Orne, Administrative department in Normandy, France
The department lies in northwestern France and covers rural areas with forests, rolling hills, and pastures between the towns of Alençon in the south and Argentan in the north. The landscape shifts between open fields, small villages, and wooded valleys crossed by rivers.
The area was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution as an administrative unit to replace the old provinces with a new order. During World War II, the region experienced heavy fighting during the Normandy landings and the subsequent liberation.
The name comes from the river that flows through the area and has shaped farming life for centuries. Weekly markets in smaller towns display local goods such as cider and dairy products that visitors can sample directly from producers.
The region is best explored by car, as small villages and farms are scattered along quiet country roads. Travelers should allow time for detours, since sites such as stud farms or dairies often lie away from main routes.
The area around Mortagne-au-Perche was a departure point for French settlers who emigrated to Canada in the 17th century and helped found Québec. Many family names in Québec can be traced back to villages in this region.
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