Dror • Yalon • Dudi • Myself
From the Atlantic to the Eiffel Tower
This journey was an 8-day pilgrimage on non-electric gravel bikes, stretching from the hallowed landing beaches of Normandy to the bustling heart of Paris. Initially, we traveled 3 hours by train to Carentan les Marais via the SNCF network. From there, we pedaled back through the curves of the Seine, following the path of history and Impressionist art.
Echoes of D-Day
Riding along the flat, colorful landscape of Normandy felt like cycling through a living museum. First, we visited the historical D-Day beaches, listening to stories of the liberation while battling a stiff Atlantic wind. Afterward, a lunch of fresh baguette and local Camembert cheese fueled us for our 72km push (450m climb).
The Road to Arromanches
Our second stage covered 70km (370m climb) from Arromanches-les-Bains to Dives-sur-Mer. Consequently, we pedaled through the medieval city of Caen, exploring the heavy concrete remains of German fortifications listed by the Caen Tourism Board. The day eventually ended with camaraderie and a legendary salad prepared by Dror.
Honfleur & The Seine
We completed 41km (450m climb) through Honfleur, a harbor town so beautiful it inspired Monet and Boudin. Furthermore, this marked our first meeting with the River Seine. Following this encounter, we would trace its sinuous, curving path all the way into the capital.
The Northern Bank
This 84km leg (320m climb) took us across to the northern bank of the Seine, effectively bypassing the industrial pulse of Le Havre. Although the ride was long, we found a quiet barn just before reaching our retreat. In that peaceful spot, we took a moment to lie down and soak in the silence of rural France.
Gothic Rouen & Clairseine
After crossing the Seine on a small wooden ferry, we rode into historic Rouen, the city of a hundred spires. In addition, the night at Clairseine was unforgettable. We enjoyed a homemade feast served by the river’s edge by hosts who had traded the stress of Paris for the rhythm of the water.
Monet’s Giverny
During this 63km (250m climb) stage, we essentially entered a canvas. By visiting the House and Gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, we crossed the famous green Japanese bridge. As a result, we saw the water lilies that changed art history forever in a village that remains a preserved masterpiece.
Van Gogh’s Final Horizon
Transitioning from the river to the rolling hills, we tackled a challenging 95km (600m climb). We stopped at Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his final 70 days. Because we stood in the very fields he painted, we were able to capture the same light and gold that he immortalized on canvas.
Triumph in Paris
The final push consisted of 68km (320m climb). We left the quiet rural roads behind as the skyline of Paris emerged. Finally, finishing the journey by cycling down the Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe provided a breathtaking conclusion to our 8-day gravel odyssey.
Journey Summary
Reflecting on our route, this traverse from the Atlantic coast to the capital was more than just a bike ride. In total, we covered over 550 kilometers across diverse terrain. If you are planning a similar trip, we highly recommend checking the France Velo Tourisme portal for detailed cycling infrastructure updates. To summarize, the combination of French history, Impressionist art, and grueling gravel climbs made this an unforgettable experience for our group.