Saint Malo > Cherbourg

LE PETIT TOUR DE MANCHE
ROADBOOK
Saint-Malo > Cherbourg
10 days / 9 nights
© Marc LEROUGE
Oct. 2014
© Marc LEROUGE
ETAPE 2
ROSCOFF
BIKE INFORMATION
>
MORLAIX
THE “ACCUEIL VÉLO” (CYCLISTS WELCOME) LABEL
Accueil Vélo is a national brand providing reception and high-quality
services to cyclists along cycle routes. The Accueil Vélo label covers
accommodation, Tourist Offices, bike rental and repair companies and
tourist sites.
These are marked with the brand’s pictogram in this guide.
Accredited services must be within 5 km of a cycle route and meet
certain criteria:
ÉDITO
The different services and providers
featured in this roadbook have been
chosen with the prime objective of
making the practical arrangements for
your holiday as simple and efficient as
possible.
In no way does it provide a
comprehensive list. As a priority, it aims
to meet the expectations of a defined
target clientele for European tour
operators with the following profile:
individuals and groups of individuals aged
41 to over 60, for a one-week holiday,
looking mostly to discover heritage,
history and nature, accommodation in 2
and 3-star hotels, half-board or bed and
breakfast, average distance of 30 to 50
km per day, easy to moderate difficulty.
The stages chosen comprise one route
suggestion, several others are possible.
© Marc LEROUGE
- Provide reception facilities for cycle tourists: welcome treats,
useful information and advice (tours, weather forecast, other Accueil
Vélo services), a suitable breakfast.
- Offer the following services: luggage transfer, laundry washing and
drying, bike and accessory rental, bike washing facilities.
- Offer the following facilities and equipment: secure bike storage
area, repair kit.
BIKE RENTAL
Rental companies offering rentals and touring services (equipment, assistance)
Locvelo - François Briane – Bayeux / www.locvelo.fr
Abicyclette - Rennes / www.abicyclette.net
Arz Location (small groups) - Theix / www.arz-locations.fr
Les Vélos Bleus - Saint-Malo / www.velos-bleus.fr
LOCAL BIKE TOUR COMPANIES
Incoming tour operators offering turnkey holidays for this route
Abicyclette - Rennes /+33 (0)2 30 96 18 22 / www.abicyclette.net
Compagnie des sentiers maritimes - Rennes / +33 (0)2 99 78 83 70 / www.sentiersmaritimes.com
France Randonnée - Rennes / +33 (0)2 99 67 42 21 / www.france-randonnee.fr
Normandie Rando - Le Mesnil-Germain/ +33 (0)9 66 94 88 11 / www.cycletours.com
Visit Ouest - Le Rheu / +33 (0)2 99 14 95 47 / www.visit-ouest.com
MAPS AND GUIDES
Two guidebooks for the Petit Tour de Manche are available in French and in English
Baytree Press: www.cycle-guides.co.uk
Itinérance à Vélo - « Tour de Manche »: www.cartovelo.com (to be published in
spring 2014).
BIKE TRANSPORT ON TRAIN
There is no charge for carrying bikes on TER regional trains: bikes are suspended or
placed in a dedicated space. The departure and arrival towns on the route have been
chosen to allow return by TER to the tour departure point.
Taking a bike with you on TGV high-speed trains is more complicated: you need to book
in advance and pay a fee. Bikes must be carried in a protective cover, too.
Restrictions also apply in peak periods. For additional information, consult www.velo.sncf.com
Timetable and fares on websites www.ter-sncf.com/bretagne and www.voyages-sncf.com.
2
© Marc LEROUGE
ETAPE 2
ROSCOFF
OVERVIEW
>
OF
THE
TRIP
MORLAIX
The Petit Tour de Manche from Saint-Malo to Cherbourg is probably one of the most eclectic bike rides possible on a dedicated
route.
There’s a variety of diverse landscapes, as your bike-ride progresses, you’ll encounter a wealth of coastal and inland scenery: the
jagged, rocky Breton coast, the gentle Mont Saint-Michel Bay, peaceful green Normandy farmland, the Cotentin marshes and
unique Cherbourg, facing the sea.
There’s even a variety of cultures, with the combination of two multi-faceted regions covered on a single route.
There’s a diverse range of heritage, too, carrying you off into the packed history of a region that has long been strategic – from the
Middle Ages through to the Second World War.
This entrancing, all-round holiday is accessible to all without any major difficulties. It’s ideal for cyclists who want to discover
seaward horizons and remarkable coastal sites, along with the rolling green countryside, hidden treasures and peaceful charms of
the meadowlands, forests and rivers of inland Normandy. And to cap it all, there’s the tasty gastronomy of seafood and farmhouse
fare to delight you.
For more information about the entire Tour de Manche route, visit www.tourdemanche.com
HIGHLIGHTS
Saint-Malo walled town
History, heritage, window-shopping and beaches at the
foot of the city walls. A number of tours are available from
the tourist information centre or as downloads, for you to
explore as you please.
Mont Saint-Michel Bay
You can never tire of the vista of Mont Saint-Michel rising
up above the bay. Every time you see this fine Gothic abbey
atop its rocky isle, there’s a new surge of emotion.
Vire Valley
The Vire is a winding river, cuttings its way through the rocky
flint that lies beneath the soil. A towpath follows the river
bends practically all the way from Vire to Saint-Lô, providing
an easy cycle route to make the most of the exquisite
landscapes, alternating between gentle hills and spectacular
gorges.
Cotentin and Bessin Regional Natural park
This marshland park extends over some 150,000 hectares.
The rural area features preserved farmland, flood plains,
moorland and coast, offering an amazing diversity of plant
and animal wildlife for you to explore at your leisure as you
travel along the lanes.
