Lower Normandy, now composed of the departments of Calvados, Manche, and Orne, offers a wide variety of sports activities suitable for all tastes. Here are some of the main sports activities you can enjoy in our region:

Atakora Passion, our stallion, who discovers his offspring with Victoria the mother & her BB Video 2025-08-07 at 19.06.28

1. Hiking

• The Customs Officers' Path (GR 223) :This famous trail follows the Normandy coast, offering breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs, and beaches. Perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
• The Perche Regional Natural Park : Located in Orne, this park is an ideal place for hiking through forests, valleys, and hills.

2. Water Sports

• Sea Kayaking : Enjoy kayaking along the Calvados coast, especially around the city of Deauville or the D-Day beaches. You can also explore rivers like the Sélune..
• Sailing : The Normandy coast, with ports like Ouistreham or Granville, is ideal for sailing and windsurfing.
• Surfing, Surf Spots in Manche - Charlotte Carpentier, Vice World Champion in Kitesurfing, was welcomed by the Manche coastline to test the wind and the region’s surf spots during an autumn storm.
Where to surf in Manche?
There are many surf spots, lessons, and shapers available, making it a great surfing destination! Surfers mainly find their playgrounds from Carteret to Vauville and sometimes on the northern coast of Manche.
The most popular Cotentin surf spots include Siouville, Sciotot, and Le Rozel.
• Siouville is best when the wind comes from the south.
• Sciotot is preferable when the wind comes from the north.
These spots are suitable for both experienced surfers and beginners—so grab your boards!
Near Granville, surfing is possible on the beautiful Carolles Beach or a bit further at Bréville-sur-Mer. The waves are smaller than in Cotentin, but they still provide great fun, especially for families.
Other great surf and bodyboard spots include Villers-sur-Mer, Cabourg, and Houlgate.

3. Mountain Biking

The region is perfect for mountain biking, with many trails through the countryside and forests. The Cotentin and Bessin Marshes Regional Natural Park offers a variety of routes for cyclists of all levels.

4. Horseback Riding

The vast landscapes of Lower Normandy are ideal for horseback riding, whether through the forests of Orne, the bocage countryside, or along the beaches of Manche. Many equestrian centers offer guided rides:
• Centre équestre la Tanière - Nature rides in the Mont Saint-Michel Bay (1h30 ride).
• La Cavalerie De Montchaton - Equestrian tourism center offering beach and countryside rides, guest rooms, and a spa.
• Écurie Du Bec- Located in Genêts, it offers rides with an experienced guide who makes the experience enjoyable for riders of all levels.

5. Golf

The region boasts many high-quality golf courses:
• Golf Barrière Deauville – A prestigious course with stunning views.
• Granville Golf Club – The only links course in Normandy, offering a beautiful seaside setting.
• Omaha Beach Golf Club – Near the D-Day beaches, with two 18-hole courses featuring rolling hills and wooded areas.
• Étretat Golf Course – Overlooking the sea, this course offers a breathtaking panoramic view and is ranked among France’s best.

6. Rock Climbing

The Cotentin coast is ideal for rock climbing, with cliffs and rock faces offering stunning views. Indoor climbing facilities are also available in some towns. Popular outdoor climbing sites include:
• Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
• Falaise de la Fauconnière
• La Roche qui Pend

7. Water Skiing & Wakeboarding

For an adrenaline rush, try water skiing or wakeboarding near Saint-Germain-sur-Ay , just an hour from Saint-Lô.
The first motorized water sports base in Manche offers an unforgettable experience with professional instructors.

8. Canoeing, Paddleboarding & Fishing

• Rivers such as Vire, Sélune, Sienne, Couesnon, and Douve offer perfect conditions for canoeing and paddleboarding, allowing you to enjoy the region’s beautiful nature in a sporty yet peaceful way.
• Fishing enthusiasts can catch whitefish, pike, zander, carp, salmon, trout, and shad.

9. Cycling Tourism

Lower Normandy is a great destination for cycling enthusiasts, with routes like the Véloscénie, which connects Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel.
This route takes cyclists through stunning landscapes, from lush fields to sandy beaches.

10. Paragliding & Hang Gliding

For those seeking thrills and breathtaking views, Manche offers several spots for paragliding and hang gliding. The cliffs and coastal winds provide ideal conditions for these aerial sports.
Experience Mont Saint-Michel from the Sky!
Take off from Champeaux, Carolles, or Granville and enjoy a unique perspective of one of France’s most famous landmarks. With a state-certified instructor, you’ll be safely guided through an unforgettable paragliding experience, soaring over the border between Normandy and Brittany.