The Odon balconies

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.

Details

2577872
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Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.74 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 136 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 141 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 155 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 69 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The starting point is at the Pafouru-sur-Odon hikers' rest area, located 20 metres to the right of the church.

(S/E) From the car park, walk down towards the road and turn left. The start of the path is a few metres away. Head towards Villodon.

(1) When you reach Villodon at the top of a residential area, follow the road to the right (which is not very busy). You will come to a crossroads where you will need to turn right and cross the D214 to reach a bridge over the Odon.

(2) You will find the path a little further up on your right. Hold on tight, it's a steep climb!
At the end of the plain, you will come to a short stretch of road which you should follow.

(3) Take the marked path on your right. In the plain, turn onto the path on your left (look for a large tree at the fork) and head towards the Épène farm.

(4) At the stop sign, cross the D71 (be careful, traffic moves fast) and pick up the path again 50 metres further on your right. The path turns further on in the plain on your right. Continue along it, then turn right at the edge of a small wood.

::5 Cross the D121 and turn left to continue along the path through the woods on the right. Cross the Odon, walk alongside the buildings of Court Chemin and continue north-west.

(5) Describe the instructions from the waypoint here.

(6) When you reach Épinay-sur-Odon, cross towards the church and continue straight ahead, following the D214 until you reach the path through the woods on your right.

(7) Don't miss it, as the path is somewhat hidden: as a landmark, you will arrive at large pastures on your left. Continue along the Odon river on your right.

(8) At the end of the path, take the road on the left, then left again to climb back up towards Pafouru-sur-Odon and your starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 114 m - Hiker's rest area car park
  2. 1 : km 1.33 - alt. 77 m - Villodon crossroads, on the right - Odon (rivière)
  3. 2 : km 1.56 - alt. 72 m - At the bend, take the path on the right
  4. 3 : km 2.61 - alt. 137 m - Turn right at the crossroads
  5. 4 : km 3.72 - alt. 120 m - At the stop sign, take the road on the left
  6. 5 : km 6 - alt. 87 m - Left/right on the departmental road
  7. 6 : km 7.16 - alt. 83 m - Straight ahead towards the church
  8. 7 : km 8.16 - alt. 87 m - Hidden path on the right
  9. 8 : km 9.16 - alt. 75 m - Road on the left
  10. S/E : km 9.74 - alt. 113 m - Hiker's rest area car park

Notes

The hikers' rest area is equipped with picnic tables, but there is no drinking water along the route.
Be sure to wear good shoes, as the terrain is varied.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
Randoserge
Randoserge

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

very beautiful hike, with very little tarmac

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JPLNorm
JPLNorm

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little walk, but a bit too much tarmac for our liking.

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Nork
Nork

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Trip taken in January during a very rainy period
Very pleasant, paths suitable for families without any problems
Thanks to the person who organised this hike

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seullines
seullines

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 25, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

a pleasant, easy hike. Suitable for families

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Apetitspas
Apetitspas

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike at this time of year and in sunny weather (20°C).
A moment of hesitation upon arriving at point 4.
It should be specified to TURN LEFT at the stop sign and take the SMALL ROAD on the right 50 metres further on.
This would be helpful, as there are no signs at this location, unlike several other locations where the signage has been redone. It's a shame...

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Vivrenature19
Vivrenature19

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello
This hike is magnificent with its undulating paths, varied landscapes and slopes that are not very difficult but do require physical effort. Worth doing again in different seasons.

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jml14
jml14

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk in a super quiet, very relaxing environment

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Jean-Paul BUTEAU
Jean-Paul BUTEAU

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
This hike is always enjoyable, especially when the sun graces us with its presence. Many thanks to the municipal technical services who recently carried out maintenance (mowing and pruning) on the paths.

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RandoRosy
RandoRosy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 22, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very good short hike. Acceptable elevation gain.
Thank you

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Jean-Paul BUTEAU
Jean-Paul BUTEAU

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 26, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

I found the hike very enjoyable. The landscapes are diverse, there are few urban areas, and the elevation gain is acceptable—neither too low nor too high, just enough to get some exercise without falling asleep or overexerting yourself.
In rural areas, the roads are quiet but winding, so common sense dictates that you should be careful when crossing or following them. If you are hiking in a group, it is recommended that you wear a yellow vest at the front and rear.

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cfp
cfp

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 04, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

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neodraig
neodraig
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Disappointing route with long stretches of monotonous scenery consisting of paths and agricultural plains, as well as numerous sections of tarmac.
There were a few nice trails, but too few to make up for the monotony of the hike.

Definitely not one of the best hikes in the Caen area; there are much better ones elsewhere.

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CHANTYRANDO
CHANTYRANDO

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An excellent route with varied terrain, alternating between shady woods, fields and rivers. An exceptional view at the highest point in Epinay sur Odon. I highly recommend it!

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lydieposloux
lydieposloux

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 02, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello

A lovely walk in the countryside, far from civilisation.

Very good description, making it easy to find your way around. Only the passage at the Epène farm (3) left a slight doubt. You have to turn left, rather than right... otherwise you won't cross the famous D71 (4) at the right place. And indeed, be careful, the few cars that drive there go very fast!

A pleasant experience in any case. Thank you.

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gegeenmarche
gegeenmarche

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A lovely walk through woodland and open plains with scenic views, well signposted with well-maintained paths and small, safe passages on the side of the road. For me, one of the nicest walks near Caen. And if you have any others like it, I'm 100% interested. Thank you in advance

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