The VéloWestNormandy: from Villers-Bocage to the Souleuvre Viaduct

Activities for the whole family. For the past 28 years, the Souleuvre viaduct has been proposing thrilling activities for all ages: track sledding, treetop adventure, giant zipline, giant swing, ‘Barefoot in the Garden’, pendulum jumping and bungee jumping. This protected natural site has been specially developed to offer families a great day out. Picnic area, bar and snacks, barbecue, children’s play area, walking, mountain biking trails, cycling. Free parking facilities on either side of the valley. Footbridge access: €1 per person (free for the under 13s). The viaduct was built between 1887 and 1889, according to plans drawn up by Gustave Eiffel. It was to enable the Caen-Vire railway line to cross the Souleuvre valley. A.J. Hackett discovered the site in 1988 and it reminded him of the one he had just developed over the Kawarau River in New Zealand. The first jumps were made in November 1990.

A track sled to enjoy alone or by two, whatever the season, a landscaped garden with bare-footed path, a 9-zipline forest trail, two high acrobatic trails, totally secured with nets, including one trail for families (age 3 up). Varied catering solutions including country fare in a new, heated building, an ice-cream/pancake/waffle stand and a small tourist train, free play area and, of course, bungee jumping, giant swing and zipline to ensure you enjoy a great show… so many good reasons to come to the Souleuvre viaduct with the whole family, for a fun-filled day.

In the heart of the Normandy bocage, set off on a one-hour walk, bare-footed in a landscaped garden, planted with 6,000 different plant species, 50 different materials, over a 600 metre-long path, with two waterways, one with a suspended walkway, decors from across Normandy, at the foot of the Souleuvre viaduct. Your feet experience a range of textures as you advance along the path. And both kids and their parents enjoy a pleasant stroll that arouses all five senses. Amidst the flowers and aquatic plants, you can admire a miniature Mont Saint-Michel, the Clock Gate in Vire and a cider press. A garden of naturalist inspiration including many long grasses, some over 2 metres high, and a few rare plant and tree species, such as the dove-tree (aka handkerchief tree), an area on the specific theme of Normandy with regionally-inspired decors, coppers, potteries, granite, cider press and miniature reproductions of local monuments - the Vire Clock Gate and the Mont Saint-Michel, installed in the middle of a pond. A second pond is home to water lilies and the sensory path is made of over 50 different materials. Also on site: track sled ride, challenge area, play area, snack bar-restaurant, bungee jumping base, zip line, etc.