Sarah Latrous of luxury DMC Kairos Travel brings you inland past Normandy’s iconic beaches to some lesser-traveled gems of Western France.

What draws you to the nature of this area?

Normandy is well-known for the significance of its history and, in particular, the famous Normandy landing beaches. The coast is renowned for its beauty and iconic seaside cities such as Deauville, beloved by Parisians, and Mont-Saint-Michel Bay, a must-see wonder of French heritage with one of the world’s most famous abbeys! What’s more, Normandy also boasts unmatched countryside with beautiful pastures, affectionately known as Norman bocage, dappled with lovely cottages called chaumière and half-timbered houses.

What other icons of natural beauty are hiding in Normandy?

In addition to great sand beaches and limestone cliff coasts, other natural treasures can be found deeper inland. For example, the Mortain Waterfalls are the perfect location for nature lovers en route to Mont Saint-Michel. The towering 25-meter waterfall, with its powerful flow, is the biggest in Western France. While on this hike, you’ll also find smaller waterfalls, the Cance River that flows through Armorican sandstone, and a narrow canyon. Exceptional flora and fauna grow all year round. This mountain landscape in Normandy is incredibly unusual and remains a unique and unexpected natural heritage of Normandy.

Any other pit stops?

There is one more hidden spot not to miss. While passing through the village of Mortain, you’ll arrive at Montjoie Hill, the highest point of Mortain. At the very top, you can visit a beautiful tiny chapel called la petite Chapelle Saint-Michel, inspired by the famous Mont Saint-Michel. Far from the busy cities, take a moment just for you at peace with nature, with no noise apart from birdsong. From there, the beautiful views offer the Mortanais, and on a clear day, Brittany and beloved Mont Saint-Michel!

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