Thury-Harcourt walks

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.

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 Description and route slightly out of date in places, see reviews for alternatives

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".

A beautiful hike offering views of the Roches d'Oëtre, the village of La Forêt-Auvray, the banks of the Orne and the Normandy countryside. This hike is a slightly longer variation of the "Around La Forêt-Auvray" hike. You can start the hike at La Fouillerie (the option chosen for the description) or at La Forêt-Auvray.

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

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

If there were a paradise for hiking, the Roche d'Oëtre Sensitive Natural Area and the Rouvre Gorges would certainly be well placed! A listed site and Sensitive Natural Area in the Orne department, La Roche d'Oëtre, located in the heart of the Normandy Mountains, is a must-see site and a meeting place for lovers of wild nature and hiking.

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 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

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.

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.

This circuit is an encounter between nature and history. A superb route along one of the most beautiful beaches in Normandy. It combines paths through woods, fields, orchards and pastures, and also takes in this important place of remembrance where thousands of American soldiers landed to liberate France from Nazi occupation. A visit to the American military cemetery is a must. You can also stroll along the beautiful Omaha Beach.