This week we’re showing all you adrenalin junkies that Normandie isn’t just about leisurely strolls on the beach or floating on an inflatable unicorn in our pool – although you can do that too of course.
Rob and I have been watching the Paris Olympics and have been super impressed with the speed of the sport climbing and all the other wild sports, (the record for the sport climbing was a mind boggling 4.74 seconds!)
We also loved the Kitesurfing with Ellie Aldridge taking the gold for Team GB. Here she is flying through the waves – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_O2MaNW5ZE
So fasten your seatbelts as we whizz through some ’not boring’ things to do in Normandy
CLIMBING AT THE ROOF LE HAVRE
The Roof in Le Havre has more than 600m² of climbing space for all levels and ages. Challenge yourself with different profiles: vertical, slab and a variety of block styles and for the bravest, there is a training area with spilling profiles and sockets for different types of grip.
The adventures start from a very young age as there is also a safe climbing space for children from 2 to 7 years old.
For more climbing adventures follow this link – https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/plan-your-trip/to-see-to-do/sports-and-activities/climbing-adventure-parks/
COME FLY A KITE
KITE SURFING – Do you want to feel the sheer excitement of controlling the raw power of your kite, the adrenaline rush from sliding across the water and the thrill of weightlessness when flying in the air above the sea. Then you can learn the basics or improve your skills on the beautiful beach in nearby Cabourg.
TRACTION KITE – Just 10 minutes from Le Pressoir is Omaha Beach, one of the most emblematic beaches of the Normandy landings where you can try your hand at flying a traction kite.
Unlike the classic kite, the traction kite gives you a new sensation of gliding over the sand. You’ll feel the force of the wind and learn to position yourself correctly to control the kite so that you feel the wind pulling you along.
Both with Manawa – www.manawa.com
EXTREME SPORTS AT THE SOULEUVRE VIADUCT
This gigantic viaduct in the beautiful Suisse Normande Gorge was built by Gustave Eiffel in the 19th century is now a leisure park dedicated to all things adrenalin filled.
Spending a day at the Souleuvre Viaduct is a perfect thrilling adventure to share with your adrenalin seeking loved-ones!
ZIP WIRE ACROSS THE VALLEY
3, 2, 1 and jump! Take the plunge from the top of the zip line platform and fly across the valley along a 400 metre cable at a speed of 100km/h, suspended on the cable.
BUNGEE JUMP
To reach the jumping platform, you’ll walk over a high suspended wooden bridge as it swings slightly with the wind. While that heightens the nerve-wracking atmosphere, it also provides the best panoramic views of the valley below.
As you stand on the platform, 63 metres above ground your heart will start racing as you make that leap out into the air.
If you dare, you can touch the water below with your hand… or even dip in it up to the waist for the bravest (or is that the craziest?!!!!!!)
You can even do a tandem jump with your crazy partner.
PENDULUM JUMP
This new pendulum jump combines a set of strings, a free fall followed by a horizontal pendulum at high speed.
You’ll experience a moment of free fall before the ropes guide you in a horizontal pendulum movement. Your trajectory forms an arc between the pillars of the viaduct as you swing under the suspended footbridge of the viaduct.
THE GIANT SWING
This giant swing seats up to 3 people so you can share the experience with 2 brave friends!
You’ll be strapped in and lifted up 55 metres above the ground. Then before you know it, you’ll suddenly begin flying at a speed of 130 km/h with the wind rushing in your hair as the swing is released.
You’ll swing back and forth until the swing slows to a stop… and you stop screaming!
GLASS BALCONY
On the second pillar of the Viaduct, there’s access to the skycube, a glass balcony of 1.80m x 1.80m at 61 meters high with breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
You leave the pillar of the viaduct to take an access ramp on a 20-meter-long spire. The thrill seizes you from the first steps on the openwork grating and onwards to the fully glazed floor. This is not for the faint hearted.
