This is the heart of Normandy farming country and is also a well-known horse breeding area. Horse-riding facilities are within a few kilometres-for all levels of ability, from supervised lessons to accompanied 'hacks'. Trotting is also a local popular sport. with hippodromes in the nearby towns of Argentan and Ranes, and the National stud of Haras du Pin is only 10 kilometres away. Fishing facilities exist and plenty of sporting opportunities can be found in the area: there is a swimming pool in Argentan, boating lake at the nearby spa town of Bagnoles de l'Orne which also has a nine hole golf course, tennis facilities in nearby Sees and a leisure lake( plan d'eau) at Ferte Mace.

The local markets are a treat - with local fruit and vegetables and seasonal produce piled high, to kitchen utensils, flowers, fish and cheeses - all very tempting to the visitor.

If the city attracts, Paris can be reached in two hours from nearby Argentan. The famous Normandy beaches are 1 hour by car and offer miles of firm sand and calm sea, and museums for those who want to explore the history of the area, including the fabulous 'Memorial'-Museum for Peace in Caen. Nearer to home, there are countless antique shops and 'brocantes' to browse for bargains. Chateaux abound in this area - from the nearest at Sassy - well known for the largest private library in France and horse breeding, turreted Carrouges, with it's music festivals, Medavy - and the list can go on ... more