What are the best campsites in Orne?
Comfortable and far more fun for children than a hotel, camping offers entertainment, a swimming pool, water games and lively evening events to enhance your stay. Here is a selection of the best in the Orne:
3-star campsite near the thermal baths
The La Vée Municipal Campsite *** welcomes holidaymakers to a leafy setting covering over 4 hectares, in the heart of the Grand Domaine de Bagnoles-de-l’Orne. Close to the town centre, shops and the spa, it offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as mobile homes and unique accommodation. This campsite offers a wide range of services and facilities, including free Wi-Fi, play areas, entertainment and a shuttle bus to the spa. It is open from February to November.
4-star campsite with water park in Normandy (61)
Located in the heart of the Perche Regional Nature Park, in Longny-les-Villages, the Monaco Parc **** campsite offers a lush 25-hectare setting ideal for relaxation and family leisure activities. This campsite offers pitches, fully equipped mobile homes and nature-style accommodation. Holidaymakers can enjoy a vast water park with a heated indoor pool, outdoor pools and slides, as well as a fishing pond, a mini farm and plenty of summer entertainment. Open from April to October for rentals.
3-star campsite with unique accommodation in the Orne (61)
The Perche Bellêmois *** campsite, located in Bellême in the heart of the Perche Regional Nature Park, is the perfect spot for those seeking peace and nature. Less than 500 metres from the village centre, the golf course, hiking trails and the national forest, it offers spacious pitches as well as mobile homes, chalets and unique accommodation. Holidaymakers enjoy direct access to the municipal swimming pool and a wide range of leisure facilities, in a lush green setting perfect for relaxation and exploring the Perche region. Open from April to November.
Cheaper campsite in Normandy
Located in the heart of Suisse Normande, in Ménil-Hubert-sur-Orne, La Rouvre ** campsite is a nature-friendly and eco-conscious campsite nestled on the banks of the river. It offers pitches for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes, as well as unique accommodation, chalets and mobile homes. Ideal for families, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, it enjoys a unspoilt setting near the Roche d’Oëtre and the main hiking and cycling routes. The campsite is open from April to September.
Find here all the campsites in Orne to extend your stay in Normandy.
Where are the must-see attractions in the Orne?
Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, an elegant spa town in the heart of the Andaine Forest
The only spa resort in western France, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne charms visitors with its exceptional natural setting in the heart of the vast Andaine Forest. Nestled in lush greenery, this compact town has been renowned since the 19th century for the healing properties of its thermal water, particularly recognised for treating venous disorders and rheumatism. Its spa centre welcomes numerous visitors each year who come to benefit from specialised treatments in phlebology and rheumatology within an environment conducive to rest and well-being.
The charm of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne also lies in its remarkable architectural heritage. The elegant Belle Époque villas, Art Deco façades and well-tended gardens lend the resort a refined atmosphere that invites you to take a stroll. The whole town revolves around its famous lake, the true beating heart of the resort, whose flower-filled banks offer a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll or simply to enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. The cafés, terraces and shops lining the area add to the charm of this destination where time seems to slow down.image
Among the resort’s iconic sites is also the former Château Goupil, a testament to local history, surrounded by a remarkable arboretum park. This vast landscaped area is home to numerous tree species and makes for a pleasant spot for botanical exploration and family walks.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find an ideal playground here. The Andaine Forest and the surrounding rolling countryside are perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. The resort also boasts a renowned golf course, appreciated for its lush fairways, as well as tennis courts where you can enjoy your favourite sport in a stunning setting.
Throughout the year, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne comes alive with cultural and festive events that attract both locals and visitors. The spectacular pyromelodic show regularly lights up the resort’s sky on summer evenings, combining music and fireworks. At the same time, the Les Clés de Bagnoles music festival showcases a variety of artists— s and bands—in the town’s iconic venues. Finally, the street arts festival transforms public spaces into open-air stages every year, hosting a succession of shows, performances and entertainment for all ages. With its blend of heritage, nature, well-being and culture, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne stands out as one of the must-visit destinations in the Orne.image
Carrouges Castle, a historic gem in the heart of Normandy-Maine
In the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park, Carrouges Castle is one of Normandy’s most remarkable castles. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, this elegant red-brick building with a slate roof stands out for its harmonious architecture and impressive moat, giving it an air worthy of the finest fairy tales. Inside, visitors will discover magnificent furnished rooms, well-preserved Renaissance décor and a majestic grand staircase that bears witness to the prestige of the castle’s former owners.
