18 | Cycling World
the largest submarine open to visitors in the world , and admire the seventeen tanks making up the Pôle Océan area , packed 1,200 colourful fish . In the Espace Titanic , learn how the magnificent , ill-fated ocean liner made its French stop in Cherbourg in 1912 , shortly before its sinking by an iceberg . Relive the events from its stop here until the tragic accident
Just reopened in June , the Quasar and theThomas Henry Museum has enjoyed a four-year makeover . The museum ’ s works of art can be enjoyed in new rooms with a fun and educational trail allowing families to discover the secrets and particularities of each exhibit . There is also an app describing 30 selected works of art , and tactile tablets available free of charge at the museum entrance .
STAGE 3 : MONDAY 4 JULY 2016 – GRANVILLE > ANGERS 222 km
GRANVILLE
The sea-facing town of Granville with its delightful old town , surrounded by ramparts , retains many traces of an eventful past , marked by the presence of privateers and “ terre-neuvas ” ( fishing boats that sailed to Newfoundland in the 16th Century .) The fashion designer Christian Dior holds an important place in this town , his birthplace . The lively resort of Granville offers cultural , leisure and sporting activities and departures by boats to the islands of Chausey and Jersey . It is also well-known for its local delicacies , particularly seafood , whelks and clams . water , 25 metre drop and remarkable rocky environment .
- The arrival at the Mont-Saint-Michel from the track along the river Couesnon .
ACCUEIL VÉLO ACCREDITED ACCOMMODATION
Running hotels , chambres d ’ hôtes ( B & Bs ), campsites , and holiday lets ( gîtes ): 57 accommodation providers in La Manche have been accredited with the Accueil Vélo label .
An Accueil Vélo establishment guarantees that cycling tourists will find accommodation less than 5km from an official cycle route that :
• Provide facilities suitable for cyclists , such as a bicycle shelter and maintenance facilities
• Offer a warm welcome , hosts providing useful information and advice for cyclists ( for example on local cycle routes and the weather )
• Offer , in certain cases , additional services of use to cyclists such as : luggage transfer , facilities for washing and drying clothes , bike hire / accessories hire , or bike wash facilities .
For further information : www . manchetourisme . com
CYCLING IN LA MANCHE
Cyclists and mountain bikers can explore the natural treasures of La Manche and discover local heritage with the numerous bike routes of the region . From leisurely rides to more advanced routes , the riches of La Manche are revealed with each stroke of the pedal .
In western Normandy , the county of La Manche boasts portions of three themed , national cycle routes that are accessible to a whole range of cyclists . Certain sections of the national trails may not be entirely completed yet , but these cycle routes are all easy to follow through La Manche , allowing cyclists to enjoy the beauty of the county ’ s landscapes and the richness of its Norman heritage at their own pace .
- La Véloscénic , is a 434 km long route linking Paris to the Mont-Saint-Michel , via Chartres and Normandy . The route includes 166 km of “ voies vertes ”. www . veloscenic . com
- The “ D-Day Beaches / Mont Saint-Michel ” route is 230 km long and combines “ voies vertes ” ( 130km ) and country lanes . www . debarquementmontsaintmichel-avelo . com
- The “ Tour of la Manche ” ( European project “ CycleWest ”) links Normandy and Brittany to the South West of England with 1,200 km of cycle routes . en . tourdemanche . com
Key sites on the routes :
- The Vire Valley – the Rocks of Ham : the ride is a little steep and off route but the views over the countryside
and the river from the top of the cliff ( 105 m high ) are well worth the detour .
- Mortain and the waterfalls . Leave your bike behind to enjoy a little walk to a splendid waterfall . Steps lead visitors down the deep green and shaded gorge . As for the great waterfall , it is very impressive with its fast flowing