Woods and hills in the Saint-Évroult area

Park at the side of the D13, in a space between the road and the Étang des Saints-Pères, at the entrance to the leisure centre.

(S/E) Return to the junction and take the sharp right-hand bend onto the D31 towards Sainte-Gauburge (there are large cleared areas allowing you, if you prefer, to avoid walking on the tarmac). The road curves widely to the right and then runs straight ahead.

(1) When the road curves very slightly to the left, take a path that branches off at a right angle to the right, heading north-west (this is the third path branching off the road that you should take). This path climbs and then descends to the Étang de Charentonne.

(2) At the edge of the pond, leave the path that continues straight ahead and turn at a right angle to the left, heading south-west. Carry on straight ahead until you reach the Pont de la Lune crossroads.

(3) Then take the path that veers slightly to the right of the direction you’ve been following so far. Follow this path to the Chapelle Saint-Évroult.

(4) In front of the chapel, turn sharply right onto the only authorised path (the Ligne des Laitiers). Reach the D50 and cross it with care. Continue straight on (this section passes through private woodland, which should be avoided during the hunting season; observe any restrictions and do not take any side paths). Cross the Ligne Sainte-Marie.

(5) Just as the slope begins to steepen, leave the Ligne des Laitiers, turn left at a right angle and continue to the Ruisseau de Trémont. Cross the stream and turn right at a right angle. Cross the Ruisseau de Chaude Fontaine and reach a small tarmac road.

(6) Follow the tarmac road to the right. Follow it as far as the village of Les Touquettes.

(7) Cross the D13 main road with care and join the very quiet D658 opposite. Shortly after the centre of Les Touquettes, leave the road that appears to continue straight ahead and follow the departmental road to the right. Pass La Champonnière and reach a junction.

(8) Turn sharply right onto the road leading downhill (D659), passing the edge of a large pond and a stud farm. You’ll reach a clearly marked crossroads.

Please note: the old route description (9 to 10) is no longer passable.
The path is overgrown; numerous fallen branches and tree trunks make progress very difficult, and a fence appears to indicate a change in the status of this route.
You should therefore stick to the easier alternative route:

(9) Continue along the D659 to St Evroult.

(10) Turn right and follow this road with care until you reach the junction with the D13 in the centre of Saint-Évroult.)

(11) Turn left and follow the path alongside the pond to return to the starting point (S/E).

Despite the tarmac sections, the walk is very peaceful. The only precaution concerns crossing hunting grounds. It is certainly out of the question to cross, in particular, from (3) to (4) if a hunt is in progress. Big game is hunted here and gunfire is very dangerous. The route is no doubt often used by horse riders. There are a few signposts intended for them.
There is just one real difficulty: the length.

The section from (9) to (10) is a bit tricky and may be found unpleasant. It is easy to avoid. Simply carry on straight ahead at (9) and head directly to Saint-Évroult via the D659.

Enjoy the varied woodland, the numerous ponds, the Chapel of Saint-Évroult and its fountain (the source of the Charentonne), and the rolling countryside, dotted with Norman houses of all sizes, many of which are truly beautiful.