NORMANDY LUGE
This 1400 metre luge track gets up to speeds of 45 km/h
The toboggan is a simple, family pleasure, ideal in summer and winter. It has fun, sliding sensations without effort and can be enjoyed alone or in pairs, there is no restriction of weight or height so it can be enjoyed from 3 years old and up to 180 kg.
ZIPLINES BETWEEN PARK AND FOREST
Let yourself be swayed 😉 by the new course of 35 zip lines running between the park and forest at the Souleuvre Viaduct.
Gain momentum and walk from platform to platform with fluidity, flexibility and autonomy. You’ll fly from tree to tree, with ease while you appreciate the sensations and the landscape.
SMALL DAREDVILS
The acrotunnel is tree climbing for 3 to 6 years old, ideal for small daredevils.
It’s accompanied to help them in their progress and is a good way to share a unique family experience!
The acronet is the next level for those who want to test their limits in a course of more than 100 elements.
Accessible from 7 years old, the diversity of workshops can allow you to push your limits for a whole day. The feeling of freedom is guaranteed as this activity is without harnesses, with a safety net surrounding all the courses.
In short, tree climbers are surrounded by nets, without harnesses but with maximum safety. You will be able to go up and down as many times as you want thanks to unlimited activity during the day.
And if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground then this is for you –
THE BAREFOOT GARDEN
Come and experience full senses in a botanical and sensory garden.
With more than 6,000 plants and shrubs, this diverse garden will offer you a timeless walk through the 600 metre long sensory path, with so many things to discover.
A garden of the senses, of awakening, an unusual walk barefoot in the heart of the Normandy hills.
Check out the Souleuvre Viaduct thrills video – https://youtu.be/5ih9hmI8nTA
TAKE THE PLUNGE
COASTEERING
What’s that? I hear you ask…. Coasteering is an activity that combines swimming, canyoning and rock climbing along the coast.
One of the greatest things about coasteering is that almost everybody can do it and it’s suitable for all ages. It’s about rock-hopping, wave-riding, shore-scrambling, cave-exploring and, yes, cliff-jumping. But, if like me you’re afraid of heights, then I’d recommend staying away from coasteering!
At the Baie d’Ecalgrai in the Cotentin Peninsula,
For more details – https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/coasteering-adventures-in-cotentin/
FLYING HIGH
SKYDIVING IN THE BAY OF THE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL
Fancy flying over one of the finest skydiving sites in the world? then look no further than the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel.
Before your skydive, you’ll undergo a safety briefing on the ground at Granville aerodrome. After take-off, a 30-minute flight gradually take you up to between 3,000 and 4,000m altitude for the jump, while you enjoy views of the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel, Granville and the Channel Islands from above.
Then, it’s time to jump! Harnessed to an experienced instructor, you’ll experience incredible views of the Mont-Saint-Michel during the free dive at a speed of 200km/hour (in a controlled descent), landing just a few metres from the beach. WOW!
Check out all the details – https://www.manawa.com/en-GB/activity/france/mont-saint-michel/skydiving/tandem-skydiving-above-the-mont-saint-michel/9748
BIPLANE or MICROLIGHT FLIGHT OVER MONT ST MICHEL
Again, admire one of France’s most beautiful views from the air on a microlight over the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
Your microlight flight over Mont Saint-Michel will take place either aboard an A22 multiaxis microlight, a modern, comfortable aircraft, OR aboard a Stampe SV4 biplane microlight, a vintage aircraft with a look that will take you back in time!
In the Biplane, alongside your pilot, you’ll climb board this unique two-seater microlight which will take you back in time, even wearing a leather jacket and helmet! With the pilot’s commentary on the history of the sites below, there is no doubt that you will come away from the experience with a smile on your face and great memories to keep.
Check out all the details – https://www.manawa.com/en-GB/activity/france/saint-malo/microlight-flying/biplane-microlight-flight-over-the-emerald-coast-from-dinard/17796
My heart says, I’d love to give all these things a go… while my head screams –
DON’T DO IT!!!!
How about you, are you an adrenalin junkie?
That’s all for now, see you next time you thrill seekers!