La brèche au Diable

Legend has it that the Brèche au Diable (Devil's Gap), set in the Caen plain, was the result of a pact between Saint-Quentin and the Devil to create a passage for the waters of the Laizon.Near the hamlet of Saint-Quentin, after taking the path to the bottom of the rock, you'll be amazed by the landscape. Faced with these impressive vertical walls, you'll be hard-pressed to believe they're the work of the Devil. Along the banks of the Laizon, a few trees take on surprising shapes as they race in search of light. Not far from the riverbank, two polishing stones add to the mystery of the place. The traces left in these large boulders by the rubbing of flints, as well as a rock shelter, bear witness to the presence of prehistoric man. On the higher ground, the woodland gives way to gorse and heather. This same moor, near the Mont Joly chapel, is also the setting for the tomb of Marie Joly, a famous French actress of the late 18th century. Parking is available in the Soumont-Saint-Quentin church parking lot.