Why choose the Orne for your family holidays?
Are you dreaming of a family holiday in rural Normandy, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities? The Orne is an ideal destination for a family holiday in the Orne, where nature, discovery and relaxation come together perfectly. This département, nestling in the heart of Normandy, has an unspoilt heritage, rolling countryside and vast forests that are perfect for getting away from it all.
One of Orne's major assets is its exceptional natural environment. Between the Parc naturel régional du Perche, the rolling hills and the balades en forêt dans l'Orne, young and old alike can enjoy a soothing setting, ideal for family walks or picnics in the fresh air. Here, every trail is an invitation to explore authentic, unspoilt nature, perfect for arousing children's curiosity.
Easily accessible from Paris or the West of France, the Orne is the perfect place for a family weekend away without long, tiring journeys. This proximity makes it an excellent choice for an impromptu getaway or an extended holiday in complete simplicity. Whether you're a lover of heritage, sport or wildlife, the Orne offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences.
By choosing the Orne, you're also opting for a holiday rich in local encounters and discoveries. Farmers' markets, educational farms and craft workshops offer a chance to immerse yourself in Norman know-how. Between gourmet tastings and moments of sharing, holidays take on a unique flavour, combining relaxation and cultural enrichment.
Whether you prefer a family gîte in Normandy, a family campsite in the Orne or unusual accommodation in the Orne, you're bound to find the perfect option for an unforgettable stay with your children. Let yourself be seduced by the discreet but captivating charm of the Orne, where every moment with your family becomes a real adventure to be shared.
Activities for young and old alike
The Orne is an ideal destination for a family holiday thanks to the diversity of activities on offer. Whether you've got toddlers or teenagers looking for adventure, this Normandy region is full of experiences to share together.
Nature-based leisure activities to marvel at in the great outdoors(in French)
Make the most of nature activities in the Orne by exploring its wide open spaces. With forest walks in the Orne, accessible family hikes and natural play areas, young and old alike can enjoy a breath of fresh air while discovering the local flora and fauna. The Écouves and Andaine forests are perfect places to observe animals and enjoy a picnic in a lush green setting.
Animal parks for a close encounter with the animals* Children love to watch and get up close to animals
Children love to observe and get close to animals, and you'll find several animal parks in the Orne to offer them this immersive experience. The Parc animalier d'Écouves, for example, offers a chance to see deer in semi-liberty. For a more educational approach, the Ferme de la Michaudière offers an immersion into rural life, with demonstrations and interactive activities for younger children.
The Orne, a land of equestrian passion
It's impossible to come to the Orne without experiencing a horse-related activity! This region, the birthplace of the legendary Percheron horse, is perfect for a horse-riding holiday in the Orne. Whether you're looking for an introduction to a riding school, a pony ride or a carriage ride, families will be able to share a special moment with these majestic animals in a bucolic setting.
Cultural and fun tours to awaken curiosity* The Orne also has a rich heritage to offer
The Orne also has a heritage that's perfect for families, with interactive and fun sites. The châteaux of Carrouges and d'O bring history to life through animated tours. Several of the department's museums offer workshops for children, awakening their curiosity while making learning fun. Add to this the festivals and family events that punctuate the year, and you have an exciting programme for young and old alike!
By combining nature, animals, heritage and leisure activities, the Orne guarantees a family holiday in rural Normandy full of memories and discoveries.
Where to stay during your family holiday in the Orne?
To make your family holiday in Orne as enjoyable as it is relaxing, the choice of accommodation is essential. This Normandy département offers a wide range of accommodation suited to families, whether you're looking for a stay in the heart of nature, an unusual setting or optimum comfort.
Family gîtes in Normandy: comfort and independence
Opting for a family gîte in Normandy means choosing spacious, friendly accommodation where the whole family can feel at home. Many gîtes are located in the heart of the countryside, offering a real immersion in a peaceful rural setting. Ideal for cooking your own meals, having a secure garden for children to play in peace and quiet, and enjoying the peace and quiet of the Orne.
Family camping in the Orne: an adventure in the great outdoors
For those who love community spirit and the great outdoors, family camping in Orne is an excellent option. Available in mobile homes, bungalows or tented pitches, these campsites offer child-friendly facilities: swimming pool, play areas, children's clubs and summer entertainment. The perfect place to meet other families and share warm memories under the stars.
Unusual accommodation in the Orne: a magical night out for all the family (in French)
If you're looking to surprise your children and enjoy an unusual experience, why not try out the unusual accommodation in Orne? Sleeping in a tree house, a gypsy caravan or even a transparent bubble in the middle of nature will delight young and old alike. These atypical accommodations allow you to immerse yourself completely in the natural environment of the department, while guaranteeing comfort and safety.
Whether you choose a family gîte, family camping or unusual accommodation, the Orne promises a holiday to suit the needs and well-being of the whole family. All you have to do is make your choice and book to make the most of your Normandy getaway!
What programme for a family weekend or week out?
To make the most of your family holiday in Orne, it's essential to organise your days well, alternating discovery, relaxation and fun activities. Here's a sample itinerary for an unforgettable weekend or week in Normandy.
Day 1: Immersion in nature
Start your stay with a beautiful walk in the Andaine or Écouves forests, perfect for forest walks in the Orne suitable for young explorers. Take the opportunity to observe the wildlife and, with a bit of luck, spot some deer or squirrels. In the afternoon, head to a parc animalier dans l'Orne such as the Michaudière educational farm or the Parc animalier d'Écouves, where children and parents can get up close to local animals.
Day 2: Exploring the heritage of Normandy
After a good night's sleep in a family-run gîte en Normandie, set off to discover the jewels of the Orne. Spend the morning visiting the superb Château de Carrouges, a real plunge into history that will amaze young and old alike. Afterwards, take a stroll through a typical village such as Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", before taking part in a craft workshop where children can try their hand at pottery or bread-making.
Day 3 and more: Family fun and relaxation
If your stay is longer, take part in a variety of leisure activities to fill up your memories. Treat yourself to a unique experience with a horse-riding holiday in the Orne: horse or carriage rides in the Parc naturel du Perche, birthplace of the famous Percheron horse. For a refreshing day out, opt for a trip to the Bagnoles-de-l'Orne leisure centre, where pedalos and water games will delight young and old alike. Finish the day with a night in some original accommodation: a tree house, a gypsy caravan or a transparent bubble, perfect for a magical experience in unusual accommodation in the Orne.
Whether you opt for a weekend with the family in Orne or a whole week, this destination guarantees a holiday combining nature, relaxation and enriching discoveries.
Plan your holiday now!
Are you ready for an unforgettable family holiday in Orne? All you have to do now is organise your stay to make the most of it! To book your family gîte in Normandy, your family campsite in Orne or even an unusual accommodation in Orne, check out the many specialist platforms or the websites of the local tourist offices.
When it comes to activities, plan your itinerary to suit your individual tastes. From forest walks in the Orne, to discovering wildlife in an animal park in the Orne, to unique experiences like a horse-riding holiday in the Orne, there's plenty to keep young and old alike enthralled. Choose a family weekend in the Orne or a full week to explore at your own pace!
Don't forget to check out the local entertainment and events during your stay. Numerous festivals and themed tours are organised throughout the year, perfect for enriching your immersion and making your family holiday in rural Normandy a real adventure.
The Orne awaits you with its unspoilt countryside, leisure activities for everyone and friendly accommodation. So why wait? Book your family holiday in the Orne now and give your children unforgettable memories in the heart of Normandy!
