Briouze combines a distinctive natural landscape with a unique Romanesque cultural heritage. At the Marais du Grand Hazé, wetlands, birdlife and trails take centre stage; the Chapelle Saint-Gervais adds to this picture with a history of construction dating back to the 11th century. This gives you different options to focus on when planning a stay in Briouze.

Wetlands and birdlife at the Marais du Grand Hazé

The Marais du Grand Hazé covers 200 hectares of ponds, peat bogs, reed beds and peaty woodlands. The area in Briouze is designated a Natura 2000 site. Its varied landscape features give this natural setting its distinctive character: expanses of water, bogs, reeds and woodland all contribute to the scenery.

The Marais is particularly notable for birdwatchers. It is the most important bird breeding site in the Orne département; 170 bird species have been recorded there. The site also has an ornithological observatory. A notice dated 13 August 2026 stated that access was temporarily prohibited at the time, while the discovery trail remained open. Check the latest access conditions before visiting.

Choose hiking trails by length and season

There are several routes to choose from for a hike. The Sentier du Breuil is 4 kilometres long and open year-round; check the access conditions before your trip. The Boucle du marais is 6.7 kilometres long and open from 15 April to 15 October. It is also advisable to check the conditions before setting out on this loop. The distance and opening period provide a practical guide, but do not indicate how long the walk will take.

A 1.8-kilometre botanical nature trail also runs near the Marais. Visitors can learn about trees, hedgerows and the bocage landscape. This adds another perspective on nature to the wetlands: the focus here is on trees and shrubs, and on the hedgerows characteristic of the bocage landscape.

The area also includes a voie verte, running between Briouze and Bagnoles-de-l’Orne along a former railway line. At Briouze station, bicycle lockers are available where you can leave your bike securely while visiting the Marais on foot. You will need your own lock or bicycle lock to secure it. Check the availability of the lockers in advance.

Romanesque architecture and views of Briouze

The Chapelle Saint-Gervais is a Romanesque granite building. Its portal is also Romanesque, framed by flat buttresses. The chapel was built by Guillaume de Briouze between 1080 and 1093 and originally had the shape of a Latin cross. The portal was reassembled in 1867. Four columns with sculpted capitals form part of its design.

The Circuit Saint-Gervais–Briouze hiking trail can be walked from the church in Briouze, although the description gives the starting point as the Chapelle Saint-Gervais. A viewpoint along the circuit overlooks Briouze and the Marais. Since access to the viewpoint depends on route conditions, it is worth checking these before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Bômer-Les-Forges, Mahéru, Marchemaisons, Berjou, Ceaucé, Le Sap, Gandelain, La Madeleine-Bouvet.

For the wider travel overview: Orne.