The best walks and hikes around Les Places

There are over 15 hiking trails around Les Places, offering a variety of experiences. These routes are generally well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars.

Yes, Les Places offers several easy hiking routes. For instance, the Bridge over La Calotte loop from Asnières is an easy 4.6-mile (7.5 km) trail that follows the scenic La Calotte river, typically completed in under two hours. Another accessible option is the Bridge over La Calotte – PAP loop from Pisciculture de la Calonne, a 3.9-mile (6.3 km) route through riverine landscapes.

Many of the trails around Les Places are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular La Paquine, L'Hôtellerie loop from Piencourt, which offers varied scenery, and the Bridge over La Calotte loop from Asnières.

Hiking in Les Places allows you to explore a landscape characterized by rolling countryside, agricultural areas, and a network of small rivers and streams. Trails often traverse open fields and woodlands, providing a mix of sun-dappled paths and expansive views. The terrain is generally low-relief, making it accessible for various hiking abilities.

While Les Places itself is known for its gentle topography, the broader Morvan Regional Natural Park, where Dun-les-Places is situated, offers more dramatic features. The Rocher de la Pérouse, a prominent granite rock, provides stunning panoramic views over the Cure valley. The park also features diverse forests, the scenic Cure River valley, and several artificial lakes like Lac des Settons and Lac de Saint-Agnan, which are great for tranquil walks. You can learn more about the Rocher de la Pérouse here.

Around Les Places, you can discover charming local points of interest. For example, the Charming little village of Moyaux is worth a visit. You might also encounter historical sites like Hermival Castle or quaint religious buildings such as the Small Church of Normandy and the Old Town Hall and Church of Jouveaux.

Yes, the generally low-relief terrain and presence of easy, shorter loop trails make Les Places suitable for families. Routes like the Bridge over La Calotte loop from Asnières are good options for walks with children, offering pleasant riverine scenery without significant elevation changes.

The trails in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, which encompasses Les Places, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially when passing through agricultural areas or near livestock, and to respect local signage regarding protected areas or private property.

The rolling countryside and woodlands of Les Places are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring brings lush greenery and wildflowers, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is pleasant for hiking, though some open sections may be exposed to the sun. Winter hiking is possible, but trails might be muddy or slippery, so appropriate footwear is essential.

While many routes are moderate, there are options for longer excursions. For example, the Hermival Castle – Lisieux 18 loop from Ouilly-du-Houley is a moderate 7.6-mile (12.3 km) trail that takes around 3 hours 20 minutes, offering a more extended exploration of the local countryside and historical sites.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful, rolling countryside, the gentle river valleys, and the varied terrain that offers both open fields and woodlands. The accessibility of the trails for different ability levels is also frequently highlighted.