Coutances walks

Coutances, the historic former capital of the Cotentin, offers a contrasting spectacle of countryside almost within the city. This hike takes you through the outskirts of the town, winding its way through the three valleys that surround it, each with its own lazy river. Half on land and half on roads or alleyways, the urban passages allow you to discover a small part of Coutances' heritage, despite the industrial area that spoils the pleasure a little, but you quickly forget about that.

Starting from the village mill, set off to explore the sunken lanes of Muneville-le-Bingard. Some of the sunken paths were reopened by volunteers from the Bocage et Patrimoine Munevillais association in 2024. A few paths are maintained by volunteers, depending on their availability, and the grass may be a little high at certain times of the year.

After an initial section in the Cotentin countryside, the route continues across grasslands, home to salt marsh sheep, along the River Sienne and its mouth.

A varied hike that alternates between paths and small country roads and coastal trails, with beautiful views and attractive heritage buildings along the way.

A short, refreshing walk between grasslands and dunes, with the sea never far away.

Pointe d'Agon is a magnificent protected natural area that you can explore on this route. On this site, which has been listed since 1989, you can gradually discover this exceptional area as you walk along the coastline and through the dunes covered with marram grass (perennial plants that grow in sandy soil).

A hike that starts in the middle of the dunes near the sea and goes to Le Havre de la Vanlée, the beautiful mouth of this river in the English Channel. The return journey is further inland and, in hot weather, offers welcome shade.

A varied hike that starts in a nature reserve with bird observatories. You then stroll pleasantly through the countryside, mostly on shaded paths. The end of the hike takes place by the sea and on the dunes overlooking it.

This picturesque little village, nestled in the heart of the Sienne Valley, will enchant you with its peaceful setting and lush greenery. Its few houses, built from local stone, surround the church. You will notice that the slopes of this valley are covered with beech trees, whose hard, uniform wood is used in carpentry and cabinetmaking, as well as simply for firewood.

Between Sienne and Hambyotte, this route invites you to discover the Normandy countryside via numerous sunken lanes where, in the meadows that line them, Prim'Holstein cows, originally from Holland, mingle with Normande cows, the region's emblematic breed. At the end of the route, Hambye Abbey awaits you with its13th-century chapter house.

At the mouth of the small coastal river La Vanlée, a hike close to the sea and its vast horizons. The route alternates between passages through the dunes, the salt marshes where salt-meadow sheep graze, and the beach.

After a short walk along the sea, discover the Normandy countryside, dunes and marshes as you turn off onto small country roads. Along the way, you will encounter a few reminders of the past, as well as curious donkeys, sheep and even a small stream hidden in the greenery...

Just 3 km from the coast, this route takes us through the Normandy countryside, mainly along paths and trails.

Discovery of the Upper Town of Granville and the childhood home of the fashion designer Christian Dior, transformed into a museum, starting from the Donville-les-Bains beach.

This short walk will take you around Saint Pair sur Mer, alternating between different types of paths/small roads and landscapes, including bocage, town and shopping areas, allowing you to discover the surrounding area.