2 days by bike on the greenways around Caen
La Vélo Francette cycle route begins in the Calvados region of Normandy with 2 greenways: along the Caen Canal, which runs parallel to the Orne River, and then along the Suisse Normande greenway. From the Normandy seaside, along its rivers and through its countryside, this is the perfect route for exploring with children!
Day 1: From Caen to Suisse Normande (32 km round trip)
After a morning spent exploring Caen and its castle, cycle south towards the peaceful haven of the Suisse Normande. Pedal along the banks of the Orne in complete safety on this 100% greenway route.
For families:
- Events and workshops accompanying the "Dans les pas de Néenderthal" exhibition (In the footsteps of Neanderthal Man) at the Musée de Normandie - Read more (in French)
- The treasure hunt - Read more
- The castle's assault course for children aged between 4 & 7 years old - Read more
- 4 cycling roadbooks for exploring the city of William the Conqueror - Read more
- Grimbosq Forest and its wildlife - Read more
- Vieux-la-Romaine museum and archaeological site - Read more
Day 2 : From Caen to the sea (26 km round trip)
Cycle along the Caen Canal alongside the Orne river on a trail reserved solely for cyclists and pedestrians to spend the day at the seaside, on the beach at Ouistreham!
Not to be missed:
Custom route
Custom route
1 Ouistreham / Caen
Start at Ouistreham, the Normandy ferry port north of Caen, its strand renowned as Sword Beach, its codename during the Allied liberation of France that began on D-Day, 6 June 1944. Take the towpath-turned-greenway beside the Canal de l’Orne; pay homage to the British airborne troops who took the vital crossing nicknamed Pegasus Bridge the night before D-Day. A cycle track leads on to the marina in central Caen. This city boasts splendid buildings dating back to William the Conqueror’s reign, while the Mémorial de Caen is a major war museum.
2 Caen / Thury-Harcourt
Once you’ve gone round Caen’s marina, explore the city via its ‘green lungs’, notably the racecourse and a special Espace Naturel Sensible, an environmentally protected area. Continue south beside the Orne River, taking the greenway into La Suisse Normande’s hills. This portion runs along a former railway line, offering an exceptionally peaceful route, a delight for nature lovers.
