Windswept cliffs, winding coastal lanes, ancient stone villages… and barely a cyclist in sight.
La Hague, perched on the wild Cotentin Peninsula near Cherbourg in Normandy, offers one of the most scenic – and surprisingly overlooked – coastal cycling routes in France. In my latest ride, I set out to explore this rugged gem.
A 30km Loop Through Normandy’s Wild North
Starting in the quiet port of Omonville, I followed a 30km coastal loop that hugged the cliffs, climbed through small villages, and flirted with dramatic sea views that felt more like Brittany than northern France.
Early on, the route took me to an old windmill with panoramic views of the Atlantic. From there, it was a headwind battle to the lighthouse at Goury – the northernmost tip of Normandy – where the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean collide. The road to Nez de Jobourg was steep and remote, offering views across hidden bays and stone hamlets lost in time.
The final stretch took me past the striking nuclear facility at Flamanville before dropping me back through farm lanes to the start point.
So Why Aren’t More Cyclists Riding Here?
This is France’s quiet corner. No traffic. No cafés every 5km. No fanfare. Just honest roads, punchy climbs, and nature doing its thing. And maybe that’s why I loved it.
Most cyclists head south – to the Alps, the Pyrenees, or the Loire Valley. But Normandy, especially La Hague, offers a raw, unfiltered experience that’s ideal for those of us who ride for discovery, not just distance.
Featured on Our St Malo to Caen D-Day Tour
This very route is part of our 4-day D-Day cycling tour from St Malo to Caen. It’s a ride that blends the natural beauty of La Hague with powerful historic locations like Pegasus Bridge, Ranville Cemetery, and the British Normandy Memorial.
The tour is timed to coincide with the D-Day anniversary in June, offering a moving and unforgettable journey along the route taken by many Allied forces in 1944 — with La Hague offering the perfect remote detour along the way.
If you’re interested in combining stunning coastal riding with powerful historical storytelling, this tour is well worth considering.
Watch the Full Ride
You can watch the entire ride – including the climbs, the windmill, and the final blast back to the van – on my YouTube channel:
👉 Watch: Why Don’t More Cyclists Ride This French Coastline – La Hague, Normandy
It’s part of my ongoing series showcasing cycling in France, from vintage bike events to D-Day routes and coastal escapes like this one.
Planning Your Own Ride in La Hague?
If you’re heading to Normandy and want help planning a gravel or road ride in the region, get in touch. During the winter I’m based in Caen and know these routes well. Whether you’re coming for a day or a week, I can help you find the best tracks, climbs, and local secrets.
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📍 Learn more about our Normandy gravel and D-Day tours