Hermanville-sur-Mer walks

Starting from Hermanville-sur-Mer, enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside and marshes, but also soak up the seaside atmosphere of renowned seaside resorts. Along the way, you will discover the architectural and, above all, historical heritage of the towns of Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-Montgomery, key sites of the June 1944 landings (Sword Beach).

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

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.

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.

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.

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 walk passes through villages with remarkable architecture and also crosses rural areas along the Vey and Mue rivers.

Following in the footsteps of William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda, this urban route takes in the city's two superb Romanesque abbeys (for men and women) and the ducal castle. Several other churches, narrow streets and alleys, and a few public gardens complete the picture.

Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Seulles Valley and through the surrounding countryside.

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.

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.

Discover the banks of the Orne River in Louvigny, the surrounding marshes and the charm of their rural landscapes.

From Ver-sur-Mer to Asnelles via the Gold Beach seafront between the dunes, beach and marshes. Return through the Normandy countryside overlooking the beach, via the villages of Asnelles, Meuvaines and Asnelles and the British memorial which pays tribute to the 22,442 liberators who fell under British command during the Battle of Normandy (opening in 2021).

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.

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.

During this route, enjoy not only the pleasure of a country walk in the bocage countryside, but also the bucolic charm of the Guigne valley. You can also appreciate an architectural heritage that is just waiting to be discovered.

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

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...

Discover the magnificent village of Le Locheur from the leisure centre. An ideal outing for the whole family. Heritage sites to visit: Gothic church, wash houses, Arry Manor.