Normand Switzerland

The name of Suisse Normande ("Norman Switzerland") is given to the beautiful stretch of country in the Orne valley extending between Thury-Harcourt (south of Caen) in the north, Flers-de-l'Orne in the south and Falaise in the east. The windings of the river, the rocky bluffs along its banks and the isolated hills standing farther back combine with the intricate pattern of hedges to give the landscape a particular charm. The most striking features are the Rocher d'Oëtre, in the hilliest part of the area, above the gorges of the Rouvre (fine views), the Vère and Noireau valleys and the 27km/17mi long stretch of the Orne between Thury-Harcourt and Pont-d'Ouilly.