35. Dours and Valleys Trail – Starting point: Town Hall Car Park, Écaquelon

This route takes its name from a natural phenomenon typical of Normandy: the dour. This seasonal stream remains dry throughout the summer before suddenly becoming a rushing torrent during periods of heavy rainfall, much like a Norman wadi. Its unpredictable presence gives the surrounding valleys a constantly changing character throughout the year.

The landscapes along the trail are remarkably diverse. The hilly sections are dominated by bocage scenery, with sunken lanes bordered by hedgerows and tree-lined embankments. Woodland then takes over, offering pleasant shaded stretches, including a particularly magnificent beech forest near the village. Further on, the landscape opens onto gently rolling farmland, always framed by wooded horizons in the distance.

The built heritage is equally impressive. No fewer than four churches can be discovered along the route, in Saint-Léger-du-Genetey, Bosc-Regnoult-en-Roumois and Écaquelon, including the remarkable Saint-Jacques Church, built on a medieval motte and considered a rare architectural curiosity. The Manor of La Hennière and several traditional half-timbered buildings further enrich the walk. At Les Épinays, a beautiful cart shed stands beside a square dovecote, forming a charming and authentic rural ensemble.

With its four churches, majestic beech woodland and seasonal Norman streams, this route offers a rich and deeply local experience.