Graye-sur-Mer walks

Graye-sur-Mer beach was part of the Juno Beach sector during the landings on 6 June 1944. It was liberated by Canadian troops. The return journey from Ver to Graye takes you partly through marshland sheltered behind a narrow strip of dunes.

Route around Fontaine-Henry Castle. Halfway between the city of Caen and the D-Day beaches, Fontaine-Henry Castle overlooks the green valley of the Mue. Its vertiginously high roofs tower above the centuries-old trees in the park and crown a richly sculpted façade combining 15th- and 16th-century styles.

This short walk will allow you to discover Asnelles, a small coastal village, and Arromanches, a small seaside town with its artificial harbour, where traces of the D-Day landings are still clearly visible. You will walk along the coast and even cross the beach. You can visit the Asnelles shortbread biscuit factory, the Arromanches museum and admire the landscape overlooking the sea and the port. The return journey will take you along the paths of the Normandy countryside with a glimpse of the coastline.

Starting from Ryes, this route combines small country lanes in the Bessin plain, the sea and history. It will introduce you to several facets of this agricultural and tourist region through its beaches and its turbulent history, the scale of which is illustrated by the remains of the artificial port of Arromanches.

This short walk between two villages in Bessin will allow you to discover the beautiful Normandy countryside. It is not particularly difficult. It mainly follows footpaths or farm tracks and a few roads with little traffic. Only the 150 m section on the D153 is a little busier.

Circuit starting from the village of Nonant, passing through several villages such as Martragny, Vaux and Carcagny with views of several castles and manor houses.

The route follows footpaths and cycle paths in Bayeux Intramuros, the botanical garden and the stadium, paths outside Bayeux and recently built wooden footbridges to cross a marshy area.

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

An amazing setting in the middle of nature and on the outskirts of Caen. Passing over and under the ring road reminds us of the proximity of the big city, which you forget as you cross the Odon six times via footbridges, old railway bridges and a ford. The path is popular with joggers. The "Course entre deux O" race follows part of this route in November.

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.

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).

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

From May-sur-Orne, cross the fields, stroll through wooded areas, follow the Laize and Orne valleys and return via Saint-André-sur-Orne.

Between paths, plains and undergrowth, this hike will delight you with its scenery. Like all hikes in the bocage, it is hilly with a good little climb. The route is very well marked with yellow signs.

An easy route along beautiful paths through woods and hedgerows, passing through a typical village of the Pays Bocain.