Cherbourg harbour
Cherbourg-Octeville boasts the largest artificial harbour
in Europe – one of the greatest building exploits of the
eighteenth century, extending over 1,500 hectares. The
central dyke was begun in 1783 and completed in 1853. In
1860, on the orders of Napoleon III, three forts were built.
MAJOR EVENTS
MAY
Garden month - Cherbourg: guided
tours of the city’s parks and gardens.
www.ville-cherbourg.fr
JUNE
Etonnants Voyageur - Saint-Malo:
book and film festival.
www.etonnants-voyageurs.com
JULY
Les Virevoltes Festival - Vire: street
performances and music groups.
www.lesvirevoltes.org
Entre ciel et mer: living arts and
plastic arts festival right in the centre
of Mont Saint-Michel.
www.festival.mtstmichel.free.fr
AUGUST
Jazz en baie: jazz festival in Mont
Saint-Michel Bay.
www.jazzenbaie.com
SEPTEMBER
Au son d’euh lo - Tessy-sur-Vire:
music and cultural festival.
www.ausondeuhlo.com
OCTOBER
Quai des Bulles - Saint-Malo: cartoon
festival.
www.quaidesbulles.com
Les Bordées de Cancale: a major event
for lovers of traditional sea shanties.
www.lesbordees.fr
Mange Ta Soupe festival - Carentan:
culinary workshops, competitions and
local fare.
www.mangetasoupe.eu
Route du Rock - Saint-Malo.
www.laroutedurock.com
USEFUL INFORMATION
Electricity: 220V AC
Emergency numbers - European: 112 / Ambulance: 15 / Police: 17 / Fire service: 18
Note that most shops in France close between 12 noon and 2pm and close for
the day at 7pm. It’s also rare to find restaurants that serve meals before 7pm.
3
© Marc LEROUGE
ETAPE 2
ROSCOFF
>
MAP
MORLAIX
LE PETIT TOUR DE MANCHE
from Saint-Malo to Cherbourg
© France Vélo Tourisme
You can view the detailed map and all Gpx files for the route on the website
www.tourdemanche.com
4
Vire
Saint-Lô
Carentan
Bricquebec
Cherbourg
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
www.tourdemanche.com
Day 10
Cherbourg
Bricquebec
Carentan
Saint-Lô
Vire
(23 km)
(28 km)
(30 km)
(4 km)
(20 km)
(8 km)
(26 km)
(5 km)
(20 km)
(35 km)
(38 km)
(45 km)
(22 km)
(7 km)
OFF ROAD,
TRAFFIC FREE
+ 250
+ 248
+ 239
+ 669
+ 290
+ 379
+ 50
+ 211
D+ *
Difficulty : Easy : virtually flat route without frequent dangerous section.
Intermediate : route with hilly sections or frequent dangerous sections.
Expert : route with difficult hilly sections or very frequent dangerous sections.
28
52
48
65
42
65
30
33
ROADS
EASY
INTER.
EXPERT
55 %
total overall ascent.
Mortain
Day 5
Mortain
Mont Saint-Michel
Le Vivier-sur-Mer
Saint-Malo
KM
DIFFICULTY *
ROSCOFF
SUMMARY
> TABLE
MORLAIX
Off road,
traffic free
D+ :
Mont Saint-Michel
Le Vivier-sur-Mer
Day 3
Day 4
Saint-Malo
Day 2
Day 1
STAGES
TYPE OF ROUTE
ETAPE 2
Total distance
Difficulty
363 km
Easy
Intermediate
You can view the detailed map and all Gpx files for the route on the website
5
STAGE 1
© Pierre TORSET
ETAPE 2
ROSCOFF
DEPARTURE:
>
SAINT-MALO
MORLAIX
HIGHLIGHTS
Aleth walled city and Solidor tower:
listed historic monuments.
Petit Bé fort and Fort National:
accessible on foot at low tide, are
in an outstanding location with
unforgettable 360-degree views.
www.petit-be.com
Travel back through time at the City
History Museum.
www.ville-saint-malo.fr
Saint-Malo is the ideal arrival port for cyclists. With its great reputation, outstanding
character and landscapes, diversity of interest points, easy access and appropriate
facilities, it extends inland the spirit of freedom it has always upheld on the seven
seas.
The ramparts of this stone vessel on the mouth of the Rance rise proudly up above the
beaches and port. Saint-Malo was founded on the Alet peninsula in the first century
BC. In the twelfth century, the Gallo-Roman port made way for a city built on an
island. In the sixteenth century, Jacques Cartier left to explore Canada, and fishing
fleets sailed off to Newfoundland. Shipowners worked the trade routes and made the
city wealthy. They became prosperous within the walls, extended by the disciples of
Vauban. In the eighteenth century, the privateers Duguay-Trouin and Surcouf further
reinforced the prestige of Saint-Malo.
GETTING THERE
Car:
Paris/Saint-Malo: 450 km.
Storm the vessel! Come aboard the
Etoile du Roy and the Demeure de
Corsaire.
www.etoile-du-roy.com
www.demeure-de-corsaire.com
Train: Paris/Saint-Malo: direct TGV high-speed train in 3 hours or TGV to Rennes with
connecting 1-hour TER journey to Saint-Malo.
Rennes/Saint-Malo: direct TER in 1 hour.
Nantes/Saint-Malo: direct TER in 2 hours or via Rennes in 2 hours 30 minutes.
Air:
Paris, Rennes or Nantes airport, then train to Saint-Malo.
The Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo.
www.aquarium-st-malo.com
Ferry:
Crossings from Poole and Weymouth on Condor Ferries and Portsmouth on
Condor Ferries and Brittany Ferries.
