The Forêt des Andaines surrounds Bagnoles-de-l'Orne. The spa town is encircled by 250 kilometres of trails that you can explore on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different types of routes: from long forest trails to a ride along a former railway line and a circular route with notable stops along the way.

Forest trails, circular routes and views

The Tour de Saint Michel is a forest loop of about 11.6 kilometres. It follows former paths and forest roads almost all the way and starts at the Carrefour de Gué Chalandray in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne. Along the way, it passes the Étang de la Forge, the Chapelle des Prises and the former quarry at the Étang de la Brisette. The distance is approximate; the route can also be identified by its course through the forest and the stops mentioned.

For a shorter ride with a different layout, try Vélo Rails des Andaines: it is seven kilometres long and follows the former Bagnoles-de-l'Orne–La Ferté Macé railway line, with a very gentle gradient. The route passes through the area around the Prieuré St Ortaire and the Forêt des Andaines. The two options therefore differ both in length and in format: one follows the former railway line, while the other is a loop that runs almost entirely through the forest.

The Outdoor Domfront Bagnoles centre offers 19 marked trail routes and three training circuits for trail running, Nordic walking, gravel cycling and mountain biking. As route listings may be updated, check the latest information before setting out. For a different perspective on the landscape, visit Roc au Chien: this natural viewpoint of Armorican sandstone offers a panorama of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne.

Gardens, buildings and local history

Jardin Retiré offers a smaller-scale botanical experience. Hundreds of varieties of flowers, trees and shrubs grow across 2,500 square metres. The garden has held the Jardin Remarquable label since 2020. Unlike the long forest trails, the focus here is on plant diversity and the garden's compact size.

There are various ways to discover the town's history, too. A guided tour of the grounds of Château de la Roche-Bagnoles introduces the history of the Goupil family. Tours follow the published schedule, so check it before making plans. An Art Deco church was built by architect Olivier Michelin and inaugurated in 1934. Its stained-glass windows, designed by Charles Lorin, are themed around water.

The Parcours découverte offers a playful way to explore Bagnoles-de-l'Orne and its sights. The route is 5.6 kilometres long, with 20 stops spread around the municipality's main buildings and urban and natural areas. This is a different way to get to know the town than following the Tour de Saint Michel, whose route runs almost entirely through the forest.

Seasonal activities and treatments

In summer, activities are available at Lac de Bagnoles, including pedal boat hire; availability may vary. The Base de loisirs de Bagnoles de l'Orne also offers pedal boats and a miniature golf course near the casino. These leisure activities are seasonal. If you would also like to plan some treatments, b'o resort thermal & spa offers treatments using natural ingredients from apples.

Getting there from Paris

From Paris, you can reach Bagnoles-de-l'Orne by train via Briouze or Argentan, then continue with NOMAD-Car services. Check train and onward connections before you travel so that your plans reflect the current services.

Discover more destinations: Champsecret, Lonlay-L'abbaye, Sées, Boëcé, La Ferté-Macé, Nonant-Le-Pin, Moutiers-Au-Perche, Le Sap.

Return to the main travel overview: Orne.