Suisse Normande

Normandy’s own ‘little Switzerland’ south of Caen, takes its name from the deep gorges and rocky crags of the River Orne. In sharp contrast to the gentler surrounding landscape, this quiet place of lush green wooded valleys and hillsides is ideal for outdoor pursuits - on the river, walking and climbing.

Enjoy beautiful scenery and explore attractive towns and villages such as Clecy, the ‘capital’ of Swiss Normandy.

Mont St Michel

Now a World Heritage Site, this stunning Gothic abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael rises from its rocky pinnacle in the Bay of St Malo and has been visited by pilgrims for over 1,000 years.

A causeway takes today’s pilgrims to the island’s steep ‘Grande Rue’ lined with medieval houses, gift shops, creperies and cafes. Above are amazing architecture and views, and the Benedictine abbey church where visitors may sometimes attend lunchtime mass.

The bay has one of the fastest incoming tides in the world – likened to the speed of a galloping horse! It is possible to walk the sands at low tide but you are advised to do so only as part of an organised group with an experienced guide.