Boissey (Calvados) walks

An autumn or winter hike, although not very practicable after heavy rain, to enjoy the view over the plain.

Take care when crossing the woods, as the flora and fauna here are best observed in silence, before continuing along the Oudon valley, which winds peacefully through the pastures.

No, it's not a mirage: those neatly aligned rows climbing up the hill are part of a 5-hectare vineyard. Les Arpents du Soleil, which was reborn in 1995, will give your hike an unusual feel and a touch of the south.

This circular route on dirt tracks and tarmac paths, some of which are very busy with vehicles (hence the need for caution), uses sections of trails, paths and roads shared with other walks, but much of the route is new. The route is generally very peaceful, with many valleys, hills, manor houses, stud farms and the village of Cambremer to visit at the end of the route for those who wish to do so.

Our elders remember walking these often shady paths many times, which led to pastures and farms. Donkeys pulled carts along them at milking time, farmers drove their cattle up them from Croissanville, children in clogs used them to get to school or forgot to do so, and love blossomed there...

Legend has it that the devil split the plateau to allow access to the church of Saint-Quentin. The Laizon gorge has become a beautiful hiking trail, passing through steep, narrow gorges to the plateaus of the Falaise plain, near the tomb of the actress Marie Joly, the former site of the iron mine, manor houses, castles and traces of prehistoric occupation. The site has been listed since 1974

Beuvron-en-Auge is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. With its half-timbered houses and old market hall, restaurants, cafés and artisans, it is a relaxing stopover in the heart of the bocage.

A lovely walk with views of the green Paquine valley.

Come and discover the animals at Cerza Zoological Park, such as rhinos, giraffes and a few gazelles. This ride is very pleasant, wooded and hilly, and can be enjoyed at a walking pace or at a trot or gallop.

For a walk in the countryside with a few hills in "trenches".

As in the rest of the Pays d'Auge, this route consists mainly of dirt tracks with a few short sections on departmental or municipal roads, two of which require caution between points (6)-(7) and between points (9) and (10). You are guaranteed plenty of fresh air on this wooded and uncrowded route. There are a few difficulties, especially in wet weather, so take care where you step, particularly between points (4)-(5), (7) and (12).

A hilly walk in the heart of the Pays d'Auge countryside.

Magnificent valleys, apple trees in bloom in spring, springs. These are some of the things you will be able to admire on this rugged route.

From Bréville-les-Monts, set off to explore the surrounding countryside and discover a superb panorama of Sallenelles Bay; descend along the Orne and admire its estuary. Head back up towards Amfréville through the countryside and go around it to complete this walk in a circular fashion, symbolising infinity.

Leaving Gonneville-en-Auge, in the countryside, follow the Bay of Sallenelles and the River Orne. You will then pass the Merville Batteries.

A birdwatching site of great beauty, the bay of the Orne estuary is now protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. The Maison de la Nature, several observatories and a network of footpaths showcase this unmissable natural area. Moderator's note See the review dated 21/02/2022: work in progress on this hike