The Orne department may not be the most well-known among tourists wishing to visit Normandy. Yet, this region bordered by Calvados to the north and the Pays de la Loire to the south is home to natural and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered. To help you explore the various aspects of tourism in the Orne, we have compiled a list of 5 things to do there.
The first thing to do if you're passing through Orne is to visit Alençon, the capital of the department. Alençon is a lively city with numerous shops and is rich in cafes and restaurants. World-renowned for its Alençon lace, listed as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, the capital of Orne houses a Museum of Fine Arts and Lace.
As you stroll through the city, you can also admire some architectural gems such as the Château des Ducs, the Maison d'Ozé, the Notre-Dame basilica, and the Halle au Blé topped with a remarkable glass dome.
To learn more about the tourist sites of the department and its capital, we invite you to consult the tourist guide Orne Tourism.
The Orne department shares the ancient French province of Perche with neighboring departments. This territory, with its preserved natural spaces, is ideal for hiking and numerous outdoor activities.
You will find charming villages and Small Towns of Character such as:
- La Perrière: a village that has inspired many artists and offers an exceptional panorama of the Perche countryside.
- Bellême: an old medieval town with a state forest and regularly listed among the most beautiful villages in Normandy.
- Mortagne-au-Perche: a town rich in history and architectural heritage.
If you're touring in the Orne, be sure to visit the Haras national du Pin! This stud farm is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in the department and one of the most fascinating, especially for horse enthusiasts.
On-site, you can visit the castle and its gardens, as well as the stables. During this last part, you will discover numerous horse breeds, starting with the Percherons.
You can also admire the honor tack room and a collection of horse-drawn carriages. In the summer, an equestrian show is held on site during the Thursdays of Pin.
During your vacation in Normandy, take the opportunity to explore the Swiss Normandy while you are in the Orne department. This area, named for its resemblance to the landscapes of Switzerland, will delight those who enjoy family walks, hiking, and outdoor activities. Its rugged terrain has been shaped by the river Orne, and nature is ever-present.
A must-see attraction in the vicinity is the Roche d'Oëtre, a magnificent natural viewpoint nestled in lush greenery, not far from the small village of Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne. Several trails of varying difficulty lead to this beautiful lookout, passing through bucolic landscapes of woods, fields, and rivers.
To take care of yourself and recharge after these various tourist visits, you can end your vacation in the department with a relaxing break at Bagnoles-de-l'Orne.
Bagnoles-de-l'Orne is a thermal spa town in Normandy known for treating rheumatism and circulation problems. Besides thermal cures in rheumatology and phlebology, this spa and tourist town has many hotels and spas offering wellness treatments.
Author Audrey on 30 March 2022
Travel and Tourism : Stay
Author Audrey on 05 April 2023
Travel and Tourism : Hotel by region