials, impeccably maintained military cemeteries and museums that tell the story of the Battle of Normandy, as well as lively markets, cider and calvados producers, cheese farms and inns where the Norman welcome is an institution.

On the horizon, at the end of this journey through history and landscapes, the inimitable silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel emerges from the mist like an apparition. A reward worthy of the road travelled, and a memory engraved for a long time to come in the minds of those lucky enough to pedal to it.