Green road trips: 5 experiences to disconnect from the world
On forest paths, in the wetlands of a marsh or in the heart of an eco-domain, you can gain height, savor the silence, listen to the birdsong and get back to basics. Observing flora and fauna at the Marais de Blonville-Villers, discovering the virtues of spirulina and sleeping in a teepee are just some of the unusual and authentic experiences we've selected to help you discover inDeauville in a different light. A new, more responsible way to travel, where you take the time to enjoy and recharge your batteries.
1. Stroll through Parc Calouste Gulbenkian
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On the heights of Bénerville-sur-Mer, the Parc des Enclos Calouste Gulbenkian offers a haven of tranquillity in a charming, verdant 33-hectare setting. Owned by businessman Calouste Gulbenkian since 1937, it was designed by the famous landscape architect Achille Duchêne, who combined the classical style of French gardens with geometrically arranged parterres, the more natural layout of English gardens and the Italian style with its pointed yews and balustrades. Far from having lost its splendor, the garden abounds in rare, multi-scented essences and combines different atmospheres conducive to meditation.
2. Observing nature at the Marais de Blonville-Villers
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Le Marais de Blonville-VillersThe Marais de Blonville-Villers is 110 hectares of wet meadows, canals and ditches, an ecologically rich area partly protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, and a natural space boasting unrivalled flora and fauna. The meadows are home to hygrophilous plants such as phragmites, rushes and sedges. Birds, white storks, amphibians and reptiles are just some of the species you'll see in their natural habitat during your guided tour. Depending on the season, a particular discovery is highlighted (the birth of ducklings in spring, orchids in May, amphibians in summer).
For children, the marsh is a family experience! From the age of 3, they can become apprentice researchers, learning to observe aquatic animals with a magnifying glass, birds with binoculars and the scents of different plants.
3. Go hiking
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Hiking means traveling at your own pace. On the heights of Mont-Canisy, in the heart of the Saint-Pierre-Azif stud farm, in the woodlands of Tourgéville or on the greenway between Saint-Arnoult and Deauville, we have selected for you the most beautiful itineraries and trails to discover the Augeron landscape. Local flora and fauna, heritage, bocage and history... Take your time, let off steam and admire the many facets of the inDeauville region.
4. Admire the landscape from a kayak
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Forget zodiacs, shuttles and other motorboats. Kayaking is the ideal water sport for navigating close to the coast and isolated places while preserving nature. With Concept Sport Emotionpaddle in freshwater and admire the Auger countryside as you cruise down the Touques river on an 8 km run between Pont-l'Evêque and Saint-Martin-aux-Chartrains. Seen from the sea, contemplate the wild beauty of the cliffs of the Roches Noires on a kayak tour. This natural area is of international importance for the wintering of egrets. Other limicolous species (curlews, sandpipers, redshanks) come to feed on molluscs, bivalves and worms on the mussel beds as soon as they are uncovered by the tide. The route starts east of Trouville-sur-Mer and runs for almost four kilometers to Villerville.
5. Dive into the world of spirulina
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A nutritious microalga rich in protein, iron and antioxidants to boost immunity and vitality, spirulina contains a wealth of health-giving nutrients. L'eco-domain of Bouquetot has even dedicated a farm to it, and regularly organizes guided tours. Benefits, harvesting, production methods... spirulina will no longer hold any secrets for you. To learn how to consume it, you can take part in workshops during which you will harvest fresh spirulina, prepare recipes and eat the preparations. An unusual 100% immersive experience for adults and children alike.
Where to eat?
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Picnic under the apple trees
What better way to celebrate the arrival of fine weather than with a picnic under the apple trees? Every summer, the family-run cider estate le Manoir d'Apreval and the Calvados Christian Drouin offer country-style picnic baskets featuring local, artisanal products in a verdant setting. As part of a short circuit approach, the specialities in the baskets are sourced from local producers. Baskets are filled with terrines, cheeses, wood-fired bread, fruit and vegetables, artisanal caramels and, of course, cider, calvados and pommeau for adults, or apple juice. A lunch to be shared among the orchards on a table or on the grass on a tablecloth in the shade of the estate's apple trees.
Lunch overlooking the sea
Just 15 minutes from Deauville, the picturesque village of Villerville boasts streets lined with tall, colorful, narrow houses and a more intimate atmosphere than its neighboring town. On the heights, the hotel-restaurant Le Bellevue invites you to escape to its flower-filled, wooded terrace with panoramic sea views. Enjoy "locavore" cuisine, made with fresh seasonal produce, while contemplating the sparkling water below.
Sleeping in nature: unusual and ecological
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Adventure and comfort in a tepee
Take a dip in the forest and settle into a tepee! Traditional habitat of the American Plains Indians, Levaltipis has built its tipis using natural materials renowned for their low environmental impact. The wood comes from the Saint-Gatien-des-Bois forest, the cotton canvas is woven by a local craftsman, and the sawdust makes up the dry toilets. You'll enjoy a night in the heart of nature, in a 3-hectare arboretum with over 2,000 species of trees, on the edge of the forest. A totally atypical way of life and accommodation for couples, families, friends and even groups. A change of scenery guaranteed!
