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
Cider and the Pays d’Auge
Further information
Services
Shared lane
AERIAL PHOTOS / IGN
OPEN STREET MAP
Starting point
Desvoye Cider Farm
In the heart of the Cider Route, this family farm typical of the Pays d’Auge is currently converting to organic farming. Come and admire its old cider press, half-timbered buildings and traditional high stem orchards. In the company of the producer, visit the cellars and enjoy a taste of AOC apple juice, cider, perry, calvados and pommeau. Sales point.
Ferme de la Vallée au Tanneur
Organic Cru de Cambremer cider farm on the Cider Route. The Ferme de la Vallée au Tanneur produces cider, calvados, pommeau, perry, cider vinegar and apple juice.
The farm also produces milk to make Pays d'Auge non-pasteurised cheeses.
Free tours and tasting sessions on site.
France Passion camper van welcome.
Calvados Pierre Huet
Over an association of tradition and innovation, the Huet family has been producing and selling calvados, cider and Pommeau de Normandie since 1865, in the very heart of the Pays d’Auge. The estate comprises 30 hectares of orchards and, since 2011, is equipped with an innovative and unique distillery, unique in Normandy.
The Jardins du Pays d'Auge gardens and eco-museum
A multitude of plant species in a variety of settings across this 17th century farm, covering 3 hectares of dell. Themed gardens, unusual objects, traditional tools museum and many half-timbered buildings proffer the site with a totally unique atmosphere.
On site, you will find a pancake restaurant, open from 1st May to 15th September. Admire a few pictures of the Castillon gardens thanks to a video by ‘Jardins Jardiniers’ by clicking here .
