Route mémorielle autour de la Chapelle Saint-Michel et des Rochers de la Montjoie

Starts from the Croix Crespin car park, along the D487E1, on the eastern slopes of Mortain.

No signposting

(S/E) At the far end of the car park, on the right, look out for a flight of steps. Climb these, ignore a path on the left and pass an information ‘board’ on the right. Turn immediately left into a wide path. After about fifty metres, follow a fitness trail to the right and head downhill.

Red and white + yellow markings

At a three-way junction, turn left onto level ground. Ignore a path on the right (not shown on the map) and head uphill. You’ll come to a crossroads (chapel on the right, memorial site opposite).

No markings

(1) Turn right, go round the chapel on the left and you’ll immediately reach a viewpoint (orientation table). Retrace your steps.

Red and white + yellow markings

(1) Turn sharply right and head downhill for a few dozen metres.

No markings

At a junction, carry on straight ahead (let the^GR® head off to the right) and pass sign no. 20 on the fitness trail. At the three-way junction that follows (not shown on the map; sign no. 22), veer to the right. Carry on straight ahead until you reach the staircase you took at the start of the route. Go down the staircase and head back to the car park.

(S/E) Cross the car park. Cross the D487E1, then turn right onto a small road towards the Rochers de la Montjoie.

(2) After about 150 m (information sign on the left, house on the right), turn left onto a path (not shown on the map); there are actually two paths, so choose the one furthest to the left and best marked. Climb a flight of wooden steps to reach a sort of ridge. Follow the ridge to the right (viewpoints, information boards). When you reach a sign relating to German and American positions, turn right and ignore a track on the left. Continue along the path marked by a rope and rejoin the road.

(2) Follow the road to the right. At the end, cross the D487E1 again and return to the car park (S/E).

A good pair of trainers is all you need for this very short walk.

No water points were spotted along the route. There are bars, restaurants and shops in Mortain town centre.

A detailed map is useful (at the very least, the one accompanying this description).

Walk completed by the author on 23 February 2023.

- A brief history of the Mortain counter-attack (August 1944).
- Numerous information boards along the route.
- Saint-Michel Chapel (19th–20th centuries) (1).
- Viewpoint and orientation board just behind the chapel. In good weather, there is a view of Mont Saint-Michel, situated 100 km away.
- Memorial esplanade (1).
- Montjoie Rocks (2) with beautiful views.