Seven day tour

Two nights in Bayeux, one night in Carentan, one night in St Lo, one night in Caen and one night in Bayeux.

Day 1 & 2: Exploring Bayeux

Bayeux is a jewel of Normandy. It has the famous tapestry and magnificent Cathedrale de Notre Dame, the original home of the tapestry. There are many outdoor cafes and bars. Ease into the first full day in France, take in the sights of Bayeux or cycle off to one of the beaches.

Day 3: Bayeux to Carentan - 35 miles

En route to Carentan you pass the beaches of the D-Day landings and the attractive small fishing town of Port-en Bessin (well worth a coffee or ice cream stop). Access to the beaches is very easy. Carentan, known as the capital of the Marais, has an interesting marina that was first drained by Napoleon. It has a wealth of bird life and is an area of canals and small rivers.

Day 4: Carentan to St Lo - 31 miles

From Carentan take the slow, winding roads close to the Canal de Vire. If you are fortunate you might see storks and herons, water lilies and cattle taking the afternoon sun on the green river banks of what becomes the river Vire.

Day 5: St Lo to Caen - 43 miles

Leaving the massive town walls of St Lo and its inescapable history you go through the Foret de Cerisy. If you can, pay a visit to the magnificent Abbaye de Cerisy-la-Foret and take in the skills of the Norman masons.

Day 6: Caen to Bayeux - 29 miles

Caen was William the Conqueror's favourite town. It is now has a pleasure port but, if you want a view of the city, try looking from the Chateau ramparts. Your route takes you close to an amazing umbrella factory at Creully and onto Arromanches les Bains. Arromanches has a superb 360 degree cinema where largely unseen archive footage of the landings and aftermath is shown. Arromanches is a good place to stop for what the locals call "refraichissements".

There is also longer alternative route which is available via the Caen canal. This allows a visit to Pegasus Bridge and the Ouistreham beaches.

Day 7: Bayeux

After a sustaining buffet breakfast we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home or to your next destination.