Circular des Rochers des Parcs

This is a fairly easy hike, with beautiful panoramic views of the Orne and the surrounding countryside throughout. An iconic site in Suisse Normande, the Rochers des Parcs are also a mecca for rock climbing.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.80 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 206 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 206 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 160 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 36 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park at La Sauvegarde (intersection between the D168b and theGR®36), in the Bô district.

(S/E) Opposite the La Dame Blanche café and antique shop, take theGR®36 trailwhich climbs through the fields.

(1) At the intersection with the road climbing from Le Bô, turn left to stay on theGR®36and continue climbing to the Bruyère car park.

(2) Turn left onto theGR®36.

(3) Leave theGR®36and turn left onto the road marked Chemin du Dessous des Rochers, which descends towards the Bruyère farm. After about 100 m, leave this road and continue straight down the path that leads to the edge of the cliff: beautiful views of the rocks and the Orne.

(4) Turn left and continue along the marked path, which descends rapidly towards the Orne. When you reach the riverbank, turn right and follow the river until you reach the leisure centre on the other bank.

(5) Leave the marked path and turn right onto a trail that climbs rapidly to the climbing area. When you reach the foot of the cliff, turn left and walk along it for about 50 metres.

(6) Leave the climbing area and take the stairs on the left that lead back down. Continue along the path until you reach the next intersection.

(7) Turn right onto the marked path that climbs to the top of the cliffs, then turn right at the intersection with theGR®36. Enjoy the view, then continue on theGR®36, staying as close to the cliffs as possible.

(3) Return to the starting point (S/E) by retracing your steps.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 57 m - La Sauvegarde
  2. 1 : km 0.28 - alt. 81 m - Intersection with the Le Bô road
  3. 2 : km 1.46 - alt. 148 m - La Bruyère car park
  4. 3 : km 1.52 - alt. 150 m - Crossroads of the circular
  5. 4 : km 1.74 - alt. 125 m - Fork in the road
  6. 5 : km 3.43 - alt. 36 m - Fork in the road opposite the leisure centre
  7. 6 : km 3.54 - alt. 60 m - Climbing area intersection
  8. 7 : km 3.68 - alt. 57 m - Marked trail intersection
  9. S/E : km 6.8 - alt. 57 m - La Sauvegarde

Notes

The hike is not particularly difficult, but good walking shoes and walking sticks are strongly recommended. Don't forget your water bottle!
The section at the foot of the cliffs near the climbing routes is the most difficult part of the hike. It is possible to avoid it by continuing to follow the Chemin du Dessous des Rochers trail along the Orne river after point (5) and going straight up to point (7) just before the viaduct.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Arek7
Arek7

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant route, not very long (8 km, 1 hour 45 minutes including stops to take photos and catch your breath). The view is magnificent almost all along the way. Be warned, it can be a bit physically demanding in bad weather or hot weather due to the steep ascents and descents. You can always do it again in the other direction!

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User 27299186

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The hike was completed faster than expected (without pushing ourselves) and was very enjoyable. Beautiful views.

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Fred14710
Fred14710

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with stunning views of the Orne River. The route is clearly marked, and the paths are easy to follow and passable even on the slightly steep, shaded ascents and descents. There are lots of pleasant little spots to stop for a break and take photos. With good shoes, this loop can be completed in less than 2.5 hours with the family. And at the end, the café-brocante run by the dame blanche is a great place to recharge your batteries with good local drinks and a delicious croque-monsieur improvised with a smile by the owner when we asked if we could eat something.

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Bouba40
Bouba40

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant circular with beautiful views. The starting point is very well chosen, away from the crowds at the Clecy leisure centre. There is something for everyone: wide roads suitable for vehicles, forest paths and steep trails. We had a wonderful time for two hours. Thank you to the creator of this circular. We will do it again but in the opposite direction to try something new.

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benoued
benoued

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very interesting route despite the elevation gain, which can be a bit challenging when the ground is wet from rain. Be careful not to slip.
I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to try mountain hiking ⛰️

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Picard somme
Picard somme

Beautiful route, beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

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Cwam
Cwam

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Good hike with beautiful views.
Climbing up to the rocks can be a bit challenging if the ground is wet.

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Ghislaine.B
Ghislaine.B

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike, well marked and not very crowded despite the Ascension weekend.

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Fabricio
Fabricio

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant short hike with a slight incline, accessible to all.
Lovely views, cattle in the first part and a small local bistro at the end of the trail.
I recommend it.

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