This area on the Normandy coast is well suited for a riding tour with some fine opportunities for beach galloping and history galore.
It has special significance for Americans because it was here at Omaha Beach that our soldiers successfully made the D Day invasion which was a great turning point of the Second World War. Our bloody victory came at a great cost, as some 10,000 American soldiers are buried nearby. As you canter along the beach you can still see the formidable German fortifications built to repel the invasion and the sight cannot fail to fill your heart with pride.
The lodgings on this ride are mostly historic estates and chateaux, each of which is interesting in its own way. You will have a chance to canter on the beach below the Abby/Fortress of Mont St. Michel, one of the most spectacular fortresses in Europe, built on a rocky promontory at the end of a long tidal peninsula. At low tide you can walk there, but at high tide it is surrounded by water, making it almost impregnable against attack.
Arrive at Chateau de Bellefontaine in Bayeux. Meet your guide and the group at 7pm for a briefing and dinner.
AM – start the first ride by the cliffs according to the tide, passing through Normand countryside to reach the famous Omaha beach. Hopefully you’ll experience a great canter on the beach before lunch in a local restaurant. About 2 hrs riding.
PM – Ride with great views of the sea and more beach canters according to the tide before visiting the WWII American Cemetery. About 1.5 hrs riding.
Dinner and overnight at Chateau de Bellefontaine
AM – Ride along the cliffs and the countryside of Colleville and along Omaha beach. Lunch in a local restaurant near the bacl. About 2 hrs riding.
PM – Continue riding with the fabulous ocean views from the cliffs to arrive in Arromanches, where you can see the famous WWII Mulberry port. About 2 hrs riding.
Dinner and overnight at La Marine hotel in Arromanches
AM – This morning’s ride will contineu on the cliffs above the beach and through the rolling hills. Visit the village of Ryes and its churches there from the XI and XIII century before lunch in a local restaurant. About 2 hrs riding.
PM – Ride to the old city of Cruelly. Visit the medieval chateau de Cruelly, from which the BBC reported the Normandy battle of 1944. About 2 hrs riding.
Dinner and overnight at La Marine hotel in Arromanches
AM – Visit the Bayeux cathedral, which houses the famous tapestry from the 11th century listed as a “Memory of the World” by UNESCO. Transfer by car to Saint Low, followed by lunch in a local restaurant.
PM – Ride in the Saint Lo countryside and visit Haras de Saint Lo, a farm at the heart of Selle Francais breeding. Transfer by car to Manoir du Brion in Mont Saint Michel Bay, where French kings stayed for their pilgrimage to Mont Saint Michel abbey. About 1.5 hrs riding.
Dinner and overnight at Manoir de Brion
AM – You’ll be led by a private guide in Mon Saint Michel bay to admire the spectacular views of the monument and the sea. About 4 hrs riding before lunch in local creperie.
PM – Free time in Mont Saint Michel where you will have time to visit the monument or shop.
Dinner and overnight at Manoir de Brion
Breakfast and departure. Transfer to Avranches or TGV Rennes station (transfer not included).
This itinerary is flexible and changes may occur at the guide's discretion due to the season and weather conditions.
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I just wanted to let you know how the trip was, and thanks for helping to make it happen. It was a wonderful experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Katherine Dymond
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