Hérouville-Saint-Clair walks

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Orne valley, upstream from the city of Caen. This circuit invites you to discover both banks of the Orne River north of Thury-Harcourt. Description and route slightly out of date in places, see reviews for alternatives

Ouffières welcomes you to a large square beautifully decorated with flowers. You can then set off to discover magnificent stone houses before following the Orne River as it winds its way through the Swiss Normandy.

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.

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.

Legend has it that the devil split the plateau to allow access to the church of Saint-Quentin. The Laizon gorge has become a beautiful hiking trail, passing through steep, narrow gorges to the plateaus of the Falaise plain, near the tomb of the actress Marie Joly, the former site of the iron mine, manor houses, castles and traces of prehistoric occupation. The site has been listed since 1974

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

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

Circuit starting from La Pommeraie, a small authentic village in Suisse Normande, whose name comes from the word pomme (apple). In autumn, there are many chestnut trees.

A superb walk to discover the Normandy bocage and the Orne valley. This hike takes in "le pain de sucre", "les rochers de la Houle" and "les rochers des parcs".