Activities

The area known as the Suisse Normande lies along the gorge of the River Orne, between Thury-Harcourt and Putanges. While the name is a little far-fetched – there are certainly no mountains – it is quite distinctive, with cliffs and crags and wooded hills at every turn. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits: you can race along the Orne in canoes and kayaks, cruise more sedately on pedaloes or a bizarre species of inflatable rubber tractor, or dangle on ropes from the sheer rock-faces high above.

It is hard to pin down specific highlights in inland Normandy. The pleasures lie in the feel of particular landscapes – the lush meadows and orchards, the classic half-timbered houses and farm buildings, and the rivers and forests of the Norman countryside. Gastronomy is, of course, another major motivation for coming here. The cheeses, creams, apple and pear brandies and ciders for which the region is famous are at their best in the Pays d'Auge, south of Lisieux, and the Vire Valley to the west. The Suisse Normande is canoeing and rock-climbing country, and there are endless good walks in the stretch along the southern border of the province designated as the Parc Naturel Régional de Normandie-Maine. Of the towns, Conches is the most charming, Falaise has William the Conqueror as a constant fall-back attraction, and Lisieux has its religious significance.

As an alternative to following the more northerly routes across Normandy, motorists heading west from Paris towards Brittany may prefer to cut directly across the province by following the line of the N12 through Alençon and then heading north on the N176. Much of the terrain along Normandy's southern border is taken up by the dense woodlands of the Forêt d'Écouves and the Forêt des Andaines, so there's plenty of good walking to be had, while the hill towns of Carrouges and Domfront make great stopovers.

Golf - the nearest 18-hole golf course and restaurant is at Clercy (15 minutes away) and there is a 9-hole course at La Selle La Forge (10 minutes away).

There is a newly-opened tree adventure park at La Roche d'Oetre.

Other activities in the area include kayaking, horse riding, mountain biking and walking.

The sandy Normandy beaches are one hours drive away.

The port of Caen (Ouistreham) is a 1 hours drive away, Le Havre is about 2 hours, Dieppe just less than 3 hours and Calais approximately 4 hours drive.