La Roche d’Oëtre rises more than 100 metres above the Gorges de la Rouvre. Three marked trails of 2.5, 5 and 9 kilometres are open year-round. The different trail lengths give you a clear framework for your outing; check local access conditions before setting off.
Moors, rocks and marked trails
In the Orne department, forests, moors and streams form a rich and varied natural heritage. Two regional nature parks help preserve local wildlife, plant life and traditions. Experiencing nature here therefore means discovering not only diverse landscapes, but also cultural traditions that have their place in the region.
The Marais du Grand-Hazé is a 200-hectare wetland comprising ponds, peat bogs, reed beds and peat woodland. It is one of the leading bird-breeding sites in the Orne department; 170 species have been recorded there, though this figure may change as records are updated. A 1.8-kilometre botanical trail offers a different focus, drawing attention to trees, hedgerows and the bocage landscape.
The Gorges de Villiers combine cliffs of Armorican sandstone with scree, heathland, a spring and a fast-flowing river. A hot spring is part of the thermal spa facilities in Bagnoles-de-l’Orne and was revered as early as Roman times. A marked 2.5-kilometre trail is open year-round. Here too, it is advisable to check local access conditions before setting off.
Hiking and riding trails in Orne
The GR®22 offers a four-day hiking route through Alençon, Carrouges, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne and medieval Domfront. The long-distance trail passes through well-preserved areas and is considered accessible. Alongside individual nature trails, this provides a longer option connecting several named places along one hiking route.
There is also an extensive network of trails for horse riding and carriage driving: more than 1,000 kilometres of riding trails are available for independent or guided rides and training. In addition, 147 kilometres of marked carriage routes run through the forests of Réno-Valdieu, Écouves and Andaines. The relevant authorities may update the stated network lengths.
History, horses and local produce
The Manoir de Courboyer was built at the end of the 15th century and combines Flamboyant Gothic with Renaissance elements. Three floors are open to visitors. Self-guided visits are possible year-round; guided visits take place in summer, and group bookings are available throughout the year. As visitor arrangements may change, check the official website before your trip.
The Haras national du Pin was established by order of Louis XIV in a landscaped setting covering more than 1,000 hectares. A visit to the historic core includes the Cour d’honneur, the stables, the harness room, the carriage collection and a discovery trail. The programme also includes horse shows, carriage rides, pony activities, and rides by electric bike or golf cart. You can also learn about blacksmithing and saddlery there; the activities available may vary by season.
In medieval Domfront, access is free year-round; guided tours are offered throughout the year by appointment. Another regional speciality is Domfrontais poiré: its appellation covers 40 communes in the Orne, Manche and Mayenne departments.
Discover more destinations: La Madeleine-Bouvet, Athis-De-L'orne, Bellême, Ceaucé, Lalacelle, Le Sap, Pervenchères, Saint-Cyr-La-Rosière, Saint-Germain-De-La-Coudre, Saint-Symphorien-Des-Bruyères, Vimoutiers, Ceton, Parfondeval, Belfonds, Saint-Fraimbault, Valframbert, Silli-En-Gouffern, Rânes, Fontenai-Sur-Orne, Bagnoles-De-L'orne, Argentan, Alencon, Putanges-Pont-Ecrepin, Écouché, Condeau, Saint-Siméon, Montabard, Moutiers-Au-Perche, Neuvy-Au-Houlme, Champeaux-Sur-Sarthe, Montreuil-La-Cambe, Fel, Aubry-En-Exmes, Lonlay-L'abbaye, Nonant-Le-Pin, Torchamp, Domfront, Mortagne-Au-Perche, Saint-Michel-Des-Andaines, Crouttes, Flers, L'aigle, La Chapelle-Montligeon, Mantilly, Carrouges, Juvigny-Sous-Andaine, La Perrière, Le Château-D'almenêches, Les Champeaux, Canapville, Le Mêle-Sur-Sarthe, Essay, Le Renouard, La Ferté-Frênel, Ménil-Vin, Saint-Nicolas-Des-Bois, Moulins-La-Marche, Macé, Malétable, Rémalard, Livaie, Saint-Aubin-De-Bonneval, La Genevraie, Sées, Heugon, Le Theil, Colonard-Corubert, Trun, Marchemaisons, Bazoches-Sur-Hoëne, Saint-Germain-Dʼaunay, Boëcé, Le Merlerault, Berjou, Berd'huis, Saint-Denis-Sur-Huisne, Corbon, Lignou, Saint-Pierre-D'entremont, Réveillon, Mardilly, Le Grais, Banvou, Champosoult, Magny-Le-Désert, La Chapelle-D'andaine, Champcerie, Camembert, Marcei, Vieux-Pont, Bellou-En-Houlme, Boucé, Courgeon, Saint-Bômer-Les-Forges, La Ferté-Macé, Le Pas-Saint-L'homer, Mahéru, Saint-Aubin-Des-Grois, La Ferrière-Bochard, Saint-Maurice-Lès-Charencey, Damigny, Saint-Cornier-Des-Landes, Aunou-Sur-Orne, Saint-Julien-Sur-Sarthe, Saint-Léonard-des-Parcs, La Lande-de-Goult, Tessé-Froulay, Dancé, Longny-au-Perche, Ménil-Hermei, Sainte-Honorine-la-Guillaume, Sainte-Marguerite-de-Carrouges, Nocé, Brieux, Autheuil, Médavy, Saint-Ouen-de-Sécherouvre, Gacé, Champsecret, Cahan, Saint-Hilaire-de-Briouze, Saint-Aubin-d'Appenai, Goulet, Mieuxcé, Neuville-sur-Touques, Omméel, Nécy, La Forêt-Auvray, Gandelain, Cerisé, Lougé-sur-Maire, Avernes-Saint-Gourgon, Tinchebray-Bocage, Passais, Semallé, Sainte-Gauburge-Sainte-Colombe, Aubry-le-Panthou, Briouze, Dame-Marie.
For the regional travel overview: Normandy.
