Forget chocolate, fondue and raclette, we're not in Switzerland, but in Suisse Normande, the natural region of Normandy straddling the Calvados and Orne departments. On the north-eastern edge of the Armorican Massif, this surprisingly little-known territory is made up of steep landscapes where you'll find - just like in Switzerland - cows, lakes, gorges, sheer cliffs, peaks, aquaducts and small mountains... So many places ideal for thrilling activities that you'd never really think of doing in the region. Paragliding, rock-climbing, summer single-rail sledging (the only one of its kind in northern France, with peak speeds of 45 km/h), canoeing down the Orne in an imposing landscape and even via ferrata. The latter includes a giant 400-metre zip line, monkey bridges and other walkways over cliffs and rocky escarpments. Note that this Suisse Normande is taller than the Eiffel Tower and proudly culminates at 362 metres altitude at Mont Pinçon.
Please note that this article is not about Switzerland, but about a part of Normandy, whose rugged terrain has earned it the nickname of "Norman Switzerland". Little known fact: there are mountains in Normandy! Admittedly, they rise to less than 400 metres, but this hilly, wooded region, home to picturesque villages, lends itself to a variety of thrilling activities rarely associated with Normandy: kayaking, climbing, summer sledging, paragliding, via ferrata... Between Calvados and Orne, discover the Normandy Alps.
© Philippe Hall /123RF
Unsuspected heights
The riches of Norman Switzerland
The postcard landscape of Norman Switzerland is the Roche d'Oëtre, an impressive cliff 118 metres above the Rouvre gorges! This listed natural site culminates in the Armorican massif, the oldest mountain in Europe, and offers a breathtaking panorama: you could really think you were in the Alps! The region also boasts a hydro-electric dam, Rabodanges. Although less well known than the Serre-Ponçon dam, you can still water-ski on the lake. Another impressive site is the Clécy viaduct (also known as the Lande viaduct), a railway bridge built in 1866 that spans the River Orne 35 kilometres south of Caen. As for the villages, don't miss Clécy, capital of Norman Switzerland, Pont-d'Ouilly, famous for its guinguette on the banks of the Orne and for kayak-polo, or Thury-Harcourt, famous for its château surrounded by splendid gardens.
3 ways to explore Normandy Switzerland
Hiking :
👉 This hilly region is best explored by hiking the route des crêtes, from the tops of the hills to the depths of the valleys where the rivers offer loops and meanders, admiring sugar loaves, rocks and peaks.
Climbing:
👉 Known for its rocky escarpments, the Rochers des Parcs cliff overlooking the Orne and the Clécy viaduct is a mecca for rock climbers with 120 routes for all levels!
By river :
👉 From Pont-d'Ouilly to the Val de Maizet, via Clécy and Thury-Harcourt, the Orne offers 40 km of canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddling...
More information on the Normandy Tourist Office website
