Itinéraire vélo : de Luc-sur-mer à Caen

On the east side of the seawall, the fishermen’s pier is an extension to the Brèche Marais Street. It was brought from Ouistreham’s outer harbour in 1971. It has become a popular fishing spot for anglers.

On the night of 14 to 15 January 1885, a 40-tonne, 19-metre whale washed up on the shores of the Côte de Nacre at a place known as the "Brèche du Moulin". Today, the whale is the pride of Luc-sur-mer, where we are lucky enough to be able to approach its immense skeleton in the municipal park, much to the delight of young and old alike. In the same place, come and discover the Maison de la Baleine (Whale House), which tells the incredible story of the whale that washed up in Normandy, as well as the history of this species of cetacean. Inside you'll find an area devoted to stories and anecdotes about whales, a memorandum on whale hunting and protection, a scientific area containing anatomical and physiological data on these mammals, a video room showing a film retracing the history of the Luc whale, a retrospective on the beaching of the elfin whale with documents from the period, and a shop selling souvenirs, postcards, books, etc. The Maison de la Baleine houses the tourist office.

Listed on the Historic Monument's supplementary inventory on the 7th of April 1975, the shop was built by Georges Lesage in 1901, following plans drawn up by the Caen-based architect Rouvray, one of Hector Guimard's former pupils. It is a three floor Baroque style house in the early 20th century composite style. The entrance is the most picturesque feature with a floral grid, petal-shaped window arch and an impressively high and narrow door. Visits of the outside only.

Place of worship and prayer since the 12th century. The current building, which replaced the Romanesque chapel (1150), was built between 1854 and 1895 in the neo-Gothic style, inspired by the 13th century by the Rouen architect Jacques Barthélémy. The basilica houses the statue of Notre-Dame la Délivrande. The Délivrande pilgrimage is the oldest in Normandy, following a pagan cult. In the Middle Ages, it was as famous as that of Mont-Saint Michel. A procession always takes place in August. The first dated statue of Our Lady, dating from the Middle Ages, was destroyed by Protestants in 1561. The present stone statue is a black virgin which was donated in 1580 by Canon Legendre. Free guided tours in french at 5pm on Wednesdays in July and August and on request for groups all year round.

Its comprises two buildings in a three-hectare park. The entrance gate dates back to the 15 th century and was consolidated in the 19th century. The main building dates from 14 th and 15th centuries. Douvres became a barony in 1072 when Thomas of Dover ( 1st Archbishop of York, companion of William the Conqueror), it was then turned into a manor house and became the Bishop of Bayeux's country house. During the 18th century, it was rented to farmers and became a national property during the French Revolution. It has been renovated by the town of Douvres-la Délivrande and children can now enjoy a nice garden and a playground. Only french spoken Lectures, usually of a historical nature, on the last Thursday of January, February, March, May, October and November. Guided tours for groups, schools, etc. by appointment.

It was completed on the south side of Douvres-la-Délivrande on grounds that belong to the French State. It has been given to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which is in charge of its maintenance. It is one of the 17 British war cemeteries in Calvados. The cemetery contains 923 British graves, 180 German graves, 11 Canadian graves, 3 Australian graves, 1 Polish grave of an unknown soldier.

The only radar station kept in its originals state of the D-Day Landing beaches. It is located in an authentic German radar station built between 1942 and 1944, which was one of the most important air defence stations of the Atlantic Wall with its five radars that could detect targets 400 km away.

Located in the immediate vicinity of the D-Day Landing beaches, the Mémorial de Caen visitor centre is among the must-see sites focusing on the Battle of Normandy and 20th century history. From the origins of World War II to the end of the Cold War, museographical displays tell of these dark pages of 20th century history. Caen, bombarded during the summer of 1944, a liberated yet martyred city, deserved a tribute well worthy of the suffering it endured. Such is the aim of the Mémorial de Caen, but via action with a perpetual perspective - that of reconciliation. Over your visit, you will discover the historic events that marked World War II, from the onslaught of Nazism to the Normandy landings, via the Holocaust. Several films ensure a comprehensive and diversified visit. A museum area is specially devoted to the Cold War and to press illustrations. Constantly renewed for over ten years, the centre is at the heart of current reflection on the place of History in our societies. New film, ‘1944: Saving Europe’. Audio guides are available in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. Guided tours available through the trail focusing on World War II. You can also complete your visit over a guided tour of the D-Day Landing beaches or a city tour of Caen.

Founded in 1063 by William the Conqueror, the Benedictine abbey of Saint Etienne (Saint Stephen) in Caen was consecrated in 1077. The 18th century monastic buildings housing the cloister, the wood-panelled rooms hung with paintings, and the Guardroom are today home to the Caen Town Hall. William the Conqueror is laid to rest in the abbey church. Guided tours : - In French, from October 1st to March 31th from monday to friday at 10:30am and 2:30pm. On Sundays (only during school holidays) at 10:30am, 2:30pm and 4pm. - From July 1st to August 31th : in french, every day at 10am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5:30pm. In English every day at 11am, 1:30pm and 4pm.

Founded around 1060 by Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, this abbey for Benedictine nuns enjoyed great renown from the 11th century to the French Revolution. Its abbey church - the Holy Trinity church. Its 18th century convent buildings are now home to the Lower Normandy Regional Council. Guided tours every day at 2.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visits in both French and English - 1 hour 15 minutes.