Barenton / Mortain
The village of Mortain appears on its slope, in the green heart of the bocage normand, the region’s traditional hedge-divided fields. It also stands at the junction of the Veloscenic and Vélomaritime cycle routes. Explore the typical landscapes of the Mortainais area, offering a mix of countryside, forest, rocks and cliffs.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Stage description
Almost 100% along a greenway. The village of Barenton can be reached by following a signposted 2km link from the greenway.
A bit further on, to reach Mortain, follow the well-signposted greenway (signs for La Vélomaritime, VéloWestNormandy, and Mortain). When you reach the D977 road, cross carefully. You'll then have two options:
- The recommended route (shown with a dotted black line on the map): slightly longer, but likely faster overall. It climbs gradually and takes you past the Cascades. This is the best option—scenic, gentle, and suitable even if you're carrying panniers or pulling a trailer.
- The direct route via the D977: a recently built path serving the lower part of town, but it then requires a dirt track and a very steep climb, with some sections reaching a 20% gradient. This option is difficult, and may be unrideable if your bike is loaded.
Not to be missed:
- The Musée du Poiré at Barenton explains the origins of growing pear and apple trees in the region, and how perry and cider are made. By the time you've been around the museum, you'll be an expert on the local specialities!
- Mortain petite et grande cascade, two waterfalls well worth the detour. Go to the spot where the Cance River drops c.25m before joining the Sélune River a few kilometres further on.
- Climb to the little chapel of Saint-Michel de Mortain to admire the pretty views and even to get a glimpse of the Mont Saint-Michel in the distance on clear days. To reach the chapel, cycle along Rue du Rocher and Rue de la Petite Chapelle, then follow the signs. You can reach the summit by bike, but the last few metres are steep, so dismount if necessary. Enjoy the rewarding view just a bit higher up.
- From the little chapel of Saint-Michel de Mortain, continue your ride along La Côte 314, a historic trail tracing the Battle of Mortain, one of the strategic battles of the Battle of Normandy.
Leave your bike and luggage securely in the bike boxes on Place du Château in Mortain. For further information.
On the map, activate the to discover nearby services and points of interest.
Food and drink en route
- Barenton: with many shops and a market on Sunday mornings.
- Bion: The grocery store, bar, and restaurant "La Cour des Grands," certified with the Accueil Vélo label, is less than 500 meters from the greenway and offers secure bike boxes where you can park your bicycle and panniers.
- Mortain: with many shops and a market on Saturday mornings on Place des Arcades.
Bike repair
- Intercycle Flers, Flers.
- Wareega, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët.
- VélO'naturel, Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët.
- La Caisse à Vélo (mobile repair service), on the Bagnoles-de-l'Orne–St-Hilaire-du-Harcouët section. +33 6 58 77 12 01
Consult the list of all the bike repairers along or near the route.
Nearby train stations
- Vire station (Paris–Granville line), accessible via a 43km greenway between Mortain and Vire (signposted along La Vélomaritime).
See our article on reaching the veloscenic cycle route for more information on options for travelling with a bicycle.
