The Bessin, off the beaten track: walks, gardens and local favourites in Normandy
Les Vergers de Ducy: the taste of the Bessin in a glass
In Ducy-Sainte-Marguerite, Les Vergers de Ducy are a true local institution. There’s nothing industrial or impersonal here: apples are grown with passion, patience and great respect for the land. Apple juice, cider, perry and Calvados… each bottle captures a little of the Norman landscape.
Fun fact: some of the apple varieties used here are so old they have almost disappeared elsewhere. And yet they produce wonderfully aromatic juices, worlds apart from the overly sweet commercial versions.
Local tip: visit the shop late in the morning. It’s quieter, and you may well leave with a tasting tip or a story from the latest harvest. Perfect for bringing home a gourmet souvenir… or organising a very Norman aperitif back at the campsite.
Arromanches, seen differently: history, sea and a rooftop view
It’s impossible to visit the Bessin without mentioning Arromanches-les-Bains, one of the key sites of the 1944 D-Day Landings. Rather than skimming over the history, take time to truly understand it at the D-Day Museum. The impressive scale models of the Mulberry artificial harbour are fascinating, even for visitors already familiar with the story.
And then comes a surprise: the museum also has a rooftop terrace offering spectacular views over the bay. Seeing the remains of the floating harbour from above really brings home the scale of the logistical challenge.
Did you know? Some elements of the Mulberry harbour visible today were designed to be temporary… and ended up becoming permanent features of the landscape.
Practical tip: combine the museum visit with a walk along the beach at low tide. The concrete blocks take on an almost surreal appearance.
The gardens of Château de Brécy: French elegance at its finest
Just a few kilometres away, the gardens of Château de Brécy offer a timeless escape. Listed among the finest formal French gardens in Normandy, they combine strict geometry with a gentle, pastoral charm.
Pools, topiary and perfectly aligned perspectives invite quiet contemplation. What really sets the gardens apart, however, is their intimate feel, far removed from busy tourist hotspots.
Fun fact: the gardens were restored according to original 17th-century plans, with meticulous attention paid to proportions and visual perspectives.
Our advice: visit in the late afternoon, when the light begins to soften. The long shadows create an almost theatrical atmosphere — ideal for photography lovers.
From Asnelles to Arromanches: a walk between sea and memory
To link nature and history, nothing beats a coastal walk between Asnelles and Arromanches, following the shoreline. This easy, accessible path offers a series of superb viewpoints over the D-Day beaches.
In Asnelles, a discreet seaside resort, you’ll still spot a few Belle Époque villas. As you approach Arromanches, the scenery gradually changes, with the remains of the artificial harbour appearing along the coast.
Slow travel tip: set off mid-morning, walk at an unhurried pace to Arromanches, enjoy lunch overlooking the sea, then either walk back or return by shuttle. A simple half-day outing, yet deeply restorative.
Staying at Château de Martragny, in the heart of the Bessin
To explore the Bessin at a relaxed pace, why not base yourself at Castel Camping Château de Martragny? Set in a leafy park just minutes from Bayeux and the beaches, the campsite is an ideal base for exploring the whole region.
Guests appreciate the peace and space, the friendly atmosphere… and the hosts’ local knowledge. Always happy to share a hidden gem or suggest a lesser-known walk, Marielle and Médéric help visitors discover the Bessin without rushing. Whether travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, Martragny lets you experience the region at your own rhythm.
Final tip: ask at reception for outing ideas depending on the weather. In the Bessin, even a grey day can lead to wonderful discoveries.
The Aure valley: nature and heritage
Less well known than the coast, the Aure valley is still well worth exploring. This small river winds gently through meadows, old mills and stone villages, offering a more rural, bucolic side of the Bessin. Around Ellon or Ranchy, you’ll find lovely paths for easy walks, dotted with old bridges and traditional farmhouses.
Local anecdote: the Aure was once a “working river”, powering grain mills, tanneries and small craft industries that have now disappeared, but whose traces remain in the landscape.
Walking tip: go early in the morning, when mist still hovers above the water and herons come to fish — a wonderfully peaceful moment.
Bayeux Cathedral… and its hidden treasures
Everyone knows the Bayeux Tapestry, but Notre-Dame Cathedral also deserves more than a quick visit. Its architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic influences, and its atmosphere remains surprisingly calm, even in high season.
Fun fact: the tapestry was probably originally displayed inside the cathedral during major religious ceremonies, long before becoming a museum piece.
Visiting tip: step inside late in the day. The light filtering through the stained-glass windows transforms the space and reveals details often missed during a hurried visit.
Mont Castel, the Bessin’s discreet viewpoint
Still relatively unknown, Mont Castel, near Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, offers one of the finest panoramic views in the area. After a short climb, the view opens out over the coastline, cliffs and harbour below — the perfect place to grasp the geography of the Bessin at a glance.
Did you know? The site was already occupied in Gallo-Roman times, chosen precisely for its strategic elevated position.
Photo tip: at sunset, when the low light highlights the contours of the landscape and fishing boats return to port, the view is stunning — without the crowds found at more famous viewpoints.
