Located in the heart of Normandy, the Orne department is an elegant holiday destination, very popular with nature, history and horse lovers. Both authentic and preserved, this department, sometimes overlooked by holidaymakers, reveals its charms to those who know how to appreciate them and sows invitations to come and discover its many faces.
Land of apples and camembert, between the landing beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel, the department of Orne is one of Normandy's major attractions. Whether you are walking, cycling or biking, there are many hiking routes in the department. Holidaymakers in love with green spaces and nature will appreciate walking, far from the beaten paths in the superb greenery of the Orne, from the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche to the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine, passing by the hills and the immense forest estates of the department, where the bucolic groves rub shoulders with the world famous stud farms, the fertile plains and the sumptuous gorges of Normandy Switzerland. Between torrents and mountains, Norman Switzerland is a gift of nature : a paradise for hikers and fishermen, the place is ideal for a true communion with nature. Bicycle-rail, canoe-kayak, accrobranche, water skiing or boat trip on the Rabodanges lake, many activities will allow you to enjoy this holiday in the open air. Climb up to the Roche d'Oëtre (in Saint-Philibert-sur-Orne), where, overlooking the gorges of the Rouvre, this natural belvedere carved in the rock located at 118 meters high will offer you sumptuous panoramas on the fiery torrents and the green Norman nature. From this site, you can also go on a bicycle excursion, ride a cow or pony and have fun along several orientation routes.
A lace-making town with a rich heritage, Alençon is the capital of Orne. Its half-timbered and granite houses, its sublime mansions with wrought iron balconies and its basilica make it an undeniably elegant city that has inspired many artists, such as Balzac. Famous for its stitching, lace at Alençon Stitch is inscribed in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. An essential destination for your stay in Orna, Alençon is home to 31 listed monuments, including the Jesuit church, the Renaissance Café, the Château des Ducs, the Maison d'Ozé and the wheat market, whose glass dome was inspired by the Grand Palais in Paris. Argentan is also worth seeing: just like Alençon, Argentan owes its fame to its lace and contains many historical monuments to discover, such as its private mansions, the Marguerite Tower, the stained glass windows of the Saint-Martin church and the Saint-Germain church. An elegant spa, Bagnoles de l'Orne is THE wellness destination par excellence. Its "Belle Epoque" district, lake, thermal baths, casino and hiking trails make it an ideal holiday destination for a relaxing break. The medieval city of Domfront, Bellême and its popular gulf, Écouché and its parks, Flers and its sublime castle, Saint-Fraimbault and its flowers or Sées and its cathedral are all destinations to see during your stay in Orne.
From the fine arts museum of Alençon lace to that of the Dame aux Camélias (in Gacé), via Camembert and its culture, Orne will surprise you with its treasures, whether cultural, historical or natural. A horse country, Orne offers its visitors the chance to approach magnificent horses, during breeding visits, events and through the practice of sporting activities. The Haras national du Pin (nicknamed the "Versailles du cheval") is one of the most prestigious stud farms in all of France, to see absolutely if you are in love with the equine world. The Farm of the draft horse, in Juvigny sous Andaine, is also to be added to the list of sites to visit : you will discover there powerful and elegant horses in the heart of a typically Norman farm, from the Percheron to the Norman and Breton cobs while passing by the Shire (largest horse of the world). A visit that will surely please young and old alike. If you are not a rider, you can always opt for a ride in a caravan on the paths of the Orne : an excursion that will allow you to enjoy peaceful moments in the heart of nature. On the castle side, Sassy, Corbon, Carrouges, but also the Château du Tertre and the manors of Guyardière or Courboyer are among the buildings not to be missed during your stay. Sometimes from the 16th century, sometimes from the 17th, they contribute to the architectural reputation of the Orne. The religious buildings are also legion in this beautiful department : it will be necessary for you at all costs to see the basilica Notre Dame d'Alençon and its Gothic portal, as well as the neo-Gothic basilica of Montlignon.
As far as gastronomy is concerned, l'Orne relies on authenticity and traditional flavours. The jewel of French gastronomy, the Camembert is the emblem of Ornaise gastronomy. King of cheeses, you can taste it with apples, a glass of Pommeau, Calvados, cider or perry from Domfrontais. In your plates, you will also find Alençon's andouillette, chicken in white, milk jam, tripe or even white pudding with morels, perfect menu for a gourmet holiday.
