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Tour du Mont des Avaloirs

ExpertNormandy · France

GPX
Distance
102 km (63.4 mi)
Elevation gain
2,245 m (7,365 ft)
Typical time
27 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Route type
Loop
Highest point
Not recorded

About Tour du Mont des Avaloirs

Tour du Mont des Avaloirs is a 102 km hiking route in Normandy, France. It climbs roughly 2,245 m (7,365 ft) along the way. Most people take around 5 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The combination of distance, ascent and exposure puts this at the top end of what a day hike can be.

It forms part of a long-distance path, so it links cleanly into multi-day itineraries. This is mountain terrain, and the scale of the surroundings is the reason to come.

The circuit closes on itself, which makes logistics simple: one car park, one round of 63.4 mi. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Alençon, about 21.1 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Tour du Mont des Avaloirs suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert102 km2,245 m

Numbered marks every 10 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. The upper section is where the route earns its reputation, and it is also where weather changes fastest. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.

Highlights

  • Mountain
  • Waymarked route
  • Long-distance path
  • Circular route, no backtracking
  • Waymarked and signposted
  • Part of a long-distance path
  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
58/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
94/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
100/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
19/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
10/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
47/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in France are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Real food, not just snacks

Photography

Shoot the first hour after sunrise from the higher ground: the low angle picks out every ridge and the valleys still hold mist. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Tour du Mont des Avaloirs

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Easy

Boucle des Pervenches

Pays de la Loire · France

Distance
4.4 km
/ 2.8 mi
Elevation gain
97 m
Typical duration
1 hr 4 min
  • Waymarked route
Moderate

Boucle des Hauts de Gesvres

Pays de la Loire · France

Distance
9.9 km
/ 6.1 mi
Elevation gain
110 m
Typical duration
2 hr 13 min
  • Waymarked route
Moderate

Boucle des Eglantiers

Pays de la Loire · France

Distance
13.8 km
/ 8.6 mi
Elevation gain
312 m
Typical duration
3 hr 21 min
  • Waymarked route

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