Our Favourite Local Places

Discover charming medieval towns, local markets, beautiful gardens and the rich history that makes this corner of Normandy so special.

Lassay-les-Châteaux

Our Favourite Local Towns

Domfront-en-Poiraie

A beautiful medieval town with castle ruins, cobbled streets, independent cafés, restaurants and bars.

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne

A famous spa town known for its Belle Époque architecture, lakeside walks, forest trails, cafés and restaurants.

Lassay-les-Châteaux

A picturesque medieval town with a 15th-century castle, beautiful rose gardens, charming cafés and restaurants.

The Quaintest Villages

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

A beautiful village 13km from Alencon sitting alongside the Sarthe river. With history dating back to the 7th century this is a must visit. Walk along the river, up to the stone chapel then through the winding lanes, passing the 11th century Romanesque church along the way. There’s plenty of cafés and restaurants too.

Sainte-Suzanne

A simply stunning medieval walled village, 20km south-east of Mayenne.

Nicknamed ‘the Pearl of Maine’, its Château defied William the Conqueror between 1083 and 1087.

The views from the château are fabulous and after exploring the many cobbled streets you can enjoy a galette at one of the many bistros in the square.

The Best Places to Visit in South Normandy

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

Bagnoles de l'Orne

Countryside & Walking:

Fosse Arthour

Beautiful forest walks especially perfect for dogs. Excellent bar and restaurant on-site for apres-walk!

Forest walks in Bagnoles

Located in the heart of the Parc Régional Normandie-Maine, the Forêt des Andaines surrounds the resort of Bagnoles de l'Orne'.

Lassay-les-Châteaux

Enjoy peaceful lakeside walks, watersports, cafés and the charm of this traditional Norman market town.

Explore the Bocage and Swiss Normandy

A narrow street in an old European city with half-timbered buildings on both sides. The street is busy with pedestrians and the distant Gothic cathedral tower is visible against a blue sky.

Rouen

Markets & Food:

Local Markets

Browse traditional markets in Domfront-en-Poiraie, Ambrières-les-Vallées and Bagnoles-de-l'Orne.

Normandy Drinks

Sample the locally made tipples like cider, poiré (pear cider) and Calvados.

Regional Cheeses

Discover Normandy favourites including Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l'Évêque made nearby.

View of Mont Saint-Michel, a historic island monastery in Normandy, France, with a reflecting waterway in the foreground under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Day Trips Worth the Drive:

Mont-Saint-Michel

Visit one of France's most iconic landmarks, with its medieval abbey, winding streets and breathtaking views.

D Day Landing Beaches

Discover Normandy's historic beaches, museums and memorials that tell the story of the Second World War.

Fougères

Explore one of Europe's largest medieval fortresses, surrounded by charming streets, cafés and independent shops.

Looking for Your Dream Home in France?

A Great Base for House Hunting

Whether you're searching for a holiday home or planning a permanent move, Le Tertre is perfectly situated for property viewings across Orne, Manche and Mayenne.

Choose Your Stay