Between the Durdent valley and the Côte d'Albâtre, Cany-Barville can be enjoyed at the cadence of a pedal. To rent a bike in Cany-Barville is to embrace a Normandy of bocages, gentle rivers and fields of flax that turn blue in spring. Leave the village, slalom between the brick houses, look up at the castle and its moat, then head for the Lac de Caniel: a leisurely ride along the water's edge, the smell of cut grass, a pause on a pontoon to watch the reflections.

The valley offers quiet, almost flat roads, perfect for a family outing. If you follow the Durdent, the sea is never far away: head for Veulettes-sur-Mer along small country roads, flower-bedecked embankments, herds in the shade, and the horizon opening up as you approach the cliffs. In places, the road's landscaped sections facilitate progress and encourage you to take your time. You can stop at a bakery, picnic by the water's edge, and set off again lightly.