Pointers for Normandy, France

[Ginger]

Chaps,

Having been fortunate enough to have ridden all over Europe and beyond I still haven't visited Normandy !! Maybe I have just overlooked it as being 'too close', I don't know. However, I may have just a 4 day window to nip across the tunnel and then be back into Poole via the ferry from Cherbourg - hence Normandy would be the ideal location for me. (Its not certain yet!)

If it works out I aim to visit the landing beaches, maybe find a campsite to base myself from or move about each day - I am a very fluid rider.

But, I have never visited Normandy area before and I am sure there are lots whom have so;

Recommended campsites?
Places of War Interest to visit?
Location of any chemins / green lanes / forest trails?
Areas off the beaten track.

Ta in advance,

Andy

[Billy Bananahead]

I usually stay in gites these days but I have stayed on this campsite > http://www.campinglebrevedent.com/en/ and it's very nice.
Obviously July and August are the busy months.
I'll be in Normandy in September this year and just go exploring but can't recommend any chemins / green lanes / forest trails?
areas off the beaten track sorry.

[Ade-G]

There are loads of museums and loads to see in the area.
My favourites are; Dead Mans Corner Museum, Pegasus Bridge Museum and the one near the American Cemetery.
A visit to Normandy wouldn't be complete without a stop off at St Mere Eglise.
This website might be of use. www.tracesofwar.com

[Flintlock]

As above. Pegasus Bridge & museum at Caen. Then follow the coast towards Cherberg - this will take you past the beaches, Arromanche - mulberry pier, and museum , Point d hoc (sp) where the Americian rangers climbed the cliff to take out the gun battery. Bayeux (inland a wee bit) British commonwealth cemetery and the American cemetery at Omaha beach. We stayed at a very cheap campsite just outside Arromanche.

Also, if you have time the wee harbour town of Barfleur East of Cherburg is a nice place to stop for a break before getting the ferry home. This is were William the Conqueror left for England in 1066.

[Godspeed]

Spent a week over there recently on the bike. So many places to visit, best one for me was the 360 cinema at arromanche- very powerful and moving.
I found all sorts of little lanes to play on near the coast up near Barfleur.

[Godspeed]

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[Ginger]

Cheers chaps - sounds like there are some good places to visit and explore.

[Mikekitts81]

There was a few routes for Normandy in another magazine a few weeks back I'll attach the routes they have a few interests along the way and the roads are said to be the best

01normandybeaches.gpx.zip

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[PDiddy]

A whole load of D Day landing way points -

[Tourider]

I used to stay at the Camping Municipale at Asnells Sur Mer. Head in the direction of Arromanches and there's a visitor centre on a headland which you can pick up an Overlord route guide which will take you to all the major sites in chronological order, all the Overlord route is well sign posted.