The Forest of Grimbosq gives the area a distinct natural character: its 475 hectares are home to marked walking trails, the “Circuit vert” loop trail and a collection arboretum. Several named routes also lead to the forest. You can discover Grimbosq through its specific trails and distinctive tree collection.

Forest trails and specific routes

The forest covers 475 hectares and offers marked walking trails. This makes it a clear focal point for a stay in Grimbosq. The “Circuit vert” loop trail complements the walking trails with a specific, named route through the forest. When planning, you can make different use of these two details: the marked trails are for walking in the forest, while the Circuit vert gives a particular route a name. You can decide whether the forest landscape as a whole or a named loop trail is the main reason for your visit.

Access routes and long-distance trail

The forest can be reached via the voie verte from Chapelle Sainte Anne in the hamlet of Val de Maizet. The GR 36 long-distance trail leads to the forest via May-sur-Orne and Laize-Clinchamps. These are two different route connections: the chapel marks an access route via the voie verte, while the GR 36 leads to the forest via two named places. This distinction helps with planning if you want to differentiate between an access route to the forest and its place along a long-distance trail.

An arboretum with tree species from four continents

The collection arboretum along the “Circuit vert” loop trail features 125 tree species from four continents; the forest arboretum covers 7 hectares. These details complement one another: the area describes the size of the arboretum, while the number of species and the four continents describe its collection. This creates a distinct focus alongside walking. If you are interested in tree species, you can plan your visit around the arboretum. Its connection to the Circuit vert links the collection to a named route in the forest. The area and botanical collection thus offer different, easily combined perspectives on Grimbosq.

A historical connection

The history also includes the castles of Grimbosq and La Motte Cesny. In the 14th century, they were elevated to baronies for the de Tournebu family. The castle complex at Grimbosq has been destroyed, so this is a historical connection, not an indication that a castle remains. The area’s history thus complements its natural and forest focus with another perspective on Grimbosq.

Choose Grimbosq as your destination

If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, first consider whether the marked walking trails and arboretum make Grimbosq a focal point, or whether the GR 36 long-distance trail is important to your plans. This lets you choose your destination based on what you would like to experience in Grimbosq.

Discover more destinations: Le Molay-Littry, Rubercy, Cordebugle, Épron, Saint-Loup-Hors, Notre-Dame-De-Livaye, Audrieu, Asnières-En-Bessin.

See the regional travel overview: Calvados.