GR® 223 Littoral de la Normandie - de Honfleur à Carentan

Set off on a walking tour to explore the Normandy coastline along this 194-kilometre walking route, which will take you from Honfleur in Calvados to Carentan in the Manche. What superb views of the Belle Époque seaside villas in Trouville-sur-Mer, Houlgate, Hermanville-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer… Or stroll along Deauville’s famous promenade, not forgetting the protected natural areas such as the Bois du Breuil, situated near the famous harbour of Honfleur, or the Falaises des Roches Noires in Villerville. Nature spots, such as those in the Baie de l’Orne or near Carentan, will delight you with their diverse flora and fauna. Little egrets here, grebes there, or viper’s bugloss and sea holly. There’s something for everyone in Calvados – whether you’re a lover of architecture, nature or the sea… not to mention the gastronomy for which this region is renowned; treat yourself to oysters, scallops, cheeses or other cider-based drinks, depending on the season – and to be enjoyed in moderation, as the hike isn’t over yet…

Fancy giving it a go? Then set off with your guidebook in hand – you’ll find sound advice from volunteers at the Departmental Hiking Committees to ensure a safe hike, as well as tourist information.
The tourist information offices are on hand to help you plan your stages and to inspire you to follow this route.

On this page, you’ll find the GPX tracks to help you on your way: the full route as well as its variants and off-GR® sections, ensuring the route remains passable at high tide.
Indeed, it’s advisable to check the tide times for the sections along the beaches. Some sections can only be used at low tide, as the upper part of the beach lacks a protective sea wall. At high tide, the sea is at its highest level: depending on the tidal coefficient, it may cover the upper part of the beach, making it impassable. Generally speaking, you should not set out onto a beach during the two hours before or after high tide, and this timeframe should be extended further during spring tides. In such cases, you should follow the off-GR® routes or alternative routes. It is essential to check the tide times and tidal coefficients (www.maree.shom.fr).

This walking route is a continuation of the GR® 21, which starts at Le Tréport and ends at Le Havre, in Seine-Maritime. You can cross the Pont de Normandie by bus to reach Honfleur, the starting point of the GR® 223.

All you need to do now is get ready – a comfortable rucksack, tried-and-tested walking boots, a water bottle, some provisions… and off you go along the Calvados coastline!

IN SUMMER: summer service – bus connections between Courseulles-sur-Mer and Grandcamp-Maisy / nomad.normandie.fr/lignes-de-cars/ligne-125, with a train connection at Bayeux station. Bus services to Caen and Ouistreham.

Find all the GR® routes at www.mongr.fr/ »
GR® is a registered trademark of the FFRandonnée; it refers to routes identified as ‘GR®’, marked with red-and-white signs. These routes have been created by the FFRandonnée. Unauthorised reproduction of these routes, or of the GR® trademark, constitutes an infringement liable to prosecution.

The FFRP’s GPX tracks may only be used for private purposes.