La Vallée de la Baize

The river Baize arises in our neighbouring village of Habloville, runs right through the Haras du Gazon and then flows northeast for 25kms to reach the river Orne near Rapilly.

We decided to meet up with ‘our’ river there and follow the way-marked  ‘La Vallée de la Baize’ walk.

The details can be downloaded as a pdf here : http://bit.ly/2xsaGO9

Right from the starting point of this walk, we were impressed by the peace and beauty of this lovely Normandy ‘ bocage’ countryside: wooded hills, shaded paths and secluded valleys.

Departure D: The church at Rapilly.( 14km, 20-minute drive from the Haras du Gazon)

You can park just to the left of the road before reaching the church and start from 1.

1. Just before the church take the first track leading up the hill – L’avenue de Détroit. Turn left on the paved road and admire the superb view of the Baize valley on the left. At the end of this road turn right on the D18 then almost immediately left heading towards the village of Détroit. Keep straight on this road until you reach the church.

2. After having a look inside the church, take the path ahead, stopping for a minute to admire the superb viewpoint of the Orne and Baize valleys. After 1.5km of descent you join the D18. Turn right on this road and approach the village of Mesnil Villement

3. Take the first road on your left in the direction of Hamel. Turn left at the level of the last house in Hamel and walk along the old railway line that linked Falaise with Berjou. When you reach the first crossing path turn right. A shady path leads down towards the river. Turn left again ( signposted) to follow the contours of the river flats

4. You can finally see the river Baize and follow its course through this secluded valley or about 2km.

5. At the end of this path turn left and follow the track uphill, pausing every now and then to look back over the view. This track comes out on the D128 where you can cut across and find your departure point in the picturesque village of Rapilly.