Le Mans to Caen

[Sgt Bilco]

I've got to drop a race truck off at Le Mans circuit on Thursday morning full of very fast Ford Mustangs.

I shan't be staying for the racing so it's bike in the back and ride home and I'll do it in reverse next week.

I'll have a a good few hours to get up to Caen to anyone got a decent windy route?

I might also just whizz up to the coast and spend a few hours checking out the Normandy beaches but either way, I want to keep off the big roads.

 

[EVskiy]

@Wapping clear your dining table and spread them maps out!

 

[Wapping]

This is pretty much the way we used to go, when we took the Caen to Le Mans route. It’s about 110 miles.



We also went via Flers / Mayenne (a bit further west) and / or via Argentan / Alençon (to the east a bit).

 

[EVskiy]

As a quick option from an excellent…

Just scan the QR codes to download the routes. Tweak them to your own liking and off you go.

Overview…



Route 5



Translation:

HIGHLIGHTS

- A must-see stop at the Roche d'Oëtre, the most mountainous sight in Norman Switzerland. Stand at the orientation table: the view of the immense precipice of the Gorges de la Rouvre is breathtaking! To the right of the table, under the main lookout, you'll see a rocky ridge with the lines of a human profile. To stretch your legs and take in the scenery, follow the "gorges path" (45-minute loop, small green signs) which leads down to the river and offers superb views of this exceptional site. Beware, the gradient is steep: good footwear recommended.
- Clécy - This village with its narrow streets is the capital of Norman Switzerland, attracting sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From the Pont du Vey, on the eastern outskirts of the town, the banks of the River Orne, brightened up by "guinguettes", are a delightful sight. Park your motorbike and follow the path south along the river to the Lande viaduct (1 km).



Translation:
5. SWISS NORMANDY
“- Argentan - 287 km - 2 25 30 This is the wildest and most rugged part of southern Normandy. Here, the Orne meanders at the foot of steep rocky outcrops. Its name of Suisse Normande (Norman Switzerland) - well deserved in fact - was given to it in the 19th century when the development of the railways and tourism enabled travellers to compare landscapes.“



Route 7



Translation:

7. THE PERCHE
- Nogent-le-Rotrou - 193 km - 2 0 3Đ 20 With this route almost entirely confined to the Parc régional du Perche, you'll discover a region largely unspoilt by the ravages of modernity. Landscapes of bocage, immense forests, beautiful longères, elegant manor houses and centuries-old farms galore dot an easy route, which resembles a concentrate of the French countryside of yesteryear. A beautiful plunge into the green hills and valleys

 

[theoneandonly]

now i've seen it all ..Bilko asking for a route.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

now i've seen it all ..Bilko asking for a route.

I sometimes struggle to get to Starbucks these days

 

[wessie]

If you want a windy route, switch your booking to the Le Havre ferry and go over the Pont de Normandie

 

[Wapping]

Or, use St Malo.

At least it’s not Cherbourg.

 

[Wapping]

We will be ships that pass in the night, as I am on my way to Le Mans from Cap Gris Nez on Saturday morning.

 

[EVskiy]

Another option. We used (in part) this route last year in the way back from Sid’s

View 'Le Mans' - Caen (Bilko)' in MyRoute-app!

 

[Wapping]

Indeed, so.

Or, depending on time etc etc along either of the blue or purple arcs.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

If you want a windy route, switch your booking to the Le Havre ferry and go over the Pont de Normandie

No choice unfortunately.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Thanks all and I'll down load the My Route app and have a look.

It's all a bit time dependant but at least I've got plenty of ideas

 

[adventuredon]

Thanks all and I'll down load the My Route app and have a look.

It's all a bit time dependant but at least I've got plenty of ideas

dm me you e mail address. I have gpx routes to and from Le mans that took a lot of fiddling and reading to decide. I send them over and you can amend etc as you like

 

[timeandtide]

If you want a windy route, switch your booking to the Le Havre ferry and go over the Pont de Normandie

Lived in that area for 6 months or so prior to the death of my brother in 1994 so made several trips Le Havre to près de Nogent (Le Trou) as it was known to locals. Fond and painful memories!

 

[Wapping]

dm me you e mail address. I have gpx routes to and from Le mans that took a lot of fiddling and reading to decide. I send them over and you can amend etc as you like

Don’t be shy, share them here.

 

[adventuredon]

hope they don't exceed limits

 

[Ectopic]

I've ridden in that area a few times but unfortunately I don't have a record of any specific routes. Reality is that if you avoid the dual carriageways it'll all be nice!