Experiences and adventures
For outdoor activities, Normandy is a perfect destination. Thanks to its diverse landscapes, between sea, countryside, cliffs, and forests, it offers a wide range of activities in the heart of nature.
It combines culture, history, and nature for all ages and abilities. Set out to discover this magnificent region on foot, by bike, or on water for unforgettable memories!
The Norman region offers an exceptional variety of landscapes accessible on foot. Along the coast, you’ll be charmed by majestic cliffs like those at Étretat. Step back in time walking on D-Day beaches like Omaha Beach.
Don’t miss visiting one of Normandy’s most famous sites: Mont-Saint-Michel! Set out to discover its abbey and medieval streets.
Inland, numerous natural treasures await. In Eure, south of Rouen, explore marshlands, forests, and rivers. Southwest of Caen, the Souleuvre Valley offers an opportunity to encounter traditional Norman bocage countryside.
A wide choice of routes awaits hiking enthusiasts with 12,000 km of marked trails. From family walks with or without children to challenging hikes, all levels are catered for.
The Norman region boasts 3,000 km of GR long-distance hiking trails, delighting outdoor activity enthusiasts.
The GR21 follows the Alabaster Coast, including the famous Étretat cliffs. Its challenging route close to the beaches regularly offers unique viewpoints over this coastline sculpted by the elements.
Inland Normandy is equally suited to walking activities amid remarkably diverse landscapes like in Norman Switzerland.
Are you a cyclist who loves discovering a region while enjoying your favorite activity? Normandy is perfect for you! Its exceptional landscapes are crossed by varied routes for all abilities.
La Vélomaritime is a route connecting Brittany to Belgium along the coast. It crosses Normandy, offering spectacular landscapes like Mont-Saint-Michel or the Étretat cliffs.
The route is known for its easy access to tourist sites facilitating visits. It’s also appreciated for its numerous cyclist services: “Accueil Vélo” accommodations, shops, rentals, repairs, and signage.
La Vélo Francette is a route linking Normandy to La Rochelle. It enables discovery of the Norman countryside: bocage, forests, marshlands, and picturesque villages.
With no particular difficulties, its sections can be enjoyed by the whole family for a day of two-wheeled tourism. The route is particularly well-structured for cycle touring. For children, it represents an adventure immersed in nature.
For electric bike enthusiasts, the Pays d’Auge tour lets you enjoy inland Normandy’s riches. Not just visually but also through taste, as Norman gastronomy is an experience not to be missed.
In Normandy, water activities allow you to discover unique coastal landscapes. By sailboat or catamaran, admire the Étretat cliffs, D-Day beaches, and charm of seaside resorts like Deauville or Honfleur from the sea.
Longe-côte (guided sea walking) offers a gentle and immersive experience at the foot of remarkable natural sites. Paddleboarding or kayaking, accessible to all and available for day rental, allow you to explore the shoreline like at the Vaches Noires cliffs on the Flower Coast.
These activities offer a privileged viewpoint of the region’s natural and historical beauties.
Normandy presents itself as an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts thanks to its coastline and waterways. Along the coast, you’ll have a choice of thrilling activities: parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, kitesurfing…
Experience the adventure of fishing at sea and with family – children will enjoy shore fishing on Normandy’s long beaches exposed at low tide.
South of Rouen, in Eure, the rivers offer opportunities for kayaking immersed in peaceful, verdant nature.
Outdoor activities in Normandy offer opportunities to encounter local wildlife. The great diversity of Norman natural environments favors their preservation.
Visiting the Souleuvre Valley in Calvados gives you the chance to spot numerous animals. Children can marvel at various birds and fish, deer, foxes, and hedgehogs.
This Natura 2000 classified territory shelters remarkable biodiversity for a peaceful family adventure day.
At the Souleuvre viaduct, if you enjoy thrills, you’ll also have the opportunity to try bungee jumping.
Normandy also hosts remarkable flora. A nature walk is the perfect opportunity to appreciate its richness and diversity linked to the variety of landscapes.
The coastline is dotted with unique plants like in Mont-Saint-Michel’s salt meadows or those resistant to salt and water along the cliffs.
Norman forests and bocage are rich with oaks, beeches, and birches. Marshlands and wet meadows will lead you to discover wild orchids, reeds, and irises.
Normandy is a prime destination for outdoor activities. Its exceptional natural richness allows you to enjoy numerous leisure activities regardless of your level, for stays from one day to several weeks. If you wish to recharge surrounded by natural and historical landscapes, choose Normandy for your next holiday!
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