France: Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne, Roche d'Oëtre

Suisse Normande (Norman Switzerland) is a vast area west of Falaise with winding river valleys, rock walls and sweeping views. The Roche d'Oëtre is considered the most mountainous part of the region and is regarded as one of the most beautiful places.

No one knows for sure where this unusual name comes from. It probably dates back to ancient times and is related to the special geological features of this rock, which is part of a nature reserve belonging to one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe.

The Roche d'Oëtre is a free-standing rock point on the edge of a steep cliff that towers 118 metres above the Rouvre valley. The panorama from this point over the wooded slopes is phenomenal. This rock platform is one of the most impressive in western France.

Main image: Roche d'Oëtre
PiPs are taken along the Sentier des meandres