Discovering the Orne estuary
Between land and sea, the Orne estuary is one of the best-preserved natural sites in Calvados.
Classified as a Natura 2000 area and protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, it appeals to all lovers of the great outdoors and spans five municipalities.
Here, nature lives to the rhythm of the tides and the landscape changes with the seasons.
Come and breathe in the sea air in the heart of Normandy's countryside!
The Orne estuary covers nearly 1,000 hectares and is home to remarkable flora and fauna.
It is a refuge for more than 400 species of birds, including some rare ones such as the teal and the pygmy cormorant. You may even be lucky enough to see seals basking in the sun.
Throughout the seasons, the marshes, wet meadows and dunes are adorned with a variety of colours and offer an extraordinary spectacle.
If you are passionate about birdwatching, take the path around the Gros Banc bird sanctuary near the Pointe de Merville or the Pointe du Siège in Ouistreham.
Armed with your binoculars, you can admire the migrations or the ballet of nesting birds and follow the explanatory panels.
The estuary is criss-crossed by several marked trails, accessible on foot or by bike, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the area.
The ‘Boucle des Marais’ and the ‘Chemin des Dunes’ are among the most popular routes.
Kayak enthusiasts can also explore the river and its meanders all the way to its mouth.
In summer, guided tours are offered by local associations. You will learn more about the history, geology and ecological richness of the site.
Beyond its ecological interest, the Orne estuary also played a strategic role during the 1944 D-Day landings.
Not far away, the famous Pegasus Bridge commemorates the significant events of the Second World War.
This proximity between natural heritage and historical memory enriches the visit and makes it an essential stop during a stay in Normandy.
To extend your nature getaway, stay at the Hôtel Le Moderne in Caen, near the estuary.
With its comfortable rooms, warm welcome and strategic location in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to natural sites such as the D-Day beaches and the historic centre of Caen.
After a day of exploring the great outdoors, relax at the hotel bar and enjoy a cider, a Normandy beer or a Calvados, the famous traditional digestif.
Book your stay in Caen now!
Classified as a Natura 2000 area and protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, it appeals to all lovers of the great outdoors and spans five municipalities.
Here, nature lives to the rhythm of the tides and the landscape changes with the seasons.
Come and breathe in the sea air in the heart of Normandy's countryside!
The Orne estuary, an exceptional ecosystem
The Orne estuary covers nearly 1,000 hectares and is home to remarkable flora and fauna.
It is a refuge for more than 400 species of birds, including some rare ones such as the teal and the pygmy cormorant. You may even be lucky enough to see seals basking in the sun.
Throughout the seasons, the marshes, wet meadows and dunes are adorned with a variety of colours and offer an extraordinary spectacle.
If you are passionate about birdwatching, take the path around the Gros Banc bird sanctuary near the Pointe de Merville or the Pointe du Siège in Ouistreham.
Armed with your binoculars, you can admire the migrations or the ballet of nesting birds and follow the explanatory panels.
Activities and walks along the Orne
The estuary is criss-crossed by several marked trails, accessible on foot or by bike, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the area.
The ‘Boucle des Marais’ and the ‘Chemin des Dunes’ are among the most popular routes.
Kayak enthusiasts can also explore the river and its meanders all the way to its mouth.
In summer, guided tours are offered by local associations. You will learn more about the history, geology and ecological richness of the site.
The history of the Orne estuary
Beyond its ecological interest, the Orne estuary also played a strategic role during the 1944 D-Day landings.
Not far away, the famous Pegasus Bridge commemorates the significant events of the Second World War.
This proximity between natural heritage and historical memory enriches the visit and makes it an essential stop during a stay in Normandy.
Stay at the Hôtel Le Moderne in Caen
To extend your nature getaway, stay at the Hôtel Le Moderne in Caen, near the estuary.
With its comfortable rooms, warm welcome and strategic location in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to natural sites such as the D-Day beaches and the historic centre of Caen.
After a day of exploring the great outdoors, relax at the hotel bar and enjoy a cider, a Normandy beer or a Calvados, the famous traditional digestif.
Book your stay in Caen now!
