Domfront

Is a town steeped in history dating back to the 11th Century. Domfront has several close connections with England going back centuries.

There have been many military campaigns conducted from this once fortified stronghold from as far back as 1010 with many illustrious names such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry I who have lived or fought here.

The medieval town itself retains its cobbled streets, secret courtyards and half timbered houses with worn steps which sit well alongside the grandeur of the Mairies and other manor houses.

Domfront's castle ruins.
Bagnoles-de-l'Orne

Bagnoles-de- l'Orne is a pretty Spa Town situated in the middle of the Andaines Forest.

Come to be cured or .........

 

Weekly Markets in Lower Normandy - Marchés Hebdomadaires dans Basse Normandie.

Monday - Briouze - Juvigny-le-Tetre - Rémalard - Torigni-sur-Vire - Vimoutiers (afternoon).

Tuesday - L'Aigle - Alençon - Argentan - Athis-de-l'Orne - Bagnoles-de-l'Orne - Couterne - Ducey - Passais-la-Conception - Sourdeval.

Wednesday - Bagnoles-de-l'Orne - Carrouges - Flers - Longny-au-Perche - Le Mele-sur-Sarthe - Nonant-le-Pin - Le Theil-sur-Huisne - Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet - Ste-Gauburge/Ste Colombe.

Cycling in the Orne.

All lovers of wide open spaces can explore the Orne region by bicycle. From here you can cycle along one of many 'Voie Vertes' which are maintained paths, which, some were once the old railway lines, so a nice gentle cycle with never too much of an incline. An almost continual track for 85km from the outskirts of Flers, passing through the river gorge in Domfront to the bay of Mont St Michel.

Pear trees in bloom.

The countryside around Domfront is known for growing apple and pear trees which are used to produce cider, poiré (perry) and the famous Calvados (apple brandy). From the end of March and early April the trees come into bloom and the vistas are a wash with the white blossom. It is an incredibly beautiful time of year to enjoy the 'route du Poiré' which is a circuit made by car, or bicycle which explores the area where the bulk of these trees are in flower.

Spring lambs in the orchard opposite Numero CINQ.
Manoir de la Chaslerie.

 Manoir de la Chaslerie are a group of buildings constructed centuries ago.  Unfortunately their true beginnings have been lost due to revolutions and fires over its history.

In 1991 the buildings were acquired by Monsieur et Madame Pierre-Paul FOURCADE who are carefully restoring it to its former glory.

The Manoirs grounds are open to the public all year round and tours are offered free of charge.

For more information please visit their website : www.chaslerie.fr

Medieval singers at Manoir de la Chaslerie.
Manoir de la Saucerie

At the end of the 12C Eleanor of Aquitaine, the then Queen of England, gave her faithful servant, Robert le Saucier, vast tracts of land, including the Rouellé-La Haute Chapelle marshland.  The manor was erected on a moated island "motte".

In the late 16C or early 17C, the upper parts of the manor were replaced by the present wooden frames.  The manor had the appearance of a fortified gateway.  At the same time a lovely renaissance manor was built nearby although unfortunately it burnt down in 1860.

Manoir de la Saucerie with renovations underway.
Kayaking.

A short drive from here, in Torchamp, is the canoe and kayaking centre where you can hire equipment to enjoy on the river Varenne.

You can hire a kayak from an hour up to a full days use.  In half a day you can do a 7km descent or a full days 12km descent.

There are also bicycles to hire to enjoy cycling on up to 500 km of marked routes.

Tour de Bonvouloir

Nestled in the quiet Orne countryside, not obvious from anywhere, is the magnificent Tour de Bonvouloir.  At the end of the 15C, on land that was gifted to Guyon Essirard by René, Duc d'Alençon, a chateau was built.  As the land was a gift, as a gesture of the dukes goodwill, the tower got its name 'Bonvouloir'. 

Tour de Bonvouloir.
St Fraimbault

 Nestled in the picturesque countryside is the small village of St Fraimbault which turns its attention each year to becoming the most flowery village in the area.  Throughout France there is a national competition fot the 'Villes et Villages Fleuris', Villages and towns in bloom.  www.villes-et-villages-fleuris.com

A ride with a horse and trap around the lake.