3 ways to discover or rediscover the region with the arrival of spring

Spring means the return of sunny days, birds chirping, frogs croaking and apple trees adorned with flowers! It is also an opportunity to go (or go again) to discover the treasures of our beautiful Normandy land. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, a Sunday cyclist or a horse rider at heart, here are three ways to enjoy the landscapes of our destination.

Summary:

• Walking tour: discovering our trails and nature reserves
• Bike ride: follow the Vélomaritime
• Horseback riding: between countryside and seaside

Walking tour: discovering our trails and nature reserves

There's nothing like a good walk in our sweet lands! With the return of the sun (or at least, we hope so), the villas and manors of our towns will shine with their splendor, the paths will begin to adorn themselves with a thousand colors and the scents of spring will permeate the air of our countryside. Here's what awaits you if you're ready to put on your sneakers (or boots) to visit our towns, trails and reserves.

The circuits and discovery trails of Cabourg, Houlgate, Merville-Franceville-Plage, and Beuvron-en-Auge

Lovers of pretty alleys and bucolic landscapes, you will be won over! Between the charm of the Belle Époque villas, the Black Cows cliffs In Houlgate, the coastal paths of Merville-Franceville-Plage and the Auge countryside of Beuvron-en-Auge, each walk is an invitation to travel. Like a young bud, let your curiosity and wonder blossom through discovery circuits and trails.

The territory's reserves

If you are more of an "archi-nature" person than an "architecture" person, you will undoubtedly enjoy taking a quiet break along the bird sanctuaries. For this, you have two options:

• The first one, direction the Gros Banc Nature Reserve in LOrne estuary. This little paradise welcomes many species of migratory birds and offers a unique landscape between land and sea. There is even an observatory to watch the animals, without disturbing them. Bring binoculars and open your eyes wide!

• The second, on the way to Saint-Samson reserve. A word of advice, get out your boots! In fact, free 2-hour nature activities are organized on site to learn more about this area and the birds. Don't delay, the visits end at the end of March and will resume in October.

The discovery of the marshes

Get out the water-plouf shoes! This is just a little tip to discover the marshes of Dives and Varaville. Along the trails, you can observe all sorts of animal and plant species! So if you want to see swans, ducks and maybe even a few early morning deer, all you have to do is prepare a versatile outfit and follow YouTube tutorials like " How to blend into the landscape and become a bush ».

(we promise, if this tutorial doesn't already exist, we'll do everything we can to offer it to you... one day)

Bike ride: follow the Vélomaritime!

It's time to take your foot off the pedal and set off to explore the area by bike. For this, we have no better option than to take you on the VelomaritimeA cycle route that should seduce you with its seaside, passing through Merville-Franceville-Plage, Cabourg, Dives-sur-Mer and Houlgate.

And if your getaway takes you to the Augeronne region with an electric bike, you should know that there is a charging station at the hikers' stop in Beuvron-en-Auge.

Want to go further? Check out our article for crisscross the territory by bike.

Horseback riding: between the countryside and the seaside

It's time to swap the iron horse for the thoroughbred horse! Don't worry, we're not sending you on a galloping ride from the first outing, but rather on a quiet outing in nature. If you like foals, you might be lucky enough to come across some in the stud farms during your ride in the Auge countryside.

We don't know about you, but imagining these foals frolicking in the fresh grass already puts stars in our eyes!

If horse riding tempts you, many equestrian centers offer outings in the countryside or on the beach!

Bonus for the little lazy people eager for curiosity

Although it seems small on the map, our territory is vast! It is not for nothing that it is called the condensed version of Normandy! So for those who cannot wait and want to see everything, right away, there are 3 circuits that you can do by car:

• The Cider Route, to discover apple culture and its derivative products in cider houses and distilleries
• The gastronomy and arts and crafts circuit, which will take you across the region to taste dishes and discover local talents
• The country heritage circuit, which will transport you through the ages.

Ready to get out and get some fresh air?

Whether on foot, by bike or on horseback, there are plenty of excuses to enjoy spring in Normandy. So, put on your sneakers, pump up your tires or strap on your saddle… and let’s go on an adventure!