The GR 223 runs along the Normandy coast from Honfleur to Mont Saint Michel. It is also called the “sentiers des douaniers" (customs officers’ path) or "sentier littoral" (coastal path). In the bay it crisscrosses the coastline through villages, countryside, beaches, wooded areas, offering varied terrain and spectacular panoramas.
For the less sporty, each stage is accessible by car for shorter walks.
Our accommodations are all ideally located a few steps from the GR223.
The chemins du Mont Saint Michel are numerous paths that follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims starting far afield to end at their common destination, the Mont Saint Michel. Here are some examples in the area.
This part of the trail is remarkable. You can do a fabulous 6km loop if you are sporty enough.
Depart on the GR223 in Carolles towards the Lude Valley. Go up to the Cabane Vauban with its spectacular view of the bay at the top of the steep cliffs.
Then walk in the ornithological reserve of the Pointe de Carolles and on its fine sand beach to reach the Vallée des Peintres.
For the less sporty, each stage is accessible by car for shorter walks.
This superb hike along the coast links Saint-Jean-le-Thomas to Mont-Saint-Michel via Genêts and Saint Léonard.
For shorter walks, each stage is accessible by car or you just have to leave one of our gîtes and set off on foot in one direction or the other.
Red and white lines - 7km - 5h - medium difficulty
Departing from Hauteville-sur-Mer via its promenade, you will cross areas with sandy bottoms called les mielles where carrots are grown!
In the area around Coudeville and Donville you will see the stakes driven into the sand called the bouchots where the mussel farmers raise the famous Bouchots mussels. The stage ends in the fishing port of Granville.
red and white lines - 22.6km - 5h15 - medium difficulty
This 19 km hike starts with magnificent views of Granville, the Chausey archipelago and the Breton coastline in the distance.
It then arrives at the picturesque Vauban cabin and the Lude valley followed by the seaside resort of Saint-Jean-le-Thomas. Here you will alternate between fields and small country roads before arriving at the dunes.
The walk ends with your feet in the sand along Bec d'Andaine to Genêts.
You share this infrastructure intended for non-motorized traffic with bicycles, rollerblades, and sometimes horse riders. In the bay the Voie Verte (green track) has been establiched along the old disused railway lines, rivers or other ecological corridors.
This "voie verte" follows an old disused railway line on a relatively flat route and crosses the bucolic countryside.
Mortain is situated on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is here that the famous waterfalls of Mortain and L'Abbaye Blanche are located. The walk ends in the peaceful little village of Saint-Cyr-du-Bailleul.
17km - 3h30 - easy
From Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, a town engaged in nature tourism with its green space and lake in the town center, follow the path towards Ducey, a charming town with an interesting historical heritage.
Discover Montgommery Castle, the old bridge dated to 1613 and the 19th century Saint-Pair church.
18.9km - 4h - facile
Mortain is situated on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is here that the famous waterfalls of Mortain and L'Abbaye Blanche are located.
The walk ends in Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët, a town engaged in nature tourism. Relax by the lake in the parc in the city center.
11.1km - 2h15 - easy
Departing from Ducey, this 9km route will take you through the peaceful woods of the Ardennes along the Sélune river, rich in wild salmon.
This loop will allow you to discover the pretty town of Ducey with its charming historical heritage.
Take a trip to Montgommery Castle, the old bridge from 1613 and the 19th century Saint-Pair church.
9.2 km - 2h - medium difficulty
For a complete list of all the hikes to do in the region, on foot, on horseback or by bike, go to the Attitude Manche website and if you wish to book a walk across the bay with a guide here are our recommendations.