Updated on 29 June 2020
Reading time: 3 minutes
Normandy is a well-known mountain biking destination for the variety of its landscapes and great trails options. Whether it’s family-friendly rides on flat terrain or more challenging mountain biking on rugged terrain you’re after, all five of Normandy’s départements offer stunning cycle routes and mountain biking trails to suit all abilities.
The Calvados département is one of the ‘must ride’ areas for mountain biking. It features several mountain bike sites, some of which are labelled by the French Cyclotourism Federation, such as in the bocage virois or the valleys of the Suisse Normande for more challenging riding. Mountain biking trails can also be found around Lisieux and around Falaise. For inspiration, check out the cycle guide for itineraries in Calvados by selecting them in ‘targets’ – ‘mountain bike’.
Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeking speed addict, a cross country fanatic craving a leg-stretching long ride, or simply want to experience off-road biking in a beautiful and inspiring environment — the Eure département has got the mountain biking trails for you, such as the Chemin des sources bleues trail in Aizier or the Chemin du Rossignol in Saint-Philbert-sur-Risle. Find more information here.
The Manche département offers a striking collection of cycling and mountain biking opportunities, with more than 100 mountain bike trails that showcase the area’s diverse landscapes from Tatihou to the Mont-Saint-Michel, via Saint-Lô or Villedieu-Les-Poêles. From advanced competitors to beginners and families, you can also discover trails to suit your skill level on the mountain bike website labeled by the French Cyclist Federation in the Vallée de la Sée.
Discover more than 80 dedicated mountain bike trails in the Seine-Maritime département around Auffay, Bacqueville-en-Caux, Longueville-sur-Scie, Mesnières-en-Bray, Neufchatel-en-Bray or in the Val-de-Saane. So, grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful mountain bike ride from the selection here. The mountain bike federation VTT-FFC website in Caux Vallée de Seine also features some itineraries here.
Explore kilometres of mountain biking trails in the Orne département, from gentle family friendly off-road routes in the forest to bike skills areas or adrenaline-fueled downhill MTB. The area boasts four mountain bike sites acknowledged by the cycling federation: the Andaines and Donfrontais site, the Alpes Mancelles site, the Pays d’Auge site and the Suisse-Normande mountain biking website. Find all more useful information here.
MOUNTAIN bike trails in normandy
THE ORCHIDS TRAIL
Panoramas on the Val Durand, fording on the stream, springs and wash-house, many thatched cottages, landscapes alternating the plain and the valley.
BLUE TRAIL MARKERS
AERIAL PHOTOS / IGN
OPEN STREET MAP
Starting point
1 DEPART Information directionnelle n°1
Dos à la mairie, traversez la Route Départementale (attention à la circulation) et suivez-la vers la gauche. A l’entrée de la Résidence de vacances, tournez à droite et partez tout droit à travers la plaine agricole.
2 Information directionnelle n°2
Aux deux carrefours de chemins, continuez toujours tout droit.
3 Information directionnelle n°3
Au goudron, prenez la petite route vers la gauche puis tout de suite à droite pour longer tout droit le vallon.
4 Information directionnelle n°4
A l’entrée du virage, descendez par le chemin à droite à travers bois et traversez le ruisseau.
5 Information directionnelle n°5
Prenez la Route Départementale vers la droite, passez sous le pont de la Nationale et devant le lavoir.
6 Information directionnelle n°6
Montez par la petite route à droite et appréciez le panorama.
7 Information directionnelle n°7
En haut, bifurquez à droite pour traverser la campagne tout droit.
8 Information directionnelle n°8
Traversez la D6178 (attention à la circulation). Prendre le chemin juste en face entre les cultures. Tournez à droite au premier croisement de chemins puis bifurquez à gauche pour retrouver la résidence de vacances et le village.
