Les monts d'Eraines - Réserve Naturelle Nationale du Côteau de Mesnil-Soleil

The Mesnil-Soleil hillside is located in the commune of Damblainville. It is part of the Monts d'Eraines and forms their southern boundary. Its highest point is 156 m, with a vertical drop of 50 m.
A subsoil composed of calcareous sedimentary rock, a southerly exposure responsible for a pronounced thermal amplitude and a steep topography explain the presence on the slopes of vegetation that is unique in Basse-Normandie.

This flora is responsible for the development of a whole range of flora and fauna characteristic of hot, dry grasslands.

Very rare plants can be found, some of which only exist in Basse-Normandie (Coronille minime) or even in the whole of north-western France (Brunelle à grandes fleurs). Orchids abound, as do many other plants characteristic of these environments.

Many insects depend on a particular plant species to feed or reproduce. This explains the presence of over 200 species of butterfly.
Access is from the Falaise airfield parking lot in Damblainville.
Walkers are asked to stay on the signposted path, which crosses the reserve for 800 metres.