Car parks: nearby intra-muros : 1,800 places, free from November to March.
STAGING POINT: SAINT-MALO
Accommodation
3* hotel - Escale Océania
Chaussée du sillon
Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 99 40 36 36
www.oceaniahotels.com
3* hôtel and restaurant
Ambassadeur
Chaussée du sillon
Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 99 40 26 26
www.hotel-ambassadeurssaintmalo.com
2* hotel - La Rance
Quai Sébastopol - Quartier
Saint Servan/Solidor
Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 99 81 78 63
www.larancehotel.com
2* hotel - Brit Hôtel
Le Surcouf
Avenue du Révérend Père
Umbricht – Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 99 56 30 19
www.surcoufhotel.com
Markets
Restaurants
L’Âtre (fish/seafood)
Esplanade du Commandant
Menguy - Quartier SaintServan /Solidor – Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 99 81 68 39
www.restaurant-latre.com
La Brigantine (crêperie)
Rue de Dinan – Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 99 56 82 82
www.labrigantine.fr
in the Walled Town and
Saint-Servan
(Place
Bouvet)
On Tuesdays and Fridays.
L’Entre Deux Verres (regional and eclectic cuisine)
Le Bulot (cuisine with fresh
Rue Grands Degrés
fish and market produce)
Saint-Malo
Quai Sébastopole - Quartier Saint- +33 (0)2 99 40 18 91
Servan / Solidor - Saint-Malo
www.restaurant-lentredeu+33 (0)2 99 81 07 11
xverres.com
www.lebulot.com
MORE INFORMATION
Saint-Malo Tourist Board: +33 (0)8 25 13 52 00 / www.saint-malotourisme.com
6
STAGE 2
© Simon BOURCIER
ETAPE 2
SAINT-MALO
LE VIVIER-SUR-MER
ROSCOFF
33>km
95% roads
MORLAIX
Difficulty: easy to expert
D+ 211 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
Cancale: the prime gourmet stoppingplace on your route.
Maison de la Baie Visitor centre – Le
Vivier-sur-Mer: explore the natural
and human heritage of Mont SaintMichel Bay. www.maison-baie.com
Leave the Corsaire city heading north-east towards Cancale. As you ride along the
coast, you’ll see the carved rocks at Rothéneuf: a strange world that is the unique,
amazing work of a hermit monk in the late nineteenth century. The route then
leaves the busy coastal road, taking a quieter alternative through the countryside
via the village of Saint-Coulomb.
After Cancale - an essential gourmet stopover during your holiday – the coast
changes in aspect as Mont Saint-Michel Bay appears, forming the backdrop for
your journey. On clear days, the Mont can already be seen on the horizon – and
you’ll continue heading towards it for the next two days! You’ll leave behind the
more difficult hilly route for a gentle, flat coast path. The huge beaches are the
ideal place for gourmet tasting featuring oysters and shellfish.
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Action Taxi – Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 99 82 55 64
Taxi Stéphane Lezenes – Saint-Malo Allo taxis Malouins – Saint-Malo
+33 (0)6 99 65 35 35
+33 (0)2 99 81 30 30
Lemaitre Christophe – Saint-Malo
+33 (0)2 23 18 11 81
ON YOUR WAY
Halfway along the route, Cancale is clearly the ideal place to stop for lunch. There are lots of food shops in the town centre, a market
on Sundays and an oyster market at the sea port (daily!) where you can buy food for a picnic. We can also heartily recommend a meal in
one of the restaurants in this regional gourmet capital, with oysters, shrimps, whelks, cockles, fish, abalones – or crepe pancakes with a
difference.
Mechanics
Restaurants
A contre courant (seafood cuisine)
Place du calvaire – Cancale
+33 (0)2 99 89 61 61
www.acontrecourant.net
L’ormeau (local seasonal fare)
Quai Thomas – Cancale
+33 (0)2 99 89 60 16
www.restaurant-ormeau-cancale.fr
Crêperie Breizh Café
Quai Thomas – Cancale
+33 (0)2 99 89 56 46
www.breizhcafe.com
Les 2 roues de Cancale – Cancale
+33 (0)2 99 89 80 16
STAGING POINT: LE VIVIER-SUR-MER
Le Vivier-sur-Mer is one of the principal mussel-farming centres in Mont Saint-Michel Bay. It’s the ideal place to stop and explore the
natural and human heritage of the bay. The maison de la Baie visitor centre organises themed excursions to visit the mussel farms and
marshes, or go birdwatching.
Market: summer market in Cherrueix, Thursdays 5pm to 8pm in the village centre.
Accommodation
3* hotel and restaurant
Beau Rivage
Rue de la mairie - Le Vivier-sur-Mer
+33 (0)2 99 48 90 65
www.logis-beaurivage.com
Restaurants
2* hotel and restaurant
Le Bretagne
Rond point du centre – Le Vivier-sur-Mer
+33 (0)2 99 80 82 87
www.hotel-restaurant-le-bretagne.com
Hotel and restaurant - de la Baie
Rue du bord de mer – Saint-Benoitdes-Ondes (6 km du Vivier-sur-Mer)
+33 (0)2 99 58 77 59
www.hoteldelabaie.eu
The accommodations suggested also have good restaurants, so high-quality halfboard is available.
