The Lude Valley and the Vauban Cabin from Carolles

A short hike along the sea in a protected environment and with beautiful views of the bay of Mont Saint Michel.

Details

407
Creation:
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Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.04 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 139 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 130 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 68 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 8 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Carolles (50740|)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 48.758229° / W 1.572139°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1215ET
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

A short hike along the sea in a protected environment and with beautiful views of the bay of Mont Saint Michel.
The starting point is the car park at the foot of Pignon Butor, at Carolles-Plage. The hike begins with steep stairs, separated by several points of view. An orientation table at the end of the ascent helps you find your bearings.

Then continue along the cliffs following the GR markings. There is also a sign indicating the direction of Vauban Cabin and the Lude Valley. (1) The Lude Valley is quickly reached and the trail descends into it. Once down in the valley, turn right and go to the beach for a glimpse of the cliffs and the Lude flowing into the sea. (2)

Retrace your steps to the GR and turn right at the little bridge over the Lude. There is a sign that reads 'Cabane Vauban'. The trail goes up the cliffs by a new staircase. Then head on to the Vauban Cabin, where you will find Mont Saint Michel and Tombelaine.

Follow the path in the opposite direction to return to the starting point.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 12 m - Butor sprocket
  2. 1 : km 1.21 - alt. 15 m - Vallée du Lude
  3. 2 : km 1.45 - alt. 8 m - Port du Lude
  4. 3 : km 2.3 - alt. 68 m - Cabane Vauban
  5. S/E : km 5.04 - alt. 12 m - Butor sprocket

Notes

Take some water with you because Lude Valley is usually sheltered from the wind and can be quite warm. The many climbs and steep descents are also thirsty work.

You will be more comfortable with hiking boots.

The scenery of the bay is different depending on the tides. Try this hike at high and low tide; it's completely different!

At the place where the Lude joins the beach, an old trail heads off to the left among the rocks and joins the GR route leading to the Vauban cabin. This path is now closed to preserve the flora, and probably also because of its difficulty (fair, but still requires the use of hands).

Worth a visit

At the end of the hike, you can rest at Carolles beach.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 56 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
User 29029028

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A route best tackled in trainers or hiking boots.

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Marie O
Marie O

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The trail starts at the far end of the car park, between the beach huts, with a steep flight of steps, but the effort is rewarded by the view. The path then winds up and down in the typical fashion of a GR trail. I carried on as far as the second Vauban hut to get a better view of Mont Saint-Michel (this forms part of another hike that follows the same path all the way to Saint-Jean-le-Thomas). The idyllic stroll through the Lude Valley on the way back is lovely. Bear in mind that you’ll have to go back down the steps on the return journey. There’s a handrail along the way to help. Enjoy the beautiful views. Happy walking to all. Marie-O

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User 22030948

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 06, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Just to clarify, the starting point is at the end of the car park bordered by the beach huts. It's a steep climb up the cliff, but you'll be rewarded with some stunning views!

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MORAINVILLIERS(SEINE ET OISE)
MORAINVILLIERS(SEINE ET OISE)

Hello, for a more enjoyable experience, you can take the route anti-clockwise, where you will be treated to stunning views of the bay and, below, the Lude Valley. Head towards the sea: the little port of Le Lude is picturesque.
Best regards, Yves

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User 27963957

Thank you for your message. We will repeat this walk from this new starting point and continue a little further along the GR trail to keep Mont Saint-Michel in view for longer.
Kind regards

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MORAINVILLIERS(SEINE ET OISE)
MORAINVILLIERS(SEINE ET OISE)

Hello,
It's a shame we can't read the comments before going on the hike, because I noticed in 2024 that it was better to start at the Champeaux Cliffs car park (Grange de TOM), as this avoided the tough start.
Kind regards.

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User 27963957

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful walk, not difficult for me, but my companion regretted not warming up before setting off (starting with these relatively steep stairs put him in a slightly bad mood...).

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Schnacka
Schnacka

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

This is a classic route, but one that is full of interest and charm. The first part takes you high above the sea, and the second part, after the Vauban hut, brings you back to the starting point through the charming Lude valley.
We did it in the rain, but we'll try to do it again in the sunshine.

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User 8565187

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Easily accessible

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marieu21
marieu21
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Wonderful hike this weekend with my man
Not many people
Beautiful scenery and views
Very pleasant with good weather

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simone.delouis
simone.delouis

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

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francismarche
francismarche

Not done

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Roofy
Roofy
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk along the cliffs, paths and forest, fairly easy with some ascent, worth doing for the view of Mont Blanc.

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Edith deshommes
Edith deshommes
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice hike in the woods and over the cliffs with a bit of a climb

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MORAINVILLIERS(SEINE ET OISE)
MORAINVILLIERS(SEINE ET OISE)
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hi, I haven't had time to do the hike but I know that it's magnificent in all weathers because the Falaises de Champeaux were my cross-country terrain for almost 30 years.
Re-bonjour hike done since June 2024, I confirm what I said earlier: magnificent hike but I start from the Pkg of the Cliffs of Champeaux (Tom's barn) which avoids climbing the stairs at the start.
Avoid hiking in hot weather: the cliffs raise the temperature.
Have a good outing.

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