The Boucle du Ronceray, a walk around Les Champeaux
Around the Hameau des Prés-Verts, the lanes offer another way to discover the Pays d’Auge than by road. You follow the hedgerows, notice the rise and fall of the meadows and take the time to look at the orchards. The Boucle du Ronceray is one walking idea near Les Champeaux.
Before you set off, look at the route published by the Office de tourisme des Vallées d’Auge et du Merlerault, the local tourist office. It will help you find the trail, the starting point and useful information to plan your walk.
Planning your route before you walk
The official starting point
The route sheet places the start at the picnic area of l’Hôtellerie Faroult, at the tip of the bois du Renouard. If you would like to join the trail from the Hameau, ask your hosts to show you the way and where to pick it up before you leave.
Where you join the loop can change the distance you actually walk. Check the map or the GPX track and allow time for stops, rather than relying on a stated duration alone.
Duration and trail conditions
The route sheet suggests about two hours of walking and rates the loop as easy. Your pace, the weather and the state of the ground can change that estimate, though. Wear suitable shoes and check the conditions on the day, especially after rain.
With children or a dog, choose a distance that suits your group. Follow the waymarks, close gates where asked, and respect the properties and meadows you cross.
Reading the Pays d’Auge landscape
Hedgerows divide the fields, meadows shape the land and orchards give you landmarks as you walk. On foot, you notice details you would easily pass by car: a sunken lane, a half-timbered façade or a view opening onto the valley.
The Ronceray area is also linked to Charlotte Corday. The places mentioned along the route are to be enjoyed from the permitted paths: a private property does not become a place to visit just because it appears on a route.
Fitting the walk into your stay
You can set aside half a day for walking, then come back for lunch at your house. The kitchens at Reinette Grise and the Chalet Normand let you prepare a meal on your return. Access to the hot tub is included in your stay: book your time slot in advance with your hosts.
This outing fits well into a holiday centred on the Pays d’Auge, between food visits and time at the Hameau. For more ideas, see our guide to the area and adapt each walk to your wishes.
