Hérouville-Saint-Clair walks

An urban hike that allows you to discover neighbourhoods and architectural heritage that are too often overlooked.

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.

This walk connects the six dormant cemeteries of Caen, islands of greenery in the city, and takes you through the neighbourhoods surrounding the city centre.

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

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.

This beautiful walk near Caen takes us through the countryside to Verson and back along the Odons. The meadows, copses and small paths transport us back to the Middle Ages with the Barony estate, the mills and their ruins. We will also go to the source of the Petit Odon, which is not actually a source! Apart from the section that runs alongside the ring road, this is a peaceful walk in the countryside close to the Caen conurbation.

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

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).

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.

A short, easy and enjoyable walk in a place of remembrance, through marshland and woods. Start and finish near the sea. A lovely short circular walk.

This pleasant semi-urban walk starts in Douvres-la-Délivrande and takes you to Plumetot and Cresserons. In addition to the peace and charm of the surrounding countryside, you will discover a rich and varied architectural heritage, including the British military cemetery and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Délivrande.

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.

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

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).

Hike around the Bellengreville-Chicheboville marsh, a remarkable wetland area, and along the way, discover some interesting architectural heritage.

This hike will take you along the Voie Verte de la Suisse Normande (Greenway of Norman Switzerland) and the banks of the Orne river in the municipalities of Feuguerolles-Bully and Bully.

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.