Guide to Orne & Property for Sale in Department 61

Discover Orne - Houses & Lifestyle in Orne

Neighbouring Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Sarthe, Manche, Mayenne, and Calvados, the Orne is the only department of Normandy to be landlocked. The Orne is a rural oasis famed for its rolling countryside, historic villages and lacemaking heritage. It is also a renowned horse breeding area and home to some of the country’s most prestigious stud farms. For property hunters, Orne has the advantage of being close to the Channel ports, whilst feeling like it is a world away from civilisation. There are properties here to suit everyone, from châteaux and manor houses to rustic country gites with land and attractive views.

Nature and Heritage

The Orne department (number 61) is named after the river Orne and adjoins Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Sarthe, Manche, Mayenne, and Calvados. It has two regional nature parks and lacemaking museums at Alencon and Argentan. The National Lacemaking Workshop in Alençon, although not open to the public, is dedicated to maintaining the ancient lacemaking skills that have made this part of France famous since the 17th Century.

Historic Towns

The Dukes of Normandy once resided in Alençon, the capital of the Orne. In addition to being famous for lacemaking, it is also renowned for its bustling twice-weekly food markets and historic half-timbered houses.

Another notable town in the Orne is Domfront, situated high on a hill and dating back to the 11th Century. Its historic fortifications and views over the Varenne Valley give it a unique character, and its Norman Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-sur-l'Eau, situated on the banks of the Varenne, is a cultural gem well worth a visit.

Specialities of the Orne

If you find yourself in the Orne, don’t forget to try some of the local gastronomy, which includes camembert cheese, black pudding and perry, a sparkling cider made from locally grown pears, which is nicknamed the Champagne of Normandy.

Key Information about the Orne (61)

• Main City/Prefecture: Alençon
• Nearest Airport: Caen-Carpiquet Airport or Paris Airports for major flights
• Population: Around 278,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 6,103 sq. kilometres and 2,356 sq. miles
• Landmark: Haras national du Pin, also known as the "Versailles of the Horse," a prestigious national stud farm.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1 million, drawn by its equestrian heritage, rolling countryside and tranquil forests.

Types of Properties for Sale in the Orne

Orne offers a diverse mix of traditional and modern properties, from charming half-timbered houses to contemporary homes with spacious gardens. Its picturesque rolling countryside and historic towns make it perfect for country living, highlighted by notable heritage sites such as grand châteaux and elegant period estates.

Most Common Property Styles

• Half-Timbered Houses & Farmhouses: Norman homes, often long “longères” with timber frames and thatched roofs, frequently renovated with modern interiors.
• Maison de Maîtres & Mansions: Elegant period properties and historic manors.
• Stone Houses: Charming rural homes built with local stone, blending tradition with comfort.
• Contemporary Houses: Modern homes with open-plan living, eco-friendly features, and spacious gardens.
• Townhouses & Apartments: Urban properties in towns, from period conversions to modern builds.
• Châteaux & Period Estates: Historic castles and estates with character, history, and large grounds.

Property Prices & Trends in Orne in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,310
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €1,988
• Price trends: -3% over the last 12 months, +17% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

House Prices in the Main Towns in the Orne in 2025

• Average House Price in Alençon: €1,473 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Argentan: €1,491 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro – October 2025)

If you are looking for a property in the Orne, please contact us to discuss your search criteria.