4.5
(78)
544
hikers
87
hikes
Hiking around La Chapelle-Près-Sées offers exploration of the verdant Norman countryside, characterized by rolling hills and expansive forests. The region is notably bordered by the Forêt Domaniale d'Écouves and the Forêt de Perseigne, providing diverse woodland trails. This landscape features a mix of open fields, wooded areas, and varied topography, making it suitable for different hiking experiences.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
4.8
(4)
29
hikers
15.2km
04:15
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
28.9km
08:21
680m
680m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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9
hikers
28.2km
07:53
560m
560m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.0
(2)
8
hikers
10.8km
02:50
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
25.1km
07:05
520m
520m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Perhaps the small botanical problem only exists in the German translation that the komoot system displays via Google, but: The highlight name refers to an "oak," but the text then refers to a "mammoth tree." But aside from this minor linguistic confusion, a beautiful carving can be found at this point in the forest.
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Perhaps the small botanical problem only exists in the German translation that the komoot system displays via Google, but: The highlight name refers to an "oak," but the text then refers to a "mammoth tree." But aside from this minor linguistic confusion, a beautiful carving can be found at this point in the forest.
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At this central location in the forest—where six streets converge to form an open space—the brightly lit small sacred monument rises above a slab and a small stone base. The simply crafted wooden cross (without a body) bearing the name "La Croix Madame" is painted white, forming a radiant centerpiece in the middle of the forest.
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2 perforations visible on the 12th photo of the Sherman M4A2 "Valois"
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The Écouves national forest is located in the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. It is home to abundant game, sessile oaks, beeches and Scots pines, over 15,000 hectares. Its highest point is the Écouves signal, which rises to an altitude of 413 meters. It is the highest peak in Normandy.
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If you are looking for a unique destination in Normandy, you should stop to see the Sherman tank in La Ferrière-Béchet. This is an American tank from World War II that was abandoned in the Ecouves forest after being hit by a German shell in August 1944. The tank is today covered in moss and vegetation, creating a striking contrast with its metal structure.
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“Each of these crosses can tell its own story and what motivated people to erect“ their ”cross at this point. (...) These crossroads were erected as visible signs and attract the eyes of many people. The cross is a symbol of life. It stands as a sign of our Christian hope and wants to direct our gaze to Jesus Christ, who overcame death (...). The cross is part of our life, just as it was part of the life of Jesus. So I wish that many people ... visit the crossroads, whether as places of silence and breathing before God, whether as places of congregation meeting, prayer and praise of God. " (Text source: Dean Rainald M. Ollig in: "Crosses of the way ... Small sacred monuments as a sign of popular piety")
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A remarkable crossroads in the Ecouves forest with its giant sculpted sequoia. The latter, a victim of lightning, was doomed to disappear. It was decided to give it a second life, in the form of a totem pole this time! The sculptures represent a ranger, an owl and an eagle, guardians of the forest.
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There are over 70 hiking trails around La Chapelle-Près-Sées, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 400 times.
The region around La Chapelle-Près-Sées is characterized by a verdant and undulating Norman countryside. You'll find a mix of expansive forests, such as the Forêt Domaniale d'Écouves and the Forêt de Perseigne, open fields, and gently rolling hills. Some trails offer panoramic views, including glimpses of Sées Cathedral.
Yes, there are plenty of options for beginners. Over 30 easy hiking routes are available, perfect for a relaxed stroll through the countryside or forest. These trails typically have less elevation gain and shorter distances.
For those seeking a challenge, there are several difficult routes available. For example, the The Oak at Verdier – Sherman tank loop from Écouves is a demanding 17.5-mile (28.2 km) path with significant elevation gain, primarily within the Forêt Domaniale d'Écouves. Another challenging option is the La Croix Madame – The Oak at Verdier loop from Écouves, covering a similar distance.
Yes, many of the trails in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular moderate circular route is the Town hall and church – Chanterelle loop from Écouves, which explores the edge of the Écouves Forest and local villages.
While hiking, you might encounter various points of interest. The Sherman tank is a notable historical site, and the Carrefour du Chêne au Verdier is a significant spot within the forest. The nearby town of Sées, just 4 km away, is known for its Gothic cathedral, which can be seen from some trails.
Yes, the region offers many family-friendly options, especially among the easier trails. The varied terrain with forests and open fields provides an engaging environment for children. Some routes might even offer 'lovely surprises for animal lovers,' such as a donkey farm or animal park, as mentioned in local descriptions.
Many trails in the Forêt Domaniale d'Écouves and the surrounding countryside are generally dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept under control, especially near livestock or in protected areas. It's always advisable to check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly within nature reserves or private lands.
The hiking trails in La Chapelle-Près-Sées are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse scenery that combines forest paths with country lanes.
While La Chapelle-Près-Sées is a rural commune, public transport options directly to specific trailheads might be limited. It's generally recommended to arrive by car, especially for accessing trails deep within the forests. However, the nearby town of Sées may offer more connections.
Parking is typically available at various points around the main forests like Forêt Domaniale d'Écouves and near villages. Many trailheads, especially for popular routes, will have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen komoot tour for specific parking recommendations.
While the region is known for its forests and rolling hills, you can find trails that incorporate water features. For instance, the Étang de Bois Roger loop from Bursard is a moderate hike that takes you around a local pond, offering a different scenic experience.


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