MORE INFORMATION
Cancale Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 99 89 63 72 / www.cancale-tourisme.fr
Saint-Coulomb Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 99 89 00 21 / www.saintcoulomb.com
Pays de Dol Tourist Board - Dol-de-Bretagne / +33 (0)2 99 48 15 37 / www.pays-de-dol.com
7
STAGE 3
© Pierre TORSET
LE VIVIER-SUR-MER
ETAPE 2
LE MONT
ROSCOFF
SAINT-MICHEL
>
31 km
MORLAIX
20% off road, traffic free
Difficulty: easy
D+ 50 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
Local fare centre - Cherrueix.
www.lamaisonduterroir.fr
Polder visitor centre - Roz-sur-Couesnon
www.cc-baie-mont-st-michel.fr
Le Mont Saint-Michel (spur route)
Tour of Mont Saint-Michel abbey.
www.mont-saint-michel.monuments-nationaux.fr
A very scenic stage, with the highlight of the day being the arrival at Mont SaintMichel, before going on to explore this outstanding site. The short distance and lack
of any real difficulties along the route mean you should have plenty of time to visit
the village and abbey in the afternoon.
Today’s route continues along the broad sandy bay, home to the highest tides in
continental Europe. The exceptional tidal range is a boon for land-sailing and speedsailing enthusiasts. Along the way, Cherrueix has an international reputation among
lovers of these sports. From Saint-Benoit-des-Ondes, ride along the greenway of
the dike Sainte-Anne to reach the Couesnon River. For the last few kilometres, ride
along the banks of the river to reach the Mont Saint-Michel.
Guided walk across the sands around
Mont Saint-Michel.
www.pays-baie-mont-saint-michel.fr
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Voyages Amard – Pontorson
+33 (0)2 33 48 24 09
Taxi Saint-Benoit – Hirel
+33 (0)2 99 80 82 53
ON YOUR WAY
The goal today is to reach Mont Saint-Michel for lunch. If you choose to picnic, it’s best to buy your food from the shops at Vivier-sur-Mer
before leaving, or at Cherrueix on the way. The many restaurants at Mont Saint-Michel also offer you the possibility of a unique gourmet
experience in this outstanding setting.
Mechanics
Restaurants
Crêperie La Sirène
Grande Rue – Mont Saint-Michel
+33 (0)2 33 60 08 60
Crêperie La cloche
Grande Rue – Mont Saint-Michel
+33 (0)2 33 60 15 65
Restaurant la Ferme Saint-Michel
(local gastronomy)
La caserne – Mont Saint-Michel
+33 (0)2 33 58 46 79
Cycles Romé – Dol-de-Bretagne
+33 (0)2 99 80 96 26
STAGING POINT: LE MONT SAINT-MICHEL
Aptly named the « Wonder of the West », Mont Saint-Michel is surrounded by a magnificent bay. The sight is breath-taking. Mont SaintMichel Bay is a UNESCO world cultural and natural heritage site.
In 708AD, the Bishop of Avranches is said to have founded a sanctuary on mont Tombe, after the archangel Michael appeared there on
three successive occasions. The church was consecrated in 709AD, and has attracted pilgrims and other inquisitive visitors from all over
the world ever since. Mont Saint-Michel has the unique feature of being built on a rocky islet. It is home to many architectural masterpieces including the abbey itself, which is well worth a visit.
Market: on Thursday in Pontorson, accessible via a traffic free spur route (10 km from Mont Saint-Michel).
Accommodation
3* hotel and restaurant - Le Relais du Roy
Route du Mont Saint-Michel
Le Mont Saint-Michel
+33 (0)2 33 60 14 25
www.le-relais-du-roy.com
2* hotel - Formule verte
Route du Mont Saint-Michel
Le Mont Saint-Michel
+33 (0)2 33 60 14 13
www.le-mont-saint-michel.com
2* hotel - Vert
Route du Mont Saint-Michel
Le Mont Saint-Michel
+33 (0)2 33 60 09 33
www.le-mont-saint-michel.com
Hotel and restaurant - les 4 Salines
Rue des 4 salines
Roz-sur-Couesnon (12 km from Mont)
+33 (0)2 99 80 23 80
www.hotel-les-4-salines.com
MORE INFORMATION
Mont Saint-Michel Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 60 14 30 / www.ot-montsaintmichel.com
Pays de Dol area Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 99 48 15 37 / www.pays-de-dol.com
8
STAGE 4
© Pierre TORSET
LE MONT2
ETAPE
SAINT-MICHEL
ROSCOFF
MORTAIN
>
65 km
MORLAIX
70% off road, traffic free
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
D+ 379 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
The treasures of Avranches (spur
route): medieval castle keep, NotreDame-des-Champs Church, SaintGervais basilica and the plant gardens
offering unique views of Mont SaintMichel.
Waterfalls walk - Mortain (route map
available free of charge from the Tourist Board).
Today’s route leaves Mont Saint-Michel and the coast to take narrow lanes and
greenways through inland Normandy. After about twenty kilometres featuring
the last good views of Mont Saint-Michel, the route follows an easy greenway
from the banks of the Sélune towards to Mortain. There are some beautiful places
to stop along the way.
One is Ducey, a charming, flower-decked port where scows used to land, borne
up by the tide. Due to its history as a strategic trading post, the town has retained
the imposing Montgommery family chateau and old port – both dating back to
the twelfth century. Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, a fortified settlement at the
borders of Brittany, Cotentin and the Loire region, was founded and fortified
by one of William the Conqueror’s comrades-in-arms.At the end of the journey
Mortain rises up on the hillside at the heart of the green Normandy farmland. The
enchanting Cance waterfalls and their steep surrounding hills are typical of the
scenery, revealing the wilder side of Armorican Normandy.
The Montgommery castle - Ducey.
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Voyages Amard – Pontorson
+33 (0)2 33 48 24 09
Taxi Saint-Benoit – Hirel
+33 (0)2 99 80 82 53
ON YOUR WAY
Ducey (25 km from the start) and Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët (45 km)
are great places to explore – and also good places to go food shopping.
