This 12 day Bikepacking tour offers a captivating journey through some of the most scenic regions in France and England. Starting in Northern France and my hometown of Caen, the route follows picturesque coastal roads and charming countryside to St Malo. From St Malo I take a ferry to Jersey to tour the island and then on to Guernsey. The Channel Islands enchant with their mix of rugged cliffs, peaceful beaches, and fascinating wartime history.
From there, the adventure continues to Southern England and the Purbecks where I used to train and race as a teenager. Highlights include the tranquil beauty of the Isle of Wight, bustling cycling routes along the south coast such as Portsmouth and Brighton. Finally from Newhaven I take the ferry back to France to Dieppe where I follow the VeloMaritime via the intimidating Pont de Normandie back to Caen. With multiple ferry crossings adding an element of maritime excitement, this tour combines cycling, culture, and coastal exploration into a seamless and unforgettable bikepacking experience.
Chapters
- Introduction and map
- Day 1 Caen to Carentan
- Day 2 Carentan to Coudeville
- Day 3 Coudeville to Cherrieux (Mont St Michel)
- Day 4 Cherrieux to St Malo (Ferry Crossing to Jersey)
- Day 5 Jersey (Ferry Crossing to Guernsey)
- Day 6 Guernsey (Ferry Crossing to Poole, UK)
- Day 7 Isle of Purbeck
- Day 8 Poole to Isle of Wight (Ferry crossing to Isle of Wight)
- Day 9 Isle of Wight
- Day 10 Isle of Wight to Newhaven (Ferry crossing to Portsmouth and back to France)
- Day 11 Dieppe to Le Tilleul
- Day 12 Le Tilleul to Caen (Separate Pont de Normandie Video )
Useful Links
- I used the Helikon-Tex Camp French Press Coffee Mug
- I rode a Cotic Escapade during the cycle tour
- Brittany Ferries
- WightLink Ferries for the Isle of Wight
- DFDS Ferries (Newhaven to Dieppe)
Check out other items I recommend
You can view all the cycling related items that I use by visiting my links page.