Hiking in Suisse Normande: 5 spectacular trails to explore with your family

Located in La Forêt-Auvray, Locations de Nath is an ideal base from which to discover the Suisse Normande region on foot with your family. Between belvederes, gorges, rivers and hedged farmland, the region offers an exceptional playground for nature lovers. From our gîtes and chambres d'hôtes, a number of spectacular footpaths are easily accessible for walks suitable for all ages.

La Roche d'Oëtre and the Rouvre gorges

Just a few minutes from our accommodation, the Roche d'Oëtre is one of the most impressive natural sites in Normandy, with its viewpoint rising almost 120 metres above the Rouvre gorges. This panoramic viewpoint offers a breathtaking vista over the valley and is an essential stop-off point on a hiking holiday in Suisse Normande. There are several routes to choose from, all suitable for children, with paths leading down to the river before climbing back up to the Maison du Paysage.

After your walk, you can return to the comfort of your Auvergne gîte or La Cahute for a moment of relaxation with your family, or take advantage of the wellness area if you are staying in our Les Rocailles guest rooms.

Around La Forêt-Auvray and the GR36

From La Forêt-Auvray, a number of routes follow the GR36 and its local variants. These routes offer superb views over the Orne valley and through the typical hedged farmland of Suisse Normande. Some of the paths take you to the village market halls, the banks of the Orne and the surrounding hamlets, for a complete immersion in the Normandy countryside.

Our gîtes in La Forêt-Auvray and Saint Aubert sur Orne are ideally situated close to the GR36, making it easy to organise family walks while enjoying the comfort of fully-equipped accommodation.

The Suisse Normande family tour in stages

The GR de pays Tour de la Suisse Normande is a 113-kilometre loop through some of the most beautiful countryside in the region. Although the entire route is aimed at experienced walkers, it is perfectly possible for families to discover it in sections, around Pont-d'Ouilly, Condé-en-Normandie or Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne.

By staying at Locations de Nath, you can build up a real hiking holiday with your family, choosing a different section each day and returning to the peace and comfort of your gîte in the evening.

The Val La Hère and the views from Pont-d'Ouilly

Leaving from Pont-d'Ouilly, the Val La Hère trail offers a seven-kilometre loop that's ideal for families, with its washhouse, stream and panoramic views over the Orne valley. The trail alternates between undergrowth, meadows and views over the village, with a moderate gradient suitable for children.

This walk can be combined with a canoeing trip on the Orne, before returning to the comfort of your gîte or bed and breakfast in La Forêt-Auvray.

Easy trails around La Roche d'Oëtre

From the Maison du Paysage at La Roche d'Oëtre, there are a number of accessible loops that can be walked with young children, and some sections can even be done with an all-terrain pushchair, while enjoying the spectacular scenery. These short routes run along ledges, through woods and meadows, and lead to areas where you can take a break in the great outdoors.

These itineraries are the perfect complement to your stay at Locations de Nath, where you can alternate family outings, moments of relaxation and the comfort of your accommodation, while enjoying the unspoilt environment of the Suisse Normande region.

To organise your next getaway, discover our accommodation in Suisse Normande and use our indoor and outdoor activities page to create a tailor-made programme of outings to suit all the family.