There’s a market in Ducey on Tuesday mornings on the main street, and on
Wednesday mornings in Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët town centre. There are a
few good restaurants along the way if you want to stop for a sit-down meal,
for instance in Ducey.
STAGING POINT: MORTAIN
Mortain lies at the border of the Mont Saint-Michel Bay area and the
Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. It boasts two remarkable natural
beauty spots – pleasant places to explore after this long section of over
60 km. The waters of the Grande Cascade, the most beautiful waterfall
in western France, gather to form a 25-metre cascade in a majestic, rocky
setting. The water in the Petite Cascade, a natural, secluded spot in the
town centre, falls onto the steps of a huge natural staircase cut into the
rock. This site, laden with a history and memories, will fire your imagination.
Market : on Saturday mornings in the town centre.
Restaurant
Taxi Babeth – Mortain
+33 (0)2 33 79 00 01
Mechanics
Cap Loisirs Location – Parigny
l’Auberge de la Sélune
Rue Saint-Germain – Ducey +33 (0)2 33 49 15 17
+33 (0)2 33 48 53 62
Bouticycle Michel prieur - Le Neuf
www.selune.com
+33 (0)2 33 59 45 72
Accommodation
3* hotel and restaurant de la Poste
Place des arcades – Mortain
+33 (0)2 33 59 00 05
www.hoteldelaposte.fr
Restaurants
Les Cascades (regional and
traditional cuisine)
16 Rue du Bassin - Mortain
+33 (0)2 33 79 05 79
Hotel and restaurant
Auberge les Closeaux
Les Closeaux – Romagny
+33 (0)2 33 61 41 45
chezphil.over-blog.fr
MORE INFORMATION
Avranches Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 58 00 22 / www.ville-avranches.fr
Ducey Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 60 21 53 / www.ducey-tourisme.com
Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 79 38 88 / www.st-hilaire.fr
Mortain Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 59 19 74 / www.mortain-tourisme.fr
9
STAGE 5
© Simon BOURCIER
ETAPE
MORTAIN2
Mont
VIRE Saint
ROSCOFF
Michel
42>km
> free
90%MORLAIX
off road, traffic
Mortain
Difficulty: easy
D+ 290 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
Dathée lake (a few kilometres off
the route before you arrive in Vire):
10-hectare bird reserve managed by
the Normandy Ornithological Group,
with 86 bird species (ducks, coots,
grebes, snipes and more) to be observed.
Today’s route continues along the pleasant, easy-to-ride greenway, entering the
Bocage Normand farmland towards Vire, your next stopover. Situated halfway
between Caen and Mont Saint-Michel in south-western Calvados, this secluded
region features a succession of gentle green hills and pastureland that will enchant you with its bucolic charm.
For nature-lovers, the attraction of the Bocage Normand is first and foremost the
variety of landscapes, alternating between valleys lined with country hedges and
remarkable forests. For gourmets, the Bocage Normand offers an opportunity to
try out the very best in Normandy gastronomy. Your stopover in Vire will give you
the chance to make the very most of it!
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Clock gate - Vire: the main entrance
to the city, was built in the thirteenth
century.
Ateliers Guy Degrenne - Vire: offers a
guided tour of a cutlery manufacturing
workshop.
Normandy gastronomy: the Manche
département has an almost infinite
range of fine, quality local fare.
Taxi babeth – Mortain / +33 (0)2 33 79 00 01 / +33 (0)6 85 42 73 70
ON YOUR WAY
If you want to picnic in the countryside or on the banks
of Dathée lake (a few kilometres off the route), do your
shopping before leaving Mortain or halfway along the
route in Sourdeval (market on Tuesday mornings and
shops).
There are a number of restaurants in the village centre in
Sourdeval for a quick, inexpensive lunch stop.
Mechanics
Bouticycle Michel Prieur
Mortain - Le Neuf
+33 (0)2 33 59 45 72
Cycles du Bocage
Vaudry / Vire
+33 (0)2 31 67 99 04
STAGING POINT: VIRE
Situated on the right bank of the river of the same name, Vire was no doubt first fortified during the reign of Charlemagne. These fortifications
were replaced in the twelfth century by imposing stone ramparts, turning the town into one of the strongholds that defended the duchy against
Brittany. There are a few remains from the Middle Ages, in particular the clock gate, which is well worth a visit. Until the end of the fourteenth
century, the city made the most of natural energy from the river: mills, furriers, tanners, paperworks, textiles and cloth manufacturing were
burgeoning industries. The town is a pleasant stopover on the Petit Tour de Manche, combining history with culinary pleasures – including Vire
andouille sausage, the local speciality.
Market: on Friday mornings (featuring many local farmers’ stalls).
Accommodation
3* hotel and restaurant
Logis Hôtel de France
Rue d’Aignaux – Vire
+33 (0)2 31 68 00 35
www.hoteldefrancevire.com
3*hôtel - Saint Pierre
Avenue du Général Leclerc
Vire
+33 (0)2 31 68 05 82
www.hotelsaintpierrevire.fr
Restaurants
Hôtel Moderne
Place de la gare
Vire
+33 (0)2 31 68 01 39
www.hotel-moderne-vire.fr
Au vrai Normand
(regional cuisine)
Rue Armand Gasté – Vire
+33 (0)2 31 67 90 99
www.auvrainormand.com
Le Manoir de la Pommeraie
(regional cuisine)
Route de Flers – Vire
+33 (0)2 31 68 07 71
www.restaurant-pommeraie-vire.co
MORE INFORMATION
Mortainais Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 79 35 61 / www.mortain-tourisme.fr
Bocage Normand Tourist Board – Vire / +33 (0)2 31 77 16 14 / www.bocage-normand.com
10
STAGE 6
© A LAMOUREUX
ETAPE
VIRE 2
SAINT-LÔ
ROSCOFF
65>km
55%MORLAIX
off road, traffic free
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
D+ 669 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
Souleuvre Viaduct: the route passes
close to this old railway viaduct, which
stands on five granite pillars. One of
the lesser-known works of Gustave
Eiffel, it is now a popular place for
bungee jumping.
