Orne

Orne, the southernmost département of the Basse Normandie region, is known as the region "water tower". The expansive landscape is irrigated by 4,000-kilometre arterial network of rivers and streams - this abundance of water has shaped the scenery, creating a picturesque, pastoral dream, a perfect setting for country walks.

Above all, however, Orne is famous as a land of horses with key bloodlines proudly guarded by the Haras du Pin, one of France's prime stud farms. For the keen rider or the simply curious, this unspoilt and sparsely populated département is ideal for quiet, relaxing holidays.

The Aulerques-Cenomani tribe, who lived in what is now the Orne department, were conquered by the Romans and annexed to the region of Rouen.

From the 9th to the 13th century the entire region was invaded by the Normans before being attached to the French Crown again in 1226 by Blanche de Castille.

Alençon and Argentan become fortified cities after the numerous confrontations that took place during the Hundred Years' War. During the 17th century, Alençon became the seat of the 1 300 various parishes of surrounding areas, and Colbert created a lacework manufacture in the town.

The Orne county saw intense industrial development in the 19th century. The blacksmiths of Bocage, the iron and metallurgical industries in the Pays d'Ouche, and textiles in Flers and La Ferté-Macé, all contributed to this exponential industrialisation.

After heavy losses during both great Wars, the economic golden era known as the Trentes Glorieuses (Glorious Thirties) helped revive a crippled region.

Developed in the Flers and Ferté-Macé basins in the 19th century, the Orne's textile industry is the most significant and representative. Textile production has been an industry of great social and cultural significance in the area. The traditional Argentan lacework industry, ruined during the French Revolution, knew a revival and thrived after the 19th century.

The Orne is one of the country's capitals in terms of horse training and breeding; the famed "Haras du Pin" stud farm is known as the "Versailles of horses".

Camembert has for centuries been the pride of the village after which it is named. Local cream and butter is of excellent quality, usually made from Normandy cow milk. For a main course, you could enjoy some Mortagne black pudding, Ferté-Macé-style skewered tripes or Longny-style tripes, some cervelat sausage from Aigle, white pudding from Essay, or Aleçon-style andouillette.

Sweets and pastries abound: shortcake from Lonlay-l'Abbaye, Moulins-la-Marche brioches, chocolate from the Tinchebray abbey, Alençon "diamonds", Putanges "secrets", and Normandy étriers… These countless local specialties will delight your tastebuds.

In the beverage category, cider and calvados are typical local drinks, and the poiré is a pear-based cousin of cider in the Argentan area that one should definitely try out if he or she is not driving home.