La Vélo Francette : Voie Verte de Thury-Harcourt à Clécy

Of the castle that once belonged to the Harcourt family, hitherto known as the Versailles of Normandy, all that remains today are the park and the scorched facade of the former entrance vestibule, the chapel and the outbuildings. It was once one of the finest buildings in Normandy. The castle, which once boasted a total of 264 windows, was comprised of a vast gallery overlooking the River Orne below, and of ten aligned lounges which led to the chapel. On the 12th of August 1944, as the British 59th Infantry Division reached the outskirts of Thury-Harcourt, the infamous SS Das Reich division that occupied the town set fire to the castle, reducing its precious furnishings to cinders, along with over 150 old paintings and a library with over 15,000 books.

With our bike hire service, you can explore the Suisse Normande region on mountain bikes, VTCs, electric bikes and adapted bikes on the greenway towards Caen or Clécy, and on the mountain bike trails accessible from the entrance to the open-air base.

Small-scale traditional Normandy beer making by two master brewers. Bottled and draught beers: white, lager, amber, dark ale.

André Hardy, an artist who tried his hand at many things and always with pleasure, invites you to what was once his home to admire the great diversity of his work. Come and discover Suisse Normande over a collection of more than 100 paintings and other exceptionally colourful works by the Impressionist painter. Opening hours: ask at the tourist office.

The Loterie cellars are an organic cider-based production site, located on the slopes of Suisse Normande. Come and take a break at our Suisse Normande cider farm! Régis Aubry offers you a warm welcome and a tour of the site, including the orchards. He is delighted to explain his production, from apple juice to calvados, via a range of different ciders, thanks to some 30 different apple varieties, together with perry, cider vinegar, apple jelly, Pommeau de Normandie and his latest creation ‘R'Êve de Poire’. Finally, in the boutique, you will find a vast range of the Loterie cellars’ produce, with the possibility to taste before you buy. The sales area devoted to other local producers offers you an opportunity to discover a range of other local flavours. Guided cellar tours, followed by a tasting session (allow for around 1h30) by appointment all year round and at 2.30pm from the 9th of July to the 24th of August. Rates: €2 per person.