The sixth edition of the ‘GR Préféré des Français’ competition, organised by the French Hiking Federation, crowned the GR foothpath ’Pays Tour de la Suisse Normande’, a 113-km loop straddling the departments of Calvados and Orne, in the heart of the sumptuous hilly landscapes of the Suisse Normande.
The GR® ‘Tour de la Suisse Normande’, which takes walkers from Thury-Harcourt through hills and valleys, won the national 2022 competition. It received 20,332 votes, or 22.6% of the total. This is Normandy’s second success after the GR® 21 (from Le Havre to Le Tréport, along the Alabaster Coast) took first place in 2019!
The mountains and valleys are full of unsuspected treasures that deserve to be discovered. Hikers flock to the area in numbers to explore this natural territory par excellence, with its exceptional panoramic landscapes, between valleys, rocky massifs and meanders of the Orne.
South of Caen
Hikers beware: this 113 km trail will take you to new heights and will reveal some of the most emblematic sites of the Suisse Normande: the Rochers des Parcs, the Rochers de la Houle, the Pain de Sucre, the Roche d’Oëtre and the Vallée des Vaux. Allow 6 days for the whole circuit. 2, 3 and 4 day tours are also available on certain sections.
As a reminder, the Suisse Normande region owes its name to its atypical topography, its rocky and forested massifs and its breathtaking panoramas. It’s a region well worth exploring (if you haven’t already!). Just 30 minutes south of Caen, you can go canoeing, cycling, climbing, horse-riding, paragliding and, of course, hiking.
Enjoy all four seasons in the Suisse Normande
Useful information for your stay
A different way to discover Normandy
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
Exploring the Outdoors: A Sporty Weekend in Suisse Normande
Thury-Harcourt
Coasteering on the wild shores of Cotentin
Surtainville
Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Thematics