Today’s ride was 70.2 km with 683 vertical metres of climbing between Beuvron-en-Auge and Honfleur. This included an extra loop into the hinterland. We had a special lunch stop at…
The day began with a tough climb but soon turned into one of the most memorable and fun mornings of the trip. Justine, Gary, Bob and I got together and found our groove speeding through the beautiful Norman countryside on quiet but well-maintained roads. The ride was easy with some rolling terrain and some ups and downs until the entrance of the famous Deauville which lies on the coast.
Deauville gained importance for its horse races and international film festival, and it still attracts many tourists from all over France and England for its elegant ambience, the cafes, the casino and lovely sandy beaches.
Our designated meeting point was an old Norman church at La Fermelde La Mairie. Unfortunately, I had a small tumble on some loose gravel at a slow speed, but no harm was done.
From here we made our way to Manoir d’Apreval for lunch and cider tasting
Manoir d’Apreval is a family-run domain located by the sea, between Deauville and Honfleur. Specialized in the production of apples and pears, Manoir d’Apreval is a combination of traditional and modern methods respecting the environment. Their production of pure fruit juices and Cider are organic, Pommeau and Calvados.
And wrestling practice…????
Or even self defence instruction with Bob
Luckily this was before any cider tasting… not that we could have much with more cycling ahead.
The afternoon was spent by many on the extra loop through you guessed it more stunning landscape. However, some newly tarred roads caused some issues with Gary having a slow-motion fall like mine earlier in the day on loose gravel. Unfortunately, he hurt his shoulder.
Honfleur is a small city in the department of Calvados, in northern France’s Normandy region. It’s on the estuary where the Seine River meets the English Channel. The Vieux-Bassin (old harbour), lined with 16th- to 18th-century townhouses, has been a subject for artists including Claude Monet and native son Eugène Boudin. Nearby is the 15th-century St. Catherine’s Church, a vaulted timber structure erected by shipbuilders. ― Google.
