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
chateaux and manor houses to rustic country gites with land and attractive views.
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.
Dukes of Normandy once resided in Alençon, which is the capital of the Orne. As well as being famous for lacemaking, it is also known for its bustling twice-weekly food markets and historic half-timbered houses.
Another notable town in the Orne is Domfront, which is set high on a hill and dates 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, on the banks of the Varenne, is a cultural gem that is well worth a visit.
If you find yourself in the Orne don’t forget to try some of the local gastronomy which includes camembert, black pudding and perry, a sparkling cider made from locally grown pears which is nicknamed the Champagne of
Normandy.
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