Clécy: Orne, cliffs and heritage

Clécy lies on the left bank of the Orne, in the heart of the Suisse normande. The distinctive rocky outcrop known as Pain de Sucre shapes the landscape and rises above the village. The river, cliffs and historic buildings give the area a variety of facets—from observing nature and outdoor activities to regional cultural history.

The Orne, cliffs and protected landscape

The Natura 2000 site « Vallée de l’Orne et ses affluents » includes Clécy in Sector 1 and a total of 18 natural habitats. A tourist route map from 2024 identifies the Rochers des Parcs as sensitive natural areas along the circuit around Clécy, which are protected to preserve flora and fauna. The Rochers de la Cambronnerie have their own historical significance: they were designated a scenic and natural site in February 1932.

If you would like to explore the landscape on foot, consider including the 113-kilometre GR de Pays « Tour de la Suisse normande » circular hiking trail in your plans: it passes through Clécy. Check trail conditions and waymarking before setting out. For a cycling trip, the Viaduc de la Lande is a notable structure along the Voie verte de la Suisse Normande; it is also a stage of the Vélo Francette, which connects Ouistreham with La Rochelle. The viaduct was built in 1866 on the former railway line between Caen and Flers. It is about 30 metres high and almost 100 metres long. Its connections and dimensions give the structure both a place in transport history and a role today for cyclists.

Climbing and activities on the river

The Rochers des Parcs are a destination for climbers with a range of interests: the 90-metre-high rock face offers more than 120 natural routes of varying difficulty. Climbing opportunities are available for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Check conditions and access before setting out.

The Via Ferrata de la Cambronnerie runs along the Orne on the edge of Clécy. Its route includes various beams and walkways, a suspension bridge and a 50-metre footbridge. According to a municipal status update dated 20 August 2026, the via ferrata was temporarily closed; it was due to reopen as soon as possible. Check its current status before planning this activity.

On the water, Beau Rivage offers canoeing and kayaking trips on the Orne over distances of 7 to 28 kilometres. Beau Rivage also rents out pedal boats, rowing boats and electric boats on its lake. The offers differ in format: trips on the Orne have specified route lengths, while the lake offers a range of boat types.

Attractions and local character

Monde Miniature features a 310-square-metre model with interactive controls. The visitor experience also includes an approximately ten-minute ride on a Decauville garden railway around former limestone quarries. The restored former lime kilns there are part of Clécy’s cultural heritage. The model, railway and lime kilns each offer a different way to explore technology and industrial history.

Another activity is the 650-metre summer toboggan run at Clécy Gliss. It passes through the forest and a tunnel. The term summer toboggan run indicates the seasonal nature of the attraction; check availability for your planned visit.

The Musée André Hardy displays more than 100 paintings and other works by the Impressionist painter. Visitors can discover the Suisse normande through the collection. The church of Saint-Pierre also reflects different periods of construction: its origins date back to the 15th century, and substantial transepts and a choir were added in the 19th century.

Local agriculture includes the Cave de la Loterie, an organically farmed cider estate in Clécy. Its orchards cover 25 hectares and include 30 varieties of apple and 6 varieties of pear. Clécy therefore brings together a range of interests for a stay: hiking and cycling routes, climbing and river activities, alongside nature conservation, architectural history and regional agriculture.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bricqueville, Creully, Port-En-Bessin-Huppain, Aubigny, Beaufour-Druval, Saint-Martin-des-Besaces, Gonneville-Sur-Honfleur, Gonneville-en-Auge.

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