Honfleur

As the Seine à Vélo route leaves behind the extensive wetlands of the Marais-Vernier and their marvels, continue riding through tranquil Norman countryside up to the Seine’s banks and the charming village of Berville-sur-Mer. The route takes you right through the heart of this old fishing port. Stop at its esplanade to admire the splendid view across to two bridges, the Pont de Tancarville and the Pont de Normandie, rising magnificently above the Seine. Back on your bike, you draw closer to the latter. As to the enchanting port of Honfleur, it hides just behind it. Explore the harbour’s utterly picturesque streets, enjoying a well-deserved stop here. The place drew numerous Impressionist painters, intent on immortalizing this Norman gem.

Enjoy a last look back at the historic port of Honfleur, a cradle for early Impressionists, before the Seine à Vélo leads you into the beautiful verdant meadows of the Pays d’Auge area. The finest race horses are trained here, while the grazing cows produce some of Normandy’s finest cheeses. The route takes you to Pont-l’Évêque, the name of the town also carried by an excellent local cheese. Foodies will enjoy trying local Calvados apple brandy too. Rows of apple trees line the way to Deauville’s great beach, like fans encouraging you in your final effort to reach the line at the end of the cycle route! So you arrive at the seaside and broad sands decorated with colourful parasols. Leave your bike to one side to enjoy the reward of a swim and a good rest. Just across the Dives Estuary stands the historic port of Trouville, a tempting place to taste an array of seafood by the fish market.