Cycling Collection by
7 days on the tracks of the Impressionists in Normandy
7 days
2-4 h/day
399km
2,180m
2,200m
For the first time, the Impressionists broke free from the requirement that an artist must bring the exact image of reality onto the canvas. Rather, they expressed their impression. But even if you have nothing to do with painting, the landscape will inspire you and of course the good cuisine will spoil you with the fresh, Norman products.
In this Collection, we have put together a journey for you in seven stages along the loops of the Seine, through the Pays de Caux and along the alabaster coast. Each of the stages, between 45 and 75 kilometres long, will take you through different landscapes rich in impressions. You start in Vernon, the gateway to Normandy. Between the well known and well frequented places like Giverny or Honfleur and cities like Rouen or Le Havre, lonely paths and little roads await you, which are dreamlike to cycle. The steep climbs worth mentioning can be counted on two hands, but are sometimes challenging at around 100 metres. As a reward you can expect beautiful views and great descents, because where it goes up, it goes down again sometime.
You follow the Seine, which crosses Normandy in countless loops, until you reach the mouth, which you cross on the impressive Pont de Normandie. On the way you will meet witnesses of the rich history of Normandy: from the Vikings, the so-called Northmen, who conquered the country and finally gave it the name Normandy, to the Middle Ages and the landing of the Allies up to the architecture of the post-war period. The alabaster coast is the most scenic. Over a hundred metres high chalk cliffs with spectacular formations line the coast of Haute Normandie, while endless sandy beaches await you in the Basse Normandie.
The starting point Vernon and the destination Caen are well connected to the French railway network and can be easily reached from Paris, for example. You will find several accommodations in different price ranges in all the stages. In summer, especially in August, we recommend that you book your accommodation early. This also applies to the campsites, of which there are many directly on or near the route. For example, campingfrance.com offers you a good overview.
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7 days on the tracks of the Impressionists in Normandy
388km
2,180m
2,200m
Last updated: November 19, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2. Stage 2: Direction Rouen! - In the footsteps of the Impressionists
44.4km
02:37
100m
100m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Expert bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5. Stage 5: The Côte d'Albâtre - In the footsteps of the Impressionists
62.5km
03:55
480m
480m
Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6. Stage 6: The Seine estuary - In the footsteps of the Impressionists
46.0km
02:49
280m
280m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. Stage 7: Seaside resorts to Caen - In the footsteps of the Impressionists
72.7km
04:33
400m
400m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
399 km
Duration
24:32 h
Elevation
2,180 m
2,200 m
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