The
Centre
de
Création
Contemporaine Usine Utopik - Tessysur-Vire: is a meeting and discussion
venue that supports and promotes
plastic arts and contemporary writing.
www.usine-utopik.com
Les Roches de Ham - after Tessysur-Vire: watch out for the signposts
to this rocky outcrop, which stands
some one hundred metres high. It
offers breath-taking views of the
surrounding countryside.
After a few kilometres of greenway, today begins with a ride along narrow
country lanes as you continue your journey through the bocage Normand and
Vire valley towards La Ferrière-Harang and then Pont-Farcy. Here the climb is
more pronounced, but the Normandy hills provide some excellent viewpoints
that are well worth the effort. Leaving Pont-Farcy you rejoin the flat greenway,
leading through a number of country villages and charming hamlets, including
the medieval town of Tessy-sur-Vire. After Condé-sur–Vire, the trail crosses the
most picturesque part of the valley to Saint-Lô, surrounded by peaceful meadows,
sheep, horses and hedges full of wild flowers.
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Taxi Ambulances du Centre – Vire
+33 (0)2 31 68 02 44
Taxis du Bocage – Vire
+33 (0)2 31 68 01 97
ON YOUR WAY
Today’s route features a number of places to stop along the way to buy food, particularly
Pont-Farcy (after 33 km), Tessy-sur-Vire (after 40 km) and Condé-sur-Vire (after 52 km).
There is also a market in Condé every Wednesday morning. In addition, there are some
good restaurants in these towns, where you can stop for lunch.
National Stud Farm - Saint-lô.
www.haras-nationaux.fr
Restaurants
Le Coq Hardi (traditional
cuisine using local fare)
Le Bourg - Pont-Farcy
+33 (0)2 31 68 86 03
STAGING POINT: SAINT-LÔ
Saint-Lô is situated on the river Vire. It was destroyed by bombing in
1944 and is now a new town in which concrete successfully blends
in with older remains such as the city walls, which date back to the
Middle Ages. Saint-Lô has been dubbed the « Horse capital » thanks
to the prestige of its national stud farm and sporting events including
the « Normandie Horse Show ». Saint-Lô also boasts a fully-fledged
cultural scene with a library, Fine Arts museum, theatre and cinema.
Offering all the services touring cyclists may need, Saint-Lô is a
pleasant stopover on your route.
NB: Saint-Lô has an SNCF railway station with regional train services to
Saint-Malo via Pontorson. It can also serve as an arrival-point instead of
Cherbourg for those seeking a shorter stay.
Market: on Tuesday, rue Alsace Lorraine. On Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, place du Général de Gaulle.
Mechanics
Le Crêp’uscule (crêperie)
Rue des Catelleries
Condé-sur-Vire
+33 (0)2 33 56 47 93
Accommodation
Cycles Bocage
Vaudry / Vire
+33 (0)2 31 67 99 04
Restaurants
3* hotel Best Hotel
Boulevard de Strasbourg – Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 57 57 57
www.besthotel.fr
Le Pêché Mignon
(normandy cuisine)
Rue Marechal Juin - Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 72 23 77
2* hotel and restaurant - Brithotel Lunotel
Rue de la Liberté - Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 56 56 56
hotel-saint-lo.brithotel.fr
Le Goût Sauvage
(natural food and wine)
Rue de Villedieu – Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 72 24 76
Hotel and restaurant - La Crémaillère L’Escale (buffet and grills)
Rue de la Chancellerie - Saint-Lô
Promenade des Alluvions - Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 57 14 68
+33 (0)2 33 05 51 51
www.lacremaillere-stlo.com
MORE INFORMATION
Bocage Normand Tourist Board – Vire / +33 (0)2 31 77 16 14 / www.bocage-normand.com
Canton de Torigni-Sur-Vire Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 77 42 22 / www.ot-torigni.fr
Tessy-sur-Vire tourist information point / +33 (0)2 33 56 23 70 /www.tessy-sur-vire.com
Saint-Lô tourist region / +33 (0)2 33 72 56 73 / www.tourisme-pays-saintlo.com
11
STAGE 7
© Marc LEROUGE
ETAPE
SAINT-LÔ2
CARENTAN
ROSCOFF
48>km
40%MORLAIX
off road, traffic free
Difficulté: easy
D+ 239 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
Claies de Vire Observatory
La Meauffe: a centre for the study
of migrating fish (shads, sea trout,
Atlantic salmon, etc.).
www.aappma-saint-lo.com
Leaving Saint-Lô, the route follows the very pleasant winding towpath along the
Vire canal to Saint-Fromond. You then switch to narrow country lanes on towards
Saint-Jean-de-Daye.
Here, we leave the Bocage Normand and its stud farms to enter the Cotentin
and Bessin marshland regional natural Park. The network of channels and canals
is typical of the area, where the seasonal water levels have a major influence.
Narrow country lanes lead through this marshland with no major difficulty.
Port des Planques and the Maison des
Ormes lock house
Montmartin-en-Graignes: embody the
marshland waterways heritage.
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Flambard et fils taxi - Saint-Lô
+33 (0)6 07 97 71 45
Taxi du pays Saint Lois - Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 57 57 29
ON YOUR WAY
After cycling along the towpath where there are no real possibilities
for buying food, Saint-Jean-de-Daye (past the half-way point) is
the obvious lunch stop on your route today, with all the food shops
you’re likely to need, the market in the town centre every Friday
and a couple of restaurant options.
