Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sand Yachting and
Watersports
Normandy's broad, sandy beaches
lend themselves perfectly to sand
yachting (
char à voile
), particularly
at Omaha Beach and along the
west coast of the Cotentin
Peninsula (there are large centres
at Vauville and Portbail). You will
also find windsurfing on offer, and
something called “kitesurfing”
(imagine snowboarding on water,
wearing a harness with a kite
attached). Sailors can choose
from the 100 sailing schools and
clubs along the coastline.
Top 10 Walks
La Hague Peninsula
The coastal path GR223
passes the dramatic Nez de
Jobourg
(see pp97, 101)
.
Val de Saire
This pastoral valley makes
gentle walking country. Finish
at St-Vaast-la-Hougue or at
Barfleur
(see pp100, 101)
.
Dunes and Marshes,
Bréhal
Take the
route submersible
to
see one of Cotentin's unique
natural havens, Havre de la
Vanlée - but be warned, the
road becomes heavily flooded
during the dramatic spring
tides.
d
Map B4
Waterfalls of Mortain
Follow the river Cance, in
an Alpine landscape.
d
Map C5
La Suisse Normande
Rugged walking country,
with great views from the
Roche d'Oëtre
(see p88)
.
Canoeing
Canoeing
Condé-sur-Vire is Normandy's
largest canoeing and kayaking
resort; the Vire makes a perfect
family outing
(see p98)
. Canoeing
is also on offer at Pont d'Ouilly in
the Suisse Normande, on the
Eure near Pacy-sur-Eure, and at
Saint-Saëns in the Pays de Bray.
Pays d'Auge
Rolling pastures, pretty
villages, and plenty of stops for
cheese and cider
(see pp32-3)
.
Forêt du Perche et de
la Trappe
Combine walking with
mushrooming amidst woods
and pools of water
(see p67)
.
L'Aigle
Market day (Tuesday)
is the best day for a walking
tour of this historic town and
its neighbouring cantons
(see p110)
.
Fishing
The marvellous diversity of
Norman lakes and rivers makes
freshwater fishing a rewarding
and popular pastime. Sea fishing
expeditions are organized from
ports including Honfleur, Trouville,
Dieppe and St-Valéry-en-Caux.
Forêt d'Eawy
Explore one of Normandy's
most beautiful beech forests
by walking the Chemin des
Écoliers
(see p66)
.
Bases de Loisirs
Normandy has many
base
de loisirs
(leisure bases) by lakes
and on rivers, where you can
enjoy swimming and watersports.
Many also offer tennis, golf, riding,
archery and other facilities.
The Seine
Follow the GR23 along
the Seine's south bank and
into the Forêt de Brotonne
(see p67)
.
There are good
bases de loisirs
at Lac de Caniel (Seine-Maritime),
Léry-Poses (Eure), and Escale de Vitou in Vimoutiers (Orne).
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