Rock of Oëtre, Rock formation in Normandy, France
The Rock of Oëtre is a granite formation in Normandy that rises roughly 118 meters above the Rouvre River, offering natural views over the Norman Switzerland region. The site features marked hiking trails that wind through the surrounding natural area.
The caves within this rock formation sheltered nobility during the French Revolution, including Noël Anne-Alexandre who hid there in 1789. These events show how this geological site provided refuge during periods of political upheaval.
The name Oëtre comes from Old Norse origins, reflecting the heather plants that once thrived in this region. Visitors today can still see how this vegetation shapes the appearance of the surrounding land.
The site has a wooden pavilion with a museum, tourist information, and a restaurant for visitor amenities. The marked hiking trails vary in difficulty, allowing visitors of different abilities to explore the natural area.
The rock formations here belong to the Armorican Massif, which stood five kilometers high two million years ago before erosion shaped it to its current size. This geological history is written into the visible stone layers that visitors can see today.
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