Through the Normandy bocage

At the heart of an expanse of woodland between Caen and Mont-Saint-Michel

This greenway on the old Vire – Fougère railway line takes you through the Normandy bocage (hedgerow farmland).

Practical information:

  • Length 2 days and 1 night
  • Departure an arrival: Sourdeval, at the old train station, where you can park.
  • Distance:  ~ 50 km (~ 31 miles)
Saint Germain de Tallevende hikers’ stop ©Calvados Attractivité

Day 1: from Sourdeval to Vire (25 km - 15 ½ miles)

10 miles or so after leaving Sourdeval, you can take a break for a light meal or lunch at the Saint-Germain de Tallevende hiker’s stop.

At the D215 intersection, 8 km (5 miles) from Vire, a signpost tempts you to explore the La Dathée Lake. This 10 ha (~ 25 acre) bird sanctuary and 43 ha (106 acre) lake also has pedal boats, kayaks and so on. Count 2 to 3 km (1 to 2 miles) on top of your cycle route.

When you reach the old fortified town of Vire, several old buildings recall the medieval period. A must in July: the “les Virevoltés” street arts festival.

And for food lovers, Vire is well known for its andouille and there are sales outlets in town.

For your evening meal, there are lots of restaurants on site.

©Calvados Attractivité

Day 2: from Vire to Sourdeval (25 km - ~15 ½ miles)

Before returning to Sourdeval, why not visit the Aquavire aquatic centre? It has a 76 m (~ 250’) slide and 4 multi-lane waterslides outside. The children will love it!

As for adults, there is plenty to enjoy in the Océane area with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

 

There are other activities you can enjoy as a family around the trail:

- The Moulin de la Sée Ecomuseum in Brouains

- Bowling in Vire

Parcours et points d'intérêt

Parcours et points d'intérêt

Mortain-Bocage / Vire Normandie

20 Mortain-Bocage / Vire Normandie

43 km
2 h 50 min
Beginners/Families
The sound of the largest waterfalls in northwest France still ringing in your ears, continue riding along a greenway through the hedge-divided fields of the Normandy bocage. Here, green dominates the scene and the typical Normandy countryside imparts a feeling of well-being. Once past Sourdeval, the Vélomaritime route leads on to Vire, a town rebuilt after the 1944 Allied bombings. The place has preserved its lively traditional market and is reputed for its culinary and craft heritage.