Hiking in complete freedom
Soft tourism enables you to discover La Manche while taking your time, seeing the territory differently, and heading off the beaten track, all while limiting your impact on the environment. Adopting a slower approach to travel means exploring the territory on its cycle routes and paths.
Cycling
Three major routes to discover La Manche differentlyLa Vélowestnormandy
Covering a total distance of 230 km, this cycle route links the D-Day beaches to Mont Saint-Michel. Between greenways and country lanes, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Norman bocage landscapes and the cultural and historical heritage of La Manche.
La Véloscénie
From Paris, you can get to La Manche on the Véloscénie. This cycle route covers 450 km in 25 different stages, five of which are in La Manche. Starting at Notre-Dame de Paris and finishing at Mont Saint-Michel, the route takes you past lots of different historical buildings, symbols of French heritage.
La Vélomaritme
The Vélomaritime (the French part of the EuroVelo 4 cycle route) travels along the coast of Brittany and La Manche, before continuing to the Hauts-de-France region. This route also goes past the treasures of La Manche, including Mont Saint-Michel and its bay, Tatihou Island and the D-Day beaches.
Hiking
The coastal path for another perspective on La MancheLa Manche is a great place for anyone who loves walking, with several hiking trails through unexpected landscapes. The unmissable routes include the emblematic Sentier des Douaniers (Customs officers’ path, or GR®223) and the Chemins du Mont Saint-Michel (Pilgrims ways to Mont Saint-Michel). In addition, all of the cycling and horseriding paths are also open to hikers.
With its 23 stages, each one covering on average 15 to 25 km, the Sentier des Douaniers is the trail to choose if you want to push your limits. The GR®223 follows the coast of La Manche, from the Cotentin marshes to the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel, with the sea as a constant backdrop.