Forêt de Cinglais, a region in the Calvados department of Normandy, France, is an ecologically significant forest nestled between the Orne and Laize valleys. Extending over 1,475 hectares, this area is recognized for its rich biodiversity and tranquil environment. The landscape features diverse tree species, historical remnants, and paths that cater to several sports like touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, gravel biking, and more. Its classification as a Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Écologique, Faunistique et Floristique (ZNIEFF) highlights its natural importance…
101
Routes
4.5
(307)
Average rating
2911
People visited

4.8
(125)
626
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.5
(2)
20
riders
13.1km
00:53
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
riders
22.7km
02:02
310m
310m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

29
riders
29.6km
02:38
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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5.0
(5)
178
riders
57.8km
02:23
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

129
riders
83.6km
03:36
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

82
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.0
(2)
32
riders
25.0km
01:07
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(20)
62
hikers
11.7km
03:09
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(15)
46
hikers
16.0km
04:26
290m
290m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(13)
36
hikers
6.39km
01:43
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(9)
48
hikers
11.3km
03:02
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
27
riders
63.6km
04:50
1,110m
1,110m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.7
(6)
30
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(2)
12
riders
47.0km
03:42
770m
770m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.0
(1)
7
riders
52km
04:19
1,040m
1,040m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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25
runners
16.0km
01:53
220m
220m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
8.70km
00:56
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
runners
9.23km
01:00
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
11.8km
01:14
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
23
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(3)
4
riders
32.6km
02:20
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.5
(2)
8
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
21.1km
01:35
200m
200m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Forêt de Cinglais offers opportunities for various outdoor activities, including touring cycling, road cycling, hiking, gravel biking, mountain biking, and jogging. The forest is recognized for its biodiversity and tranquil environment. It features paths suitable for different skill levels and activity types.
Yes, Forêt de Cinglais provides hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. A popular easy loop is approximately 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long, starting from Fresney-le-Vieux. A moderate 6.5-mile (10.5 km) shaded trail begins in Espins, and an 7-mile (11.2 km) loop from Abbaye de Barbery explores varied forest terrain. More information is available in the Hiking around Forêt de Cinglais guide.
Forêt de Cinglais and its surroundings offer options for touring cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking. The forest's unpaved paths are suitable for gravel and touring bikes, while quieter regional roads cater to road cycling. Specific routes and guides can be found in Cycling around Forêt de Cinglais.
Forêt de Cinglais includes options suitable for families. The forest offers peaceful trails that are generally easy to navigate. Specific family-friendly hiking routes are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes around Forêt de Cinglais guide.
Forêt de Cinglais is designated as a Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Écologique, Faunistique et Floristique (ZNIEFF). This classification highlights its rich biodiversity and ecological value. The forest features a significant variety of tree species, including sessile oaks.
Forêt de Cinglais has attracted more than 27,000 visitors on komoot. The routes in the region have an average rating of 4.48 out of 5 stars, based on nearly 3,000 ratings. This indicates a positive reception from the outdoor community.
Komoot offers several guides for Forêt de Cinglais covering various activities. These include Hiking around Forêt de Cinglais, Cycling around Forêt de Cinglais, and MTB Trails around Forêt de Cinglais. Other guides focus on specific themes like family-friendly hikes or traffic-free bike rides.
Yes, Forêt de Cinglais offers mountain biking opportunities. The forest's unpaved paths and varied terrain are suitable for MTB. Specific trails and routes can be explored through the MTB Trails around Forêt de Cinglais guide.
Forêt de Cinglais contains historical traces, including ancient stone vestiges and remnants of fortifications and boundary stones. The forest was part of a powerful seigneury in the Middle Ages. There are also references to a 17th-century legend, the 'Route de la bête du Cinglais'.
For additional information about Forêt de Cinglais and the surrounding area, contact the Suisse Normande Tourisme office. Their phone number is +33 (0)2 31 79 70 45. Information is also available on their main tourism portal, specifically a page dedicated to Forêt domaniale de Cinglais within Bretteville-sur-Laize.
The terrain in Forêt de Cinglais includes forest roads and unpaved paths, making it suitable for gravel and touring cycling. While generally pleasant, some paths can be humid, especially after rain. Cyclists should be aware of potential thorns that could cause punctures.

