Property Normandy - Orne in Basse-Normandie

Orne, Basse-Normandie, France

The Basse-Normandie (or Lower Normandy) region is part of the ancient duchy of Normandy. The regions is made up of three departments (Fr. départements) Orne, Calvados, and Manche

The Orne Department (61):

Orne is in the current region of Basse-Normandie and is surrounded by the departments of Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Sarthe, Mayenne, and Calvados. It is the only department of Basse Normandie and Haute Normandie to be landlocked. The department is named after the river Orne (152 km), a tributary of the English Channel.

The most southerly department in Normandy with a population of just 300,000, this department is kept very green by regular rainfall. This has created an ideal environment for nature lovers to explore the deep forests and flowing rivers. The Orne valley is characterised by large dark rocks that are ideal for climbers. The highest peak reaches an impressive 1197 ft.

Major Towns

Alencon

The departmental capital on the River Sarthe, was the first town to be liberated by French forces at the end of World War II. It is more widely known, however, for the lace that it produced. 400 years ago it was the lace capital of Europe and it still has a lace school, although the industry itself has long since left. Historic buildings include the gothic churches of Notre-Dame and Saint Leonard and many antiquated houses. It is, however, now mainly known as a recurring name on signposts for those heading south.

Argentan

Places of Interest in Orne

Camembert

The village where Marie Harel created the cheese for which, together with the calvados liquor the area is famous. A soft, creamy French cheese, made from unpasteurized cow's milk.

Flers

The gateway to the attractive countryside of the Swiss Normandy and boasts a 16/17th century Castle with an exhibition of 19th century paintings and sculptures, a Museum with local cuisine and another featuring furniture and 'objets d'art'. There is an attractive park, lake and a golf course.

Domfront

Birthplace of Eleanor of Aquitaine, with its cobbled streets and half timbered houses has a 11th century watchtower and 11/12th century church, both with superb views of the surrounding countryside. Some of the original ramparts, towers and moats have survived.

Bagnole de l'Orne

A 19th century thermal resort which is well tended and has the unique claim of being the only spa town in Normandy. It has a peaceful environment with pristine parks and lakes. It is located near to the Foret d'Ecouves and so is also a great place for walking and cycling.

Belleme

A fortified town set high up in the forests of ash and oaks and beautiful countryside of the area. It has narrow streets of 17th and 18th century houses and a 15th Century Porch and a tiny population of some 2,000.

Montagne au Perche

Once the capital of the area, has a 16th Century hospital cloister, houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, and a covered marketplace known for its 'boudin or sausage fair. Although still important as a market town, its prosperity has dwindled since modern materials replaced wood in the building industry but is an excellent base from which to explore.

Sees

The 13th Century Cathedral's spire is a landmark for miles around.

Chateau d'O

In the heart of the countryside, just southeast of Argentan, near to the village of Mortree, is the most impressive piece of architecture in the department. The Chateau d'O bears the name of the family that built it at the end of 15th century and is also literally a "chateau d'eau", as the building is reflected in the water of the moats which surround it. It comprises of three wings - the 15th century East wing in a Gothic-Renaissance style, the 16th century South Wing, and the 17th century West Wing in brick and stone.

Access to Orne

The nearest airport to the department with direct flights from the UK is Caen. Skysouth has regular direct flights there from Shoreham Airport (Brighton).

There are ferries to Ouistrehem (Caen), Cherbourg, St-Malo or Le Havre.

Gites, Hotels and Tourist Accommodation in Orne

This increase in tourism, especially since it is fuelled to some degree by the increase in low cost air fares, opens opportunities for those wishing to start or run a business in France.

Many people find converting an old barn or outhouse to a gite enables them to earn a useful supplementary income from those looking for a French gite holiday. Rural gite holidays are increasingly popular and a 'gite to rent' or 'gite louer' could be how you enjoy life without working in the rat race.

House & Property Prices in Orne

Property prices in this department are well below the national average and represent excellent value for money. A 4 bedroom property in good condition costs between 150,000 to 170,000 euros, whilst a 2 bedroom apartment costs between 110,000 euros and 130,000 euros. If you're looking for a traditional country house, there is a large range of value for money properties across the department, many requiring renovation.

However, with the A88 due to be opened in 2010, Orne will become more easily accessible and prices are likely to dramatically increase.

Site copyright © WebOneUK.com 2010 - Web Design & Marketing

Part of the Home France group of Web Sites