Want to hike with new friends?Join a group trip
2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights in 3 star hotels and B&Bs
Meals
  • 4 Breakfasts

5 Days£750GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: NCW

Trip highlights

  • Visiting the historic sites of World War II's Battle of Normandy
  • Discovering the Normandy countryside on foot
  • Exploring Bayeux, famous for its tapestry

Normandy's D-Day landing beaches saw the largest seaborne invasion in history during the WWII Battle of Normandy. Starting from the seaside town of Arromanches where an artificial harbour was established, key to the success of the campaign, this walking holiday will take you back in time to appreciate the roles of both the Allied and German forces during the battle. Heading along the cliffs, the walking route takes in the historic sites of World War II, including the German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer and Omaha Beach where the Allied Invasion took place, and the American War Cemetery at Colleville-sur Mer. Continuing inland through quintessential rolling Normandy countryside you reach Bayeux, with its impressive cathedral, historic buildings and the famous tapestry of William the Conqueror - a fitting end point to a short but enriching journey on foot in Normandy.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Arromanches

Finishing Point:

Bayeux

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive Arromanches and make your own way to your hotel. It was here that the Allies set up a harbour using sunken barges to supply the D-Day troops. Today the barges are still visible on the beach and in the sea. Take the time to visit the excellent and informative D-day museum.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you start walking from your hotel along the cliff above the Gold Beach. Nearby is the main German Battery of Longues-sur-Mer, which you reach as you walk past Mulberry harbour. After visiting this strategic position with its tanks and bunkers, continue on to the fishing village of Port en Bessin and your hotel on the harbour for 2 nights. Distance walked: 13km/8mi

Meals:  B

Today's loop walk takes you further west, to Colleville-sur-mer and the impressive American War cemetery. From here you can walk down to Omaha Beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, then follow the trail back through farming land. Or if you don't feel like walking back, you can order a taxi (approx EUR30-35, payable locally). Distance walked: 12 or 22km/7.5 or 14mi

Meals:  B

Today's walk takes you through the heart of the Bessin area, with its orchards, green pastures and great granite mansions and manors. Arriving at the British War cemetery of Bayeux and the Commonwealth memorial, the last stage takes you through the beautiful centre of Bayeux with its impressive cathedral, historic houses and the famous tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings (the Bayeux Tapestry museum is temporarily closed for renovations until October 2027). Overnight Bayeux where the quality of local cuisine is superb. A local favourite is the galette, a savoury crepe made with buckwheat and filled with a range of different ingredients, or the tubs of mussels which are full of flavour. Distance walked: 17km/10.5mi

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast. Our usual hotel is walking distance to the train station, or ask for our rates if you'd like to spend more time in Bayeux.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 4 breakfasts - breakfast is continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee and juice. Some hotels will have a wider selection of food items.
  • 4 nights in 3 star hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Information pack per room booked, including maps & route notes
  • Navigational app and log in
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Arromanches and from Bayeux
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Tourist Tax - allow EUR12-15 pp - payable directly to the hotels
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

This trip involves 3 days walking between 12 and 21km per day over undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet trails through the countryside. At times you will need to walk on small roads. We recommend that you undertake some pre trip training to ensure you get the most out of your walk. During the walk you need only carry your camera and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 1 to 30 Jun and 1 to 30 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.

Priceper person from

£750GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£310
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£380
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.