La Ferrière-Harang (viaduc de la Souleuvre) > Mortain
[ Cycle routes Tour de Manche ]- 60.8 km
Here you arrive in the Vire Valley, renowned for its undulating banks and spectacular gorges. In the midst of the area's countryside with its typical Norman patchwork of fields divided by hedgerows, don't miss the Roches de Ham, rising some 100m above the river, forming a vertiginous rocky cliff.
The 3 stages of the section « La Ferrière-Harang (viaduc de la Souleuvre) > Mortain »
-
La Ferrière-Harang / Vire
[18.4 km]
This part of the route takes you past one of the most spectacular edifices along the Vire: the Viaduc de la Souleuvre. Once a hugely impressive railway viaduct designed by Gustave Eiffel, arching over the valley on five granite pillars, it survived the War but was demolished in 1970 – and is now popular for bungee jumping.
Difficulty: Intermediate view the detail -
Vire / Sourdeval
The busy market town of Vire has ancient roots, but it was heavily reconstructed after Allied bombing in 1944. Look beyond the present day and you’ll find remains of the 12th century fortifications built by Henry I, ruler of England and Normandy. And do try Vire’s culinary speciality – the Andouille smoked sausage.
Difficulty: Family view the detail -
Sourdeval / Mortain
Leaving Sourdeval you enter very pretty country: the area around Mortain is surrounded by woods and here, amidst tranquil, shaded surroundings in a deep, green-wooded gorge, the waters of Cance and Cancon cascade to create waterfalls. Mortain also hosts a memorial to the heroism of the defenders of Hill 314.
Difficulty: Family view the detail
