4.5
(98)
595
hikers
118
hikes
Hiking around La Ferrière-Béchet offers access to the extensive Forêt d'Écouves and the Regional Nature Park Normandy-Maine. The region features varied terrain with significant elevation changes, providing diverse landscapes for exploration. Hikers can find routes traversing forests and meadows, with opportunities for panoramic views, particularly to the northwest of La Ferrière-Béchet.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
2
hikers
25.1km
07:04
520m
520m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(2)
5
hikers
10.8km
02:56
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
8.14km
02:15
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2 perforations visible on the 12th photo of the Sherman M4A2 "Valois"
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The Écouves national forest is located in the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. It is home to abundant game, sessile oaks, beeches and Scots pines, over 15,000 hectares. Its highest point is the Écouves signal, which rises to an altitude of 413 meters. It is the highest peak in Normandy.
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If you are looking for a unique destination in Normandy, you should stop to see the Sherman tank in La Ferrière-Béchet. This is an American tank from World War II that was abandoned in the Ecouves forest after being hit by a German shell in August 1944. The tank is today covered in moss and vegetation, creating a striking contrast with its metal structure.
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The signal d'Écouves, at an altitude of 413 m, is the highest point in Normandy and the second highest peak in the Armorican Massif. Source: Wikipedia
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The Signal d'Ecouves is the highest point in the forest of Ecouves. Difficult to access, it clearly shows the difficulty of mountain biking in this environment.
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This Sherman tank was part of the 2nd armored division of General Leclerc.It belonged to the Roumianzoff detachment that had just liberated Alençon ... It was destroyed at a place called "Gateys" by an anti tank gun of the 9th Panzerdivision was hidden in the Ecouves forest ....
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There are over 100 hiking routes around La Ferrière-Béchet, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find approximately 38 easy routes, 76 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging trails.
The terrain around La Ferrière-Béchet is quite varied, characterized by the dense woodlands of the Forêt d'Écouves, open meadows, and significant elevation changes. This diversity provides both physical challenge and opportunities for panoramic views, especially to the northwest of La Ferrière-Béchet and from points like Belfonds.
Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. For example, the Sherman tank – Le signal d'Écouves loop from Carrefour de la Croix Médavy is an easy 5.25 km trail that takes just under 1.5 hours to complete, offering a pleasant walk through the forest.
Hikers can discover several unique landmarks. The Carrefour du Chêne au Verdier in the Écouves forest features a giant sequoia sculpted into a totem pole. You might also encounter the Madame's Cross, a white wooden cross offering serene surroundings after a climb, or the historical Sherman tank monument.
Many of the trails in the region are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the moderate Sherman tank – Écouves Forest loop from Carrefour de la Croix Médavy, a 10.8 km route that can be completed in under 3 hours.
The hiking routes in La Ferrière-Béchet are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers often praise the immersive experience through the dense Forêt d'Écouves and the varied landscapes.
Yes, La Ferrière-Béchet is ideally located near the extensive Forêt d'Écouves, providing direct access to numerous trails within this significant natural feature. The forest is home to the highest point in Normandy and offers diverse terrain for exploration.
For a shorter, easier walk, consider the Le signal d'Écouves – Écouves Forest loop from La Ferrière-Béchet. This 6.08 km easy trail can be completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes, offering a pleasant experience through the forest.
One of the more challenging routes is the Écouves Forest – Sherman tank loop from Carrefour de la Croix Médavy. This difficult 25.1 km path offers an immersive experience through the dense Écouves Forest, featuring substantial elevation gain and typically taking over 7 hours to complete.
Absolutely. Many routes around La Ferrière-Béchet feature significant elevation changes that lead to magnificent panoramas. You can often find excellent views to the northwest of La Ferrière-Béchet and from specific points like Belfonds within the Forêt d'Écouves.
Yes, the Station de Trail® du Massif d'Écouves is located nearby in Radon. It offers seven different trail courses suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced runners, within the Écouves forest massif, providing dedicated routes for trail running enthusiasts.


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