Mortain: Waterfalls, Hiking Trails and Heritage

Mortain is ideal for a stay that combines waterfalls, trail routes of varying lengths and historic heritage. The Grande Cascade and the Petite Cascade offer two striking landscapes. There are also viewpoints, a hiking route with far-reaching views, and historic sites spanning the history of battle and religious sites. You can shape your stay around whichever matters most to you: waterfalls, trails, views or culture.

Waterfalls and stairways

At the Grande Cascade, the Cance, a tributary of the Sélune, plunges about 20 metres over a ridge of Armorican sandstone. An easy-to-walk stairway leads down to the river and offers a full view of the waterfall. The Petite Cascade, by contrast, lies in a deep, green gorge carved by the Cançon. Numerous small cascades shape the landscape there, with built stairways allowing visitors to walk alongside them. The two sites are distinctly different: at one, a high waterfall over sandstone makes the impression; at the other, a green gorge with many small cascades.

The stairways are a practical part of the visitor experience. As trail conditions may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Trail routes in Mortain

The Espace Trail du Mortainais has three routes for discovering Mortain’s historic and natural heritage. The first is a 10-kilometre urban trail in Mortain, marked in green with the number 1. The second runs for 18.8 kilometres along the ridges of the Mortainais and is marked in blue.

The two routes can be compared by length and character: the first focuses on an urban trail and 10 kilometres, while the second follows the ridges for 18.8 kilometres. If you are choosing based on route length or the landscape described, these are two specific points of comparison. The routes introduce visitors to different aspects of the area’s natural and historic heritage.

History and historic sites

Cote 314 was the site of the 1944 counteroffensive battle. It is accessible year-round. As access conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before your visit.

The Collégiale Saint Evroult is another historic site: it has been classified as a historic monument since 1840. It is open year-round and free of charge, except during services. The Abbaye Blanche offers another perspective on Mortain’s religious history. Guillaume de Mortain founded it in 1105; it has been classified as a historic monument since 3 April 1920. These two dates mark different milestones: the abbey’s foundation and its later classification.

Views across the landscape

The Petite Chapelle de Mortain stands on a rocky outcrop at an elevation of 323 metres. From there, the panorama stretches to the edges of Maine and Brittany. In clear weather, you can see Mont Saint-Michel from the chapel.

The Les cascades de Mortain hiking route also offers views of Mont-Saint-Michel in clear weather. This gives you a choice between a specific viewpoint at the Petite Chapelle and distant views along a hiking route. Clear weather is a condition for both views.

Discover more destinations: Le Vrétot, Quettehou, Le Grand Celland, Trelly, Hambye, Saint Planchers, Le Mesnil-Garnier, Montviron.

For the broader travel overview: Manche.