Orne Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home >
Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Lower-Normandy
Beautiful countryside - heaven for horse lovers
The Orne department has a beautiful countryside of hills, rivers and woodlands, and is a great location for outdoor activity based holidays. It is known for its horses, and horse lovers will find themselves in heaven here as the department is home to stud farms, racing yards, riding stables and a full programme of horsey events.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Orne
1. Walk
Walking is one of the simplest, cheapest and most delightful of pastimes, especially when you are in the sort of gloriously unspoilt countryside that the Orne lays at your feet. Often compared to Switzerland for its undulating beauty and deep forests, the Orne is walking heaven.
2. Le Pin National Stud
The Orne is horse country, and everywhere you go you will see these magnificent animals, grazing in lush, green pastures, giving exhibitions, competing in prestigious events or offering you the chance to enjoy the Orne through a gentle trek. There are many horse related things you can find in the department, but one to be sure you don't miss is a visit to the National Stud of Le Pin. Here is the world of horses in its most complete form, encompassing guided tours, exhibitions, competitions and demonstrations in the most regal of settings.
3. Visit the Oetre rock near St Philbert sur Orne
A walk in the country can lead you, if you are around the town of St Philbert sur Orne, to a natural viewpoint which offers spectacular panoramic views of the Swiss Normandy area. A natural rock, known as the Oëtre rock, is a natural beauty in itself for shape and form, but from a position on the rock you can see for miles, with a stunning landscape of woodlands, crags and gorges spread before you. Don't forget the camera.
4. Château de Carrouges
A real fairytale chateau awaits you in the form of the Château de Carrouges, which dates back to the 14th century. With turrets, moats and a richly decorated interior, preserved right down to the copper pans in the kitchens, this chateau is a delight to visit, and will enchant every member of the family.
5. Lake la Ferté Macé
The lovely Lake La Ferté Macé is an outdoor playground for everyone. Sail, swim, fish, windsurf or take a pedaloe out on the water, or stick to dry land and enjoy mini golf, boules, walking trails and a children's play park.
Top 5 towns and cities in Orne
1. Alencon
The capital of the Orne department is the city of Alencon. Ancestral seat of the Dukes of Normandy, Alencon is packed with history and heritage in addition to having a lively ambience and many cultural events. It's a market town, and the Saturday morning market (repeated on Thursdays in case you missed it!) is never less than delightful, while many other shops and cafés are ready to welcome you. The lace-making traditions of the town are worth investigating too, with a visit to the Lace Museum being well worth the effort, while the old quarter of town has half-timbered houses, quaint streets and many other authentic features.
2. Domfront
Domfront is a prime example of a mediaeval fortified town. Straight from a picture book, Domfront has a castle, a keep, ramparts and a charming tangle of old streets, traditional houses and pretty squares.
3. Mortagne au Perche
Another heritage town to add to an itinerary of the Orne is Mortagne au Perche, the historic capital of Le Perche. Attractions include the old Corn Exchange, the Notre Dame Church complete with 18th century panelling in wood, remains of fortifications, gardens and museums. Meat eating gastronomes will also enjoy the Black Pudding Festival, held in March.
4. Sainte Céneri le Gérei
Here is one for the artists, as if ever there was a town that was crying out to be painted, this is it. Classified as one of the most beautiful towns and villages in France, Sainte Céneri le Gérei is more than worthy of a visit. A riverside setting and historical buildings all add to the charm.
5. Bagnoles de l'Orne
Bagnoles de l'Orne carries the distinction of being Normandy's sole spa town, and along with its traditional spa features such as therapeutic treatments, health giving waters and thermal baths, Bagnoles also offers a host of outdoor activities, great hotels and shops and a stunning natural setting. Summer and early autumn are the times to be in the town if you want to take part in the colourful programme of festivities on offer.
Food and drink in the Orne
The Orne sets on the table some truly delicious specialities. Camembert cheese, that divinely creamy, slightly stinky but ultimately glorious cheese hails from the department, as does the sparkling Perry from the mediaeval town of Domfront. Other treats to try include biscuits, cider and anything made from apples.
How to get to the Orne
Skysouth used to run flights from Shoreham Airport to Caen and Deauville in Calvados, but it ceased operating in 2009 so the best way to get to the Orne is to take the ferry or the tunnel train. The ports of Caen (Ouistreham) and Le Havre are ideal arrival points, while Cherbourg and St Malo are also near enough to consider.
