Dives-sur-Mer walks

After strolling through the streets of the famous Balbec and exploring its beautiful beach, set off to discover the marshes of the hinterland. In spring, they sparkle with golden irises and are perfumed by the myriad hawthorn flowers so dear to Proust.

Circular routes starting from Houlgate, passing through Beuvron, Crevecoeur, Livarot, Mezidon-Canon, Mery-Corbon and back to Houlgate. You’ll be able to admire the village of Beuvron-en-Auge, a few remarkable manor houses and churches along the route, as well as some beautiful scenery.

Beautiful hike in the Normandy countryside, passing through Gonneville-sur-Mer and the Houlgate golf course to the ledge and view of the coast from the orientation table.

Discover the Falaises des Vaches Noires (Black Cow Cliffs) from the heights and the shore. They are so named because of the limestone blocks piled up on the beach and covered with black seaweed, which make them look like cows. The Falaises des Vaches Noires were already renowned in the 18th century for their fossils and exceptional stratigraphy. Many fossils can be identified in the sand (please note that digging in the cliffs is prohibited). A FEW PRECAUTIONS:- The beach is not accessible at high tide. It is essential to check the tide times before setting off. Only enter the beach at low tide, 3 to 4 hours after high tide. See Practical information. - It is forbidden to climb the cliffs or remove fossils. However, you may collect fossils that are exposed on the surface of the sand.

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.

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

A pleasant, peaceful walk through the lovely Robehomme marshes. Lovely views of the horizon. There is a bit of road, so it’s not ideal for dogs, although there is little traffic (except on the D224).

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

Hike in the Pays d'Auge countryside with a passage through the commune of Saint-Vaast.

Starting from Merville-Franceville-Plage, enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside and the marshes, but also soak up the seaside atmosphere of this renowned seaside resort. Along the way, you will discover the architectural and, above all, historical heritage, notably the Merville Battery, a key site of the June 1944 landings (9th Battalion of the6th Airborne).

Discover the bird sanctuary, the bay and the banks of the Orne. Return through gently rolling countryside, then via Franceville beach.

A superb walk starting in Sallenelles Bay, where you can spot numerous birds, continuing through the dunes of Merville-Franceville and along the beach. You might even be lucky enough to spot a seal! An easy walk with no uphill sections. Best done during the week for a quieter experience and at low tide to make sure you don’t get your feet wet!

Take a lovely coastal path and watch the local and migratory birds, pass by the Redoute de Merville, built in 1760 under Louis XVI based on plans by Vauban, walk along the beach, climb up to the Atlantic Wall coastal battery, cross the horse parks with foals depending on the season, stroll through the countryside... this is what you will discover on this hike. Don't forget your binoculars. The hike should be done when the tidal coefficient is below 80.

A family walk around the Gros Banc Bird Reserve. You’ll be able to see and photograph various types of birds, admire Orne Bay and explore the Redoute de Merville (a former 17th-century military building).

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

A very pleasant walk around Blonville-Sur-Mer, passing through the marshes and Mont Canisy.

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.

A superb hike west of Beaumont-en-Auge in Calvados

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.

This walk will allow you to discover various aspects of nature. It begins in the nearby countryside, crossing a small wood and then a marsh. It then continues for a long stretch along the Colleville Montgomery seafront promenade to the port and lighthouse at Ouistreham. And to finish, the icing on the cake: a detour through a protected dune area, the Pointe du Siège, with the Orne estuary—a birdwatcher’s paradise—behind the sea wall.

Circular route with ups and downs in a hilly landscape. Suitable in all weathers as it is entirely on quiet tarmac roads. Along the way, you will see pretty town halls from the late 19th century and three churches, with a special mention for the one in Druval!

Crossing streams and valleys, this route offers a wide variety of landscapes and, at the end of the route, near the church, a beautiful view of Beaumont-en-Auge and the surrounding hills.

Starting from the seafront, you will pass by the Clairefontaine racecourse, Mont Canisy, Clos Mallet and the Villers marshes. Return via the Mont Canisy batteries and the seafront.

Starting from Ranville, enjoy the surrounding countryside and walk to Amfreville. Then descend to the Marais de Cagny and follow the towpath along the Orne to return to the starting point.

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...

Sannerville is the easternmost of the communes in Caen-la-Mer. This village, which was completely razed to the ground in 1944, is now influenced by Caen’s population growth whilst remaining in the countryside, which gives it a quality of life much appreciated by its residents. Sannerville lies on the edge of the Pays d’Auge.

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.