Normandy: The best hiking trails for your holidays!

Normandy in northern France enchants you with its pristine, wild romantic nature, which is considered a hiking paradise all year round. The varied coastline with its iconic chalk cliffs and dream beaches is rich in sights. Inland, you hike through dense forests and a variety of historic villages.

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Normandy - 8 special hiking trails

Normandy - 8 special hiking trails

Normandy - Holiday homes & apartments

Étretat Circuit

During your vacation in northern France, you have the choice of different hikes every day. The Circuit Étretat, which is a good 10 kilometers long, is particularly recommended. Plan about three hours for the circular route along the coast and inland to enjoy the breathtaking views during breaks. The hike is relatively flat, so you only cover 250 meters in elevation. The path is well signposted and the ground is well paved. If you take the trip in the summer months, you can also linger at a bathing bay to refresh yourself by swimming in the English Channel.

Small round tour to La Roche d’Oëtre

Various hiking trails for every athletic requirement lead up to the viewpoint rock. A popular circular tour starts at the hiking car park near the community of Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne at the foot of the Roche d'Oëtre. From there, the route goes up to the viewpoint rock on a quite challenging path that requires sure-footedness. The fantastic panoramic view quickly makes one forget the exertions. Through the forest-rich hiking area Rocher des Gardes, the approximately 2-kilometer-long path leads in a scenic loop along the La Rouvre river and on parallel forest paths back to the starting point. Extensions of the circular tour through the lush green landscape of the Norman Switzerland are possible at any time.

Hiking through the Norman Switzerland

The hike through the Norman Switzerland begins in Clécy, a picturesque community on the Orne. You cover a distance of 12 km and overcome 270 meters in altitude. Solitary forest paths lead through wide fields. After about an hour and a half, you reach the Rochers de la Houle. The next stage destination is Saint-Omer, where you take a break and refresh yourself. After a short tour of the community, your hike continues through the heart of the Norman Switzerland. Enjoy the magnificent views over the Orne and the many small villages on its banks.

Marcel Proust Promenade

The Promenade Marcel Proust is known as the longest pedestrian promenade in Europe. It runs above the beach, offering a view over the sea. To the west lies the Côte de Nacre, to the east the Côte Fleurie with its gentle hills. On a clear day, the view extends to Le Havre. During a walk along the Promenade Marcel Proust, you will encounter numerous Belle Époque villas that are characteristic of the cityscape of Cabourg. Stop by one of the many cafés or take a detour to the dunes of Cabourg at the eastern end of the promenade.

Sallenelles Bay

One of the most beautiful hikes around Sallenelles is the circular route along the Baie de Sallenelles, a 15 km long path that takes about four hours. Start your hike in Sallenelles and follow the banks of the Orne. The bay is also known as the "Petite Somme." It is a retreat for many different migratory bird species that settle here to breed. With a bit of luck, you may also encounter seals relaxing on the beaches of the Orne. On the way back, the hike runs through the hinterland, known for its green meadows.

Great Waterfall of Mortain

From the town center of La Neufbourg, it is just 600 meters to the waterfall, so you can spontaneously undertake the hike at any time and combine it with other tours. You will cover a barely noticeable elevation difference. The path itself is well-paved, so even beginners can manage easily. Upon reaching the waterfall, you will be greeted by a picturesque sight. The Grande Cascade is 25 meters high in total, and the water is foamed by the strong current. In spring, the immediate surroundings in the Vallée de la Cance, the river running here, are densely covered with rhododendrons, guaranteeing a colorful view.

The Canteraine

The circular route is probably the most popular route in the region and measures 15.4 km. However, the terrain is pleasantly flat, so you only have to overcome about 200 meters of elevation during your hike. Accordingly, even with small breaks at the roadside, you are on the move for between three and four hours. In some areas of the hiking trail, dogs are allowed to run off-leash. In most seasons, you enjoy complete tranquility during your excursion. The path is well-prepared and can be easily managed even in poorer weather. You walk over bridges, through forests, and along streams.

Trail from Thaon

The 8.5 km long path starts in Thaon Calvados and leads through forests and fields, passing by the well-known Église Saint-Pierre de Thaon church from the 11th century. It then continues into the valley of La Mue, where you can discover caves in the rocks. The hiking route is not difficult and is therefore suitable for all levels. History enthusiasts will also get their money's worth: war memorials from the 1944 invasion period can be found on many beaches and in villages. A detour to Le Havre is also worthwhile, as it is said to have the best oysters in the country.