Mechanics
Restaurants
Auberge chez Hubert (traditional)
Rue Saint-Jean - Saint-Jean-de-Daye
+33 (0)2 33 05 64 54
Accro vélo – Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 75 67 30
Cycles 14 - Saint-Lô
+33 (0)2 33 57 54 91
Au p’tit trot (traditional)
Rue de la Libération - Saint-Jean-de-Daye
+33 (0)2 33 55 48 00
STAGING POINT: CARENTAN
Carentan, the « Capital of the Marshlands », boasts a wealth of natural heritage. These marshes are a nature reserve dedicated to the
management and conservation of biodiversity. The town also has a number of old churches. During your stopover, you’ll be able to explore
the medieval arcades, Notre-Dame Romanesque church, the Gothic-style church, the seventeenth-century town hall and the wash house
and fountains. Carentan is linked to Veys Bay by a sea channel and has a marina. In the Middle Ages, a harbour was built close to the city
walls at “quay-au-vin”, in the bed of the river Gouffres, which flowed into the Taute. A goods trade (salted meats, cereals, poultry, wine,
salt and rush bundles to fuel the manor ovens) was operated by the scows that sailed the marshland waterways.
Market: on Monday, place Valnoble.
Restaurants
Accommodation
Kyriad 3* hotel
Rue du mesnil – Saint-hilaire
Petitville – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 71 92 88
www.hotelcarentan.com
2* hotel - Vauban
Rue Sebline – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 71 00 20
Logis Auberge Normande hotel
Boulevard de Verdun – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 42 28 28
www.aubergenormande.com
Le Pere Alta (traditional cuisine / foie gras)
Quai Caligny – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 71 26 54
MORE INFORMATION
Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin Regional Natural Park – Saint-Côme-du-Mont / +33 (0)2 33 71 65 30 / www.parc-cotentin-bessin.fr
Marais de Carentan Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 71 23 50 / www.ot-carentan.fr
12
STAGE 8
© Marc LEROUGE
ETAPE 2
CARENTAN
BRICQUEBEC
ROSCOFF
52>km
100%MORLAIX
off road, traffic free
Difficulté: easy
D+ 248 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
A spur route starting at Carentan leads
to the Normandy landing beaches (Arromanches and Port en Bessin): along a
dedicated trail. The « Landing beaches –
Mont Saint-Michel » cycle route invites
you to explore historic and cultural heritage as you cycle along greenways and
quiet country lanes.
www.bocage-normand.com
The Mont Castre site - Lithaire: allows visitors to find out all about the
region’s history through the ruins of
old Lithaire and its neolithic site.
The « au grès du temps » gardens
- Lithaire: nestle in the Cotentin
marshland, where the temperate
climate is ideal for the growth of a
host of different plants. Covering
some 4,000 m², the site is home to an
unusual blend of art, glass and nature.
www.augresdutemps.jimdo.com
A pleasant stage, leaving Carentan towards the small picturesque village of
Bricquebec. All the ingredients for a fine day of exploration are there: a route
along a greenway – a safe, disused railway line with no difficulties, allowing you to
fully enjoy the natural environment, featuring lush pastoral scenes, hedge-lined
fields, forests, far-stretching marshlands and outstanding animal wildlife (keep
your binoculars to hand!). To complete the picture, there is some great heritage to
explore in the villages along the route, such as the castle keep at La Haye-du-Puits
and the chateaus at Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte and Bricquebec.
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Allo Taxi – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 42 21 44
Achard Cérald – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 71 50 50
ON YOUR WAY
There are lots of places to picnic in the countryside along the way. One good option is to
do your shopping in Carentan before leaving. If you want to combine your lunch break with
site-seeing, La Haye-du-Puits, at the half-way point (22 km) and Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
somewhat further on (40 km) are two possible stopping places during the day’s ride. You’ll
find lots of food shops, town centre markets on Wednesdays in La Haye-du-Puits and
Saturdays in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte, and a good range of restaurants.
Restaurants
Restaurant Pom’cannelle
Rue du Général Leclerc
La Haye-du-Puits
+33 (0)2 33 46 45 57
www.restaurantpomcannelle.fr
Auberge du Vieux Château
Avenue Division Leclerc
Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
+33 (0)2 33 41 60 15
www.auberge-vieux-chateau.fr
Mechanics
Saint Louis – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 42 30 28
Sport 50 – Carentan
+33 (0)2 33 71 19 77
STAGING POINT: BRICQUEBEC
This town is thought to date back to the time of the Vikings. The current town lies on a shale plateau overlooking a narrow valley with a stream
that the Vikings called the Brekkubekk (slope beck). At that time this place was a major crossroads.
Bricquebec is a ‘Ville d’Art et d’Histoire’, with very fine heritage to be explored during your stopover. The castle, the finest example of Bricquebec
heritage, dates back to the twelfth century. It was the home of the Bricquebec lords from the Viking era right up until the French Revolution. Other
places to visit include the old Notre-Dame church and La Trappe abbey.
Market: on Monday in the town centre.
Accommodation
3* hotel and restaurant
Hostellerie du château
Cours du château – Bricquebec
+33 (0)2 33 52 24 49
www.lhostellerie-bricquebec.com
2* hotel and restaurant
Auberge du Vieux Château
Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte
(13 km avant Bricquebec)
+33 (0)2 33 41 60 15
www.auberge-vieux-chateau.fr
Hotel and restaurant
Vallée de la Douve
L’étang Bernard
(6 km de Bricquebec)
+33 (0)2 33 94 52 70
www.hotelvalleedeladouve.com
Restaurants
For
your
dinner,
the
three
accommodation options selected have
good restaurants that we recommend.
