Roche d'Oëtre

Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne

The Roche d'Oëtre is a granite rocky promontory rising to 417 metres above sea level, overlooking the gorges of the Rouvre from a sheer drop of 118 metres, in the Suisse Normande, halfway between Thury-Harcourt and Écouché. The site, regarded as one of the finest viewpoints in western France, presents a rock whose profile, seen from certain angles, suggests a human face. It shelters protected flora and fauna, including several species of rock-dwelling lichens. A cave on the site, known as the "chambre aux fées" (fairies' chamber), is said to have served as a refuge for the Chouans during the troubles of the late 18th century.

Getting there : Listed natural site, laid-out paths with steps cut into the rock, visitor pavilion built in 2006

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound