On a bike..
To make the most of Normandy as a green destination, take to one of the region's many trails on two wheels. And why not opt for the greenways! The 335 km London-Paris route, between Eure and Seine-Maritime, offers you the chance to discover magnificent, unspoilt natural settings and unique landscapes where the changing light inspired the Impressionists. And first and foremost Claude Monet, whose famous gardens are right on your doorstep. Would you like to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Cotentin coast and the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel? Head for the Tour de Manche. Hundreds of kilometers of green countryside and marshes stretch as far as the eye can see.
The Orne region is not to be outdone, with several greenways. These link the valleys of the Perche from Condé-sur-Huisne to the Rives d'Andaines in the Orne bocage. These greenways are on the Véloscénie itinerary, which takes you from Paris to the majestic Mont-Saint-Michel. On the 230 kilometers of the Normandy section of this itinerary, you'll pass through the beautiful countryside of the Perche and Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Parks. Take advantage of a short jaunt to discover the jewels of our built heritage, from charming little churches to grander manor houses.
If you're a history buff, the D-Day tour is a must: it should be very popular in this 80th anniversary year. Finally, don't forget the "Vélomaritime": from the Franco-Belgian border to Roscoff in Brittany, via Normandy, the route alternates between seascapes and sometimes steep bocage: sublime.
...or on foot!
More of a hiking enthusiast? Normandy abounds with hundreds of kilometers of sunken lanes and paths along the sea. In Granville, more than 550 kilometers of loops, including the famous GR 223, await you. Between land and sea, whether you're an amateur or a keen walker, you'll discover the beauty of the bay, observe the Chausey islands or survey the ramparts of the old town. Want to walk along the coast and reach an island? It's possible. Head for Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Cotentin peninsula. At low tide, hikers can reach the island of Tatihou. Here, the Vauban fort, a maritime museum and a maritime reserve are open to the public. At the top of the cliffs, the Nez de Jobourg is an incredible site: its cliffs are among the highest in Europe. The countryside also has plenty to offer walkers. In Eure, opt for the lovely Benedictine heritage trail at Bec-Hellouin. Located in the Risle valley, its narrow streets and half-timbered houses are waiting to be discovered on this short 10 km jaunt! There's no shortage of hiking trails in Suisse Normande. Just a stone's throw from Calvados, head for the Orne and the Roche d'Oëtre and Rouvre gorges: steep paths and breathtaking panoramas await you. For experienced hikers, head to Seine-Maritime on the Troglodytes trail. Equipped with good footwear, discover the limestone dwellings and the remains of the Roche Fouet castle, built on the orders of Richard the Lionheart.
On foot or by bike, each of these escapades has its share of pretty nuggets: small local producers who let you discover their local produce, bed & breakfasts in unusual accommodations..
Preserved sites
Thanks to these four regional nature parks and numerous protected natural areas, you can discover preserved sites where biodiversity flourishes. To help you discover them, local organizations and authorities offer nature walks. In the Orne region, which boasts almost 40 Espaces naturels sensibles, discover the Petits Riaux peat bog in the heart of the Ecouves forest massif. Thanks to the geology of its acidic soil, a very special flora grows here. In Calvados, the Orne estuary is an ideal place to discover a magnificent ecological heritage. From the observation tower, you can watch the local fauna, especially the birds. In Seine-Maritime, the Maison de l'Estuaire offers guided tours and nature events. On the program: water birds, wetlands, reed cutting..
Normandy also boasts a wealth of floral treasures, which you can discover by visiting some magnificent parks and gardens. You won't want to miss the gardens of Impressionist artist Claude Monet at Giverny. We also recommend a detour to the Jardin Plume at Auzouville-sur-Ry in Seine-Maritime. The site, which has made grasses and perennials its specialty, also boasts an orchard. Head for Calvados to discover the park and garden of Château de Mézidon-Canon. Between the rose garden, the wild garden "à l'anglaise" or more orderly "à la française", the botanical circuits... multiple facets of floral beauty await you. The last destination not to be missed is the Jardins de la Petite Rochelle in the Perche region of France, famous for its magnolias.