The visit continues pleasantly in the vast ten-hectare estate surrounding the château. The flower-filled gardens, the heritage orchard and the elegant 17th-century wrought-iron gates invite families to stroll in peaceful surroundings. Throughout the year, the site hosts events, exhibitions and cultural gatherings that offer a fun way to discover the heritage. During the summer season, the famous candlelit night-time tours bathe the château in a magical atmosphere that is particularly popular with young and old alike. Workshops, treasure hunts and activities specially designed for children are also regularly offered, making Carrouges Château an unmissable family outing during a stay in the Orne.
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Nestled in a bend of the River Sarthe in the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Nature Park, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and immediately charms visitors with its authenticity. Its peaceful narrow streets lined with stone houses adorned with flowers, its rolling landscapes and its unspoilt atmosphere make it an essential stop for lovers of heritage and nature. Overlooking the river, the old stone bridge offers magnificent views of the valley and is one of the village’s most iconic sights.
The Romanesque church, a true architectural treasure, houses remarkable medieval frescoes that bear witness to the area’s rich history. Just a short walk away, the famous Petit-Saint-Céneri chapel and its spring have attracted visitors and pilgrims for centuries. A source of inspiration for many painters, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei has maintained a strong artistic tradition, evident in its galleries and exhibitions. Families particularly enjoy walks along the banks of the Sarthe, the hiking trails accessible to all, and the many events organised during the summer months, including craft markets, concerts and cultural events. With its bucolic setting and timeless charm, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei offers a timeless escape in the heart of the Orne’s most picturesque landscapes.
La Roche d’Oëtre, spectacular views over Normandy’s Swiss region
A true emblem of Normandy’s Swiss region, La Roche d’Oëtre is one of the most impressive natural sites in the Orne. Listed among Normandy’s remarkable natural areas, this rocky promontory overlooks the deep gorges of the Rouvre and offers an exceptional panorama of a wild valley with striking terrain. Its famous rock with a human-like profile, nicknamed ‘the sleeping face’, has long captured the imagination of visitors and contributes to the site’s fame.
Several signposted trails allow you to explore the site at your own pace, whether for a short family stroll or a more challenging hike through the rugged landscapes of the Normandy Switzerland region. By heading to the lower terrace or the designated viewing points, walkers can enjoy superb views of the meandering Rouvre and the vast surrounding woodlands. The site also features an interpretation area dedicated to nature and local heritage, ideal for gaining a better understanding of the area’s geological and ecological richness.
Very popular with families, the site offers a wide range of outdoor activities for both children and adults. Pony or Normandy cow rides, a treetop adventure course, nature discovery games and seasonal activities round off the leisure offering. Combining adventure, wildlife spotting and moments of relaxation in the great outdoors, La Roche d’Oëtre is an unmissable destination for discovering the most spectacular landscapes of the Orne.
Activities for the whole family in the heart of nature
With its vast forests, green hills, rivers and charming villages, the Orne is an ideal destination for lovers of outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts will find hundreds of kilometres of marked trails criss-crossing varied landscapes, from the Andaine Forest to the hills of Suisse Normande, the Perche region and the unspoilt valleys of the Normandy bocage. Mountain bikers can also enjoy numerous trails suitable for all levels, from family-friendly routes to more challenging itineraries offering magnificent views of the Orne countryside.
Families are not left out, thanks to a wide range of leisure activities accessible to all. Horse or pony rides, treetop adventure courses, leisure centres, mini-golf, visits to educational farms and wildlife encounters offer the chance to share special moments with the children. The rivers and lakes of the Orne also invite you to try canoeing and kayaking, go fishing or simply relax by the water’s edge. Throughout the year, a host of activities, local festivals, farmers’ markets and cultural events round off the tourist offering. With its blend of nature, sport and fun-filled discoveries, the Orne provides the perfect playground for active and enjoyable family holidays.