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Normandy : Walking from the landing beaches to the Mont Saint Michel
    • France - Normandy
    • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From April to October
    • 2 - 10 travellers
      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Charming
      • Trip code : A1176
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About the Normandy : Walking from the landing beaches to the Mont Saint Michel trip

The Normandy tour starts in Bayeux, a beautiful white stone town, close to the D-Day landing beaches and miraculously spared from the bombings.This small town is also famous for its Tapestry which depicts the conquests of William the Conqueror, and for its splendid Gothic cathedral.
Discover the Normandy coastline, from the well-known towns and villages to the hidden gems. We end this beautiful journey with one of the most emblematic monuments of the region, indeed, the country: the Mont Saint Michel! This architectural masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we allow you a full day to explore the alleyways and climb the steps leading up to the abbey for the most splendid view over the bay.

The itinerary combines history, heritage, and stunning landscapes with easy walks on coastal paths in the country of a generous, local cuisine! 

Highlights of the trip

  • A walk through history: discovering the D-Day landing beaches
  • Beautiful walks in the Cotentin and the Nez de Jobourg
  • Exploring the infamous Mont Saint Michel
  • Swimming opportunies almost every day
  • Pretty fishing ports of Bafleur, Port en Bessin & Port Racine
  • Delicious local cuisine including scallops and fresh cream!



    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

From the blog

Walking from the landing beaches to the Mont Saint Michel - Day by Day 

Day 1 - Arriving in Bayeux

walking holiday in normandy france

  • Upon arrival at Bayeux train station, taxi transfer to your accommodation in the centre of Bayeux.
    Depending on your arrival time, take time to stroll through the charming medieval historic centre with its half-timbered houses which contrast with the white stone of Caen that most of the town is built from. You can visit the majestic Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the English Military Cemetery, and the Battle of Normandy Museum.  And of course, don't miss the famous Bayeux Tapestry which tells the story of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy - listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World.
    For dinner, you are free to choose from the many restaurants and sample the specialties of the region.
  • Night in Bayeux

  • Market in Bayeux on Saturday morning

  • Access
    . Regular flights to Caen Carpiquet airport and trains to Bayeux

Day 2 - Graye sur Mer & Arromanches

  • Loop walk -  Graye sur mer  self-guided walking holiday in normandy in france
    2h15 -7,5 km  - Ascent: 30m / Descent: 30m
  • After a 30-minute transfer, you arrive in Graye sur Mer. The walk starts in the dunes on the edge of the Channel. You continue inland and walk through the hinterland with beautiful views. You walk along charming little paths beside a peaceful stream. On your return to the beach, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Channel. Swimming is supervised in July and August only.
    We then transfer you to Arromanches, a small seaside resort known today for the remains of the artificial harbour built by the Allies during the Second World War to supply the troops based there with arms and munitions and to liberate France from the Nazis.
  • Optional & dependant on the tide: enjoy a 30-minute introduction to sand yachting on the large beaches in Asnelles, excitement guaranteed! (Transfers and activity with supplement)
    Afternoon transfer back to Bayeux
  • Night in Bayeux
  • MEALS included: breakfast

  • Our suggestion 
    . The day before, book your seafood platter for lunch in a restaurant in Graye sur Mer or Arromanches!

  • Optional activities : After your walk, enjoy sand yachting or a boat trip !
    Interested ? See details in the "option section"
    . Introduction to sand yachting (to be reserved when booking your trip) - Duration: 1h30
    Initiation supervised by an experienced instructor. The sand yacht is practiced at low tide on the still wet sand on large sandy beaches. Let yourself be carried by the wind and follow the course : excitement guaranteed!
    Please note: This activity is dependent on weather and tide conditions; you cannot choose the time of the activity. (Remember to bring a full change of clothes!)
    If the weather conditions do not allow sand yachting, you must choose another activity from the following: (no refund).
    . A sea trip in a semi-rigid boat
    . Paddle boarding
    . Sea kayaking
    . Electric bike ride

Day 3 - Port en Bessin, American cemetery, pointe du Hoc and Cherbourg

  • walking trip in Normandy France and easy walks France Loop walk - Port en Bessin  
    2h30 - 7 km - Ascent: 80m / Descent:80m
  • Transfert to Port en Bessin (15 mn) nestled between two cliffs, this artisan fishing port of Calvados is famous for its succulent scallops. This short walk takes you above Port en Bessin with a beautiful panorama of the small port of Port en Bessin and the sea. You explore the hinterland and the green countryside and walk across the Omaha Beach golf course.
    The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the American cemetery in Saint Laurent sur Mer and then the Pointe du Hoc, 2 important places in memory of the landings. Every year, on 6 June, all the representatives of the allied countries join together for the commemorations. The year 2024 mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Return transfer to Bayeux.
  • Night in Bayeux
  • MEALS included : Breakfast

  • Market in Bayeux on Sunday morning

  • Our suggestion :
    . The day before, book a restaurant for lunch in Port en Bessin to taste the famous scallops! 