The other few possible alternatives in
Bricquebec will not be as practical from
a logistics point of view.
MORE INFORMATION
La Haye-du-Puits Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 46 01 42 / www.ot-lahayedupuits.com
Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 21 50 44 / www.ville-saint-sauveur-le-vicomte.fr
Bricquebec Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 52 21 65 / www.officedutourisme-bricquebec.com
13
STAGE 9
© Marc LEROUGE
ETAPE 2
BRICQUEBEC
CHERBOURG
ROSCOFF
28>km
15%MORLAIX
off road, traffic free
Difficulty: easy
D+ 250 metres
HIGHLIGHTS
Boat trips and water sports
Cherbourg harbour.
www.cherbourgtourisme.com
For the final stage of your route, you’ll leave the greenway and finish your journey
to Cherbourg on quiet roads without any particular difficulty. You pass through
the quaint village of Brix and pedal from farm to hamlet, along quiet roads,
surrounded by high hedgerows enclosing meadows, fields and orchards. Just a
little further and you’ll ride into Cherbourg, whose many different facets are well
worth exploring.
The cité de la mer: an attraction
dedicated to the deep sea world,
including the Redoutable, the largest
submarine open to visits in the world.
www.citedelamer.com
Close to Cherbourg: there’s Ravalet
chateau and gardens in Tourlaville, a
superb blue shale Renaissance chateau
with landscaped gardens that boast
the « Jardin Remarquable » label, and
a round greenhouse listed as a historic
monument.
www.ville-cherbourg.fr
LOGISTICS - LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Cherbourg-Octeville Taxi – Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 53 36 38
Taxi Seizeur – Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 22 24 23
ON YOUR WAY
Today you have two alternatives. The first is to do the entire
Mechanics
route in the morning and arrive at Cherbourg in time for lunch,
then make the most of the afternoon to visit the many different La passion du 2 roues - Brix
sites available in the city. The short distance without any real +33 (0)2 33 52 31 06
difficulties on the route makes this a perfectly feasible option.
The alternative is to buy food before leaving Bricquebec or in
Brix, after about ten kilometres, and have a last picnic in the
countryside before entering Cherbourg during the afternoon.
STAGING POINT: CHERBOURG
Cherbourg port is located within the largest artificial harbour
in Europe, an amazing seventeenth and eighteenth-century
architectural achievement spanning 1,500 hectares. There are four
ports arranged within Cherbourg’s three breakwaters: a marina, a
commercial port, a fishing port and a naval port. With everything
from La Cité de la Mer to Sainte-Trinité basilica and the Liberation
museum, there’s a very wide range of walks and places to visit. You
can also see the Italian-style theatre, churches, museums – as well
as the outstanding botanical, seafaring, scientific and adventure
heritage. Caressed by the Gulf Stream, Cherbourg has an ocean
climate.
The tradition dates back to the sailors who brought back unknown,
exotic plant species from distant lands. This continued in the early
twentieth century with Emmanuel Liais and Dr Favier, who vied
with each other in their ambition, building two parks which are
renowned among botanists the world over.
Market: there’s a wide range of markets at Cherbourg. The main
ones are on Thursdays and Saturdays, place Centrale and on Sundays,
avenue de Normandie.
Hébergements
2* hotel Napoléon
Place de la République
Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 93 32 32
www.napoleon-cherbourg.com
2* hotel Le Louvre
Rue de la Paix - Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 53 02 28
www.hotel-le-louvre-cherbourg.com
2* hotel de la Gare
Rue Jean Jaurès
Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 43 06 81
Hotel Moderna
Rue de la Marine - Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 43 05 30
www.hotel-moderna.com
Restaurants
Café de Paris (seafood cuisine)
Quai de Caligny - Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 43 12 36
www.restaurantcafedeparis.com
Le Vauban (local cuisine)
Quai de Caligny - Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 43 10 11
www.levauban-cherbourg.fr
L’imprévu (gastronomy)
Grande Rue - Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 04 53 90
www.restaurantlimprevu.free.fr
Le Pily (gastronomy)
Grande Rue - Cherbourg
+33 (0)2 33 10 19 29
www.restaurant-le-pily.com
MORE INFORMATION
Brix Tourist Board – Valognes / +33 (0)2 33 40 11 55 / ww.ot-cotentin-bocage-valognais.fr
Cherbourg Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 93 52 02 / www.cherbourgtourisme.com
14
STAGE 10
© Marc LEROUGE
ETAPE 2
ROSCOFF
ARRIVAL:
>
CHERBOURG
MORLAIX
Cherbourg station is in the city centre, close to the
commercial port. It has good connections for your
return journey to your departure point in Saint-Malo,
with or without bikes, or transfer to major cities, stations and airports for your return journey (Paris and
Caen).
RETURN TRANSPORT
TO SAINT-MALO with or without bikes
Train:
Cherbourg – Saint-Malo: return possible by 3-4 1/2
TER train journey from Cherbourg (with changes).
Taxi:
Cherbourg-Octeville Taxi / +33 (0)2 33 53 36 38
Taxi Seizeur / +33 (0)2 33 22 24 23
AIRPORT AND STATION
TRANSFERS
Car:
Cherbourg / Paris: 350 km.
Train: Cherbourg / Paris: direct 3 1/2 hour TER train
journey.
Cherbourg / Caen: direct 1 1/2 hour TER train
journey to Caen.
Air:
Paris and Caen airports accessible by train or
train + taxi from Cherbourg.
Ferry:
Crossings from Cherbourg to Poole and
Portsmouth in England with Brittany Ferries.
MORE INFORMATION
Cherbourg Tourist Board / +33 (0)2 33 93 52 02
www.cherbourgtourisme.com
© Marc LEROUGE
15