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Le Havre - Honfleur by bike

From hell to heaven, that's the name of this bike tour between Le Havre and Honfleur.

The bike ride between Honfleur and Le Havre is magnificent, as you pass through the immense port facilities of Le Havre to reach the charming town of Honfleur, one of Normandy's tourist hotspots. One good thing: you're never on the road, you're always on a cycle path. Unfortunately, this idyllic picture is overshadowed when you cross the Pont de Normandie by bike. It's a disaster! The cycle path is only separated from the freeway by a white line on the ground. Emotions guaranteed when you're overtaken by trucks. Recommended only for seasoned cyclists who can make the climb very quickly without risking their lives too much.

Interest: good (2 users)
Difficulty:
Duration: 3 h.
Practical information

Leaving Le Havre

Le Havre starts right in the middle of the port, so it's best to do this trip at the weekend, because even if you're on a cycle path beside the road, it's not really pleasant to pass lorries. As is often the case with cycle paths, you need to concentrate to avoid ending up on the road.
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The port of Le Havre

The port of Le Havre is well worth a visit, with its huge ships waiting to be unloaded. The port facilities are gigantic.
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Passage through the natural zone

We leave the port area to pass through the Seine Estuary nature reserve. The cycle path runs alongside this area. There are no difficulties, as the path is straight without any gradients.
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The cycle path between Le Havre and the Pont de Normandie

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The Normandy Bridge

After leaving Le Havre 40 minutes ago, the majestic Pont de Normandie looms on the horizon.
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The Normandy bridge toll

Cycling is of course free of charge (saving €5.80!), and there's no real difficulty in getting through the toll by bike, which is well designed.
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The cycle path on the Pont de Normandie

There's a lane separated from the road by a low wall, but it's reserved for pedestrians. Cyclists must use the same road as cars, separated by a simple white line. According to the authorities, the life expectancy on the hard shoulder is 20 minutes, so we're probably in the same ballpark here. What's more, the climb is pretty rough, straight up and down, and the wind is often very strong.
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Heading for Honfleur

You only have a few kilometres to go before you reach Honfleur. There are no more difficulties. Be careful at the junctions, though, as you can quickly make a mistake and end up back on the road.
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The Pont de Normandie seen from afar

After the Pont de Normandie, there is a beautiful cycle path that has just been opened.
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Arrival in Honfleur

You arrive opposite the port.
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The port of Honfleur

Honfleur is one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy.
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Port restaurants

You can relax and have a drink in one of the many restaurants around the port. Unfortunately, the party's a bit spoiled because in the back of your mind you're thinking: "I'm going to have to cross that horrible Pont de Normandie again"
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Other walks

At 1.82 Km

Walk on the heights of Honfleur

At 2.57 Km

Visit of the old Honfleur, the Vieux Bassin, the Lieutenance

At 3.18 Km

The Seine estuary nature reserve

At 9.77 Km

A walk in Le Havre
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