Day 4 - Barfleur and the Gatteville lighthouse

  • self-guided hiking holiday normandy + hiking in the normandyWalk - Barfleur > Gatteville lighthouse > Barfleur  
    3h  - 11 km - Flat
  • Morning transfer to Bayeux train station where you catch a train to Cherbourg. A taxi will be waiting to transfer you to Barfleur, a charming fishing village!
    Departure on foot from this small port built on an arm of the sea, which boasts the label of one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its granite houses and the Saint Nicolas church. In the port of Barfleur, small and large fishing boats mingle with yachts, filling the quays with colour and activity. You go along the coast to discover the Gatteville lighthouse, the 2nd highest in France and Europe (75m). If you are brave enough, you can visit it and climb the 365 steps! (To be paid on the spot, in case of strong wind the lighthouse is closed to the public). Return to Barfleur inland, and discover the local agriculture, passing through the charming village of Gatteville-le-Phare, with its church, chapel, and small granite houses typical of the region.
    Transfer at the end of the walk to your hotel in either Cherbourg or Quinéville.
  • Night in Cherbourg or close by
  • MEALS included : Breakfast 

  • Market in Barfleur on Tuesday & Saturday mornings 

Day 5 - Le nez de Jobourg & the Mont Saint Michel

  • self-guided hiking holiday in NormandyWalk - Nez de Jobourg > Ecalgrain Bay > Nez de Jobourg
    4h - 12 km - Ascent: 400m / Descent: 430m
  • This morning, you are transferred to Nez de Jobourg for the most impressive hike of the week, perhaps also the most challenging! Among the highest cliffs in Europe, the Nez de Jobourg is a cliff that rises to 128 metres and juts out into the sea. You follow part of the coastal path across the moor and enjoy the magnificent panorama over the sea: from the Goury lighthouse to the tip of Flamanville.
    Inland, the landscape suggests Ireland, with pastures lined with low granite stone walls that shape the hills. In spring and summer, it is a festival of flowers that colour the landscape of the hamlets and fields: gorse, hydrangeas, and wildflowers. You descend to Ecalgrain Bay where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a moment of relaxation on the sandy and pebbled beach, before returning to the car park where your taxi will be waiting. Transfer to your hotel.
  • Night in Cherbourg or Quinéville
  • MEALS included : Breakfast 

Day 6 - The famous Mont Saint Michel !

  • best walking trip in mont saint michel in normandyMorning transfer to Lison train station where you take the train to Pontorson, located 10 mins from the Mont Saint Michel. A taxi will be waiting to take you to your hotel at the foot of the Mont Saint Michel.
  • If you are staying inside the Mont saint Michel, you will have to carry your luggage to the hotel as cars are prohibited. Please note that there may be many stairs to reach your hotel. You are free to explore the Mont Saint Michel, at your own pace.
    You can climb up to the Abbey (fee to be paid on the spot). Please note that it is strictly forbidden to go into the bay (the sand) without a guide, because of the fast-rising tides and the shifting sands.
    Return on foot to your hotel or take a free shuttle bus from the Mont St Michel to the hotel.
  • Night at the Mont Saint Michel
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • Our suggestion :
    . At the beginning of your trip, book your lunch at "La Mère Poulard", the famous and unmissable restaurant of Mont Saint Michel.

Day 7 - Guided visit of the Mont Saint Michel Bay

guided visit of mont saint michel

  • Today, enjoy a private tour of approximately 2 hours guided tour of the Bay of Mont Saint Michel with an English-speaking guide. Please note that the time of the visit is subject to the tides and the availability of a guide at the time of booking.
    Your guide will accompany you to discover the bay, the fauna & flora. You will discover the work that has been done to make the Mont Saint Michel an island again at high tide, and also learn of the dangers due to quicksand and the technique to escape it! You will be free for the rest of the day to enjoy this timeless place.
  • Night at the Mont Saint Michel
  • MEALS included: Breakfast
    walking holiday Normandy

Day 8 - Bye Bye Normandy

mont saint michel best walks

  • Transfer to Pontorson train station. End of the trip.
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

More walking holidays in Normandy

Walking holiday in Normandy: from the landing beaches to the Mont Saint Michel
Self Drive
    • France - Normandy
    • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to October

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Charming

    • Highlights of the trip

    • Freedom of a self-drive trip through some of the prettiest landscapes in Normandy
    • You walk through history: discovering the D-Day landing beaches
    • Beautiful walks in the Cotentin region
    • Visit the mystical Mont Saint Michel
    • Swimming opportunities almost every day
    • The pretty fishing ports of Barfleur, Port en Bessin, and Port Racine
    • Delicious local cuisine including scallops and fresh cream

      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 480 € / pers
    Normandy : Walking from the landing beaches to the Mont Saint Michel
      • France - Normandy
      • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From April to October

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Charming

    • Highlights of the trip

    • A walk through history: discovering the D-Day landing beaches
    • Beautiful walks in the Cotentin and the Nez de Jobourg
    • Exploring the infamous Mont Saint Michel
    • Swimming opportunies almost every day
    • Pretty fishing ports of Bafleur, Port en Bessin & Port Racine
    • Delicious local cuisine including scallops and fresh cream!



      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 1530 € / pers
    Trip details
    Normandy : Walking from the landing beaches to the Mont Saint Michel
        • France - Normandy
        • 2 adults (2x1530€)
        • 0 children (0x1530€)
      • 8 days
      • Simple
    Total 3060€
    Deposit 960€
    Book now !