Make a holiday rental apartment or villa in Orne, France your home away from home

Orne, Normandy, the home of Camembert cheese, is a landlocked department of northern France. The department is wonderfully un-crowded, with a gentle charm, yet plenty of entertainment for family holidays and rural retreats, with beautiful rural Orne villas situated in both rural sanctuaries and charming medieval towns. This is an area which loves its horses. There are numerous shows, studs and bridle paths to enjoy, and a rich equestrian culture.

Things to do on holiday in Orne, France

The region of Bocage is a stunningly unspoilt rural region, ideal for walking holidays and rambling. There are 1,500 miles of footpaths and bridle paths across the department, crossing through deep forests, heather covered gorges and peaceful waterways. The lakes and rivers are beautiful to swim in, but probably only during July and August when the temperatures are suitable!

There is a range of important historic fortresses to explore from any of the self catering Orne villas, especially Domfront and Carrouges Castles. The Orne countryside is steeped in the legends of Camalot and King Arthur, and there is even an Arthurian hiking route.

Those looking to pamper themselves whilst on holiday in a gite in Orne after a hard days walking or sight seeing, or even just for a days pampering should certainly head towards the resort of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne. Idyllically located on the shores of a forested lake, it is a great way to fully relax.

Places to holiday in Orne, France

Alencon, Orne’s capital, has a flamboyant Gothic Eglise Notre Dame is a magnificent sight, which stands out from the timber houses which dominate the peaceful town.

Bagnoles de l’Orne, as well as being home to Orne’s spa centre and natural spring waters, is a charming town of narrow cobbled streets and dominant castle ruins is also the host to a magnificent medieval fair in August, when the town comes to life with folk dancing, traditional costumes, local crafts and fayres. It would be a great shame to miss the fair if you are staying in a gite or villa in Orne during August.

Weather in Orne, France

Orne has a very mild climate, ideal for exploration of the countryside. Winter temperatures average 5°C in the coldest months of December and January, and around 20°C in July and August.

Flights to Orne, France

The gites in Orne are easily reached from the UK, 90 miles from Tours Airport (TUF) in the Val de Loire, which receives flights from London Stansted (STN).