Roche d'Oëtre sur La Vélo Francette
Pascal Beltrami

The Suisse Normande cycle route

100 km from Caen to Flers sur La Vélo Francette

La Vélo Francette’s stage starting at Normandy’s famed World War II D-Day landing beaches then leads you inland via Caen and Flers to the Domfrontais area. You cross hills known amusingly as La Suisse Normande (Norman Switzerland), following the meanders of the Orne, Noireau and La Varenne Valleys, and passing the iconic Roche d’Oëtre peak. The greenways and bucolic country roads you take often offer 360° views of typical Normandy countryside.

Cyclistes à Caen
J. Damase

Take the time to explore Caen

The city of Caen, home of William the Conqueror, is a treasure trove of medieval heritage, featuring the Ducal Castle, the Abbaye aux Hommes and the Abbaye aux Dames. Having been deeply affected by the Second World War, Caen is a city where you can learn more about 20th-century history at the Memorial for Peace.

Vallée de l'Orne
JB. Pons

Follow the meandering course of the Orne Valley

Normandy’s Swiss region is characterised by spectacular landscapes, shaped by the Orne, Normandy’s second-largest river after the Seine. Cliffs, gorges and rolling green hills follow one after another along this cycle route. Don’t miss the stretch at La Roche d’Oëtre, which offers a stunning view of the Orne Valley.

Map of the cycle route

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

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Map of the cycle route

Caen / Thury-Harcourt

2 Caen / Thury-Harcourt

28 km
1 h 52 min
I begin
Once you’ve gone round Caen’s marina, explore the city via its ‘green lungs’, notably the racecourse and a special Espace Naturel Sensible, an environmentally protected area. Continue south beside the Orne River, taking the greenway into La Suisse Normande’s hills. This portion runs along a former railway line, offering an exceptionally peaceful route, a delight for nature lovers.
Thury-Harcourt / Pont d'Ouilly

3 Thury-Harcourt / Pont d'Ouilly

23 km
1 h 37 min
I cycle often
La Vélo Francette’s stage through the heart of La Suisse Normande’s hills is very nature-friendly. Cyclists follow the meanders and dramatic granite forms of the gorges of the Orne Valley, in part on a greenway, while canoeists appreciate the river itself. The waterside villages, such as Thury-Harcourt, Clécy and Pont-d’Ouilly, provide delightful stops and riverside terraces along the way.
Pont d'Ouilly / La Roche d'Oëtre / Flers

5 Pont d'Ouilly / La Roche d'Oëtre / Flers

31 km
2 h 05 min
I cycle a lot
This demanding but grandiose alternative stage is worth the effort involved in cycling up La Roche d’Oëtre. From its 118m-high summit, enjoy grand views of the Rouvre’s wooded gorges, listed as an Espace Naturel Sensible (an environmentally protected area), set in the heart of Europe’s oldest mountain range. To reach the château and station at Flers, continue along pleasant, quiet, but steep roads through traditional Norman farmlands.

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