May-sur-Orne walks

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

A charming walk combining forests, wooded paths, streams, mills, hamlets, beautiful stone buildings, fields and meadows, with a few small climbs. Very pleasant to do from spring, when the vegetation comes to life, until autumn, when it bursts into shades of yellow, ochre and red. Apart from the section from Le Pissot to the hamlet of Touchet (1 km), there are virtually no roads to walk on, although it is sometimes difficult to avoid them.

This heritage trail immerses you in medieval society alongside knights, monks and peasants. In the 11th century, in the Cinglais region, Boulon was part of the powerful seigneury of RaoulI Taisson, who built the Château de Thuit there, the seat of seigneurial power. Between forest and heritage, the Boulon discovery trail reveals traces of this medieval past. This trail is marked in blue with signs reading "Heritage Trail - Boulon in the Middle Ages".

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.

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 Description and route slightly out of date in places, see reviews for alternatives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.

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.

A very pleasant walk through the undergrowth, with the sound of small streams flowing through this magnificent forest. Lots of mushrooms in season.

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

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.

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

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.

This is a fairly easy hike, mostly on country roads with virtually no traffic. Return via the Clécy viaduct and along the Orne. This hike can be done in the morning, with a stop for lunch at one of the open-air cafés along the Orne.

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

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".

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.

Swiss Normandy: valleys, springs, streams, fir trees, small villages – everything you need to have a great day out and come home tired.

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).