La normandique - Villers-sur-Mer

La Normandique is a Nordic walking event on the Normandy coast, based in Villers-sur-Mer and run entirely on sand at low tide. It offers a timed 12 km challenge and a relaxed 7 km walk, catering to competitive walkers, trail runners seeking a tough sandy effort, and individuals who use Nordic walking primarily as a health sport. Organized by Les Normandiques, it is noted as the largest Nordic walking gathering in Normandy and has been held since 2014. The route crosses the beaches of Villers-sur-Mer, Bénerville-sur-Mer, Blonville-sur-Mer, Tourgéville, and Deauville, with the 12 km race anticipated to be closely contested. Beginners can receive a brief coaching session, and poles are available for rent at the CAMI Sport et Cancer booth. The day also features a barefoot walk in the water, alongside a village on the Villers-sur-Mer dike offering massages, foot reflexology, first-aid sessions from the Red Cross, defibrillator demonstrations, and map-reading and orientation workshops from the hiking federation. A portion of the entry fee benefits CAMI Sport et Cancer, and the event is funded by participant fees and partners, not subsidies.