Orne

Orne is a department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. Named after the Orne River, which flows through the area, it has its prefecture at Alençon. The department lies in the historic Perche region and is known for rural scenery, hedged farmland, and forests.

Orne was created as one of the original departments during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It is subdivided into several arrondissements, with major towns including Alençon, Argentan, and Mortagne-au-Perche. The Orne River and its tributaries shape much of the landscape, and parts of the Perche Regional Natural Park lie within its borders.

The economy is predominantly agricultural, with dairy farming, cattle, and apple production for cider and calvados. Tourism centers on rural heritage, timber-framed architecture, and equestrian activities. The Haras national du Pin, near Le Pin-au-Haras, is a historic horse stud and an important visitor site.

During World War II, the area saw Allied action around the Orne River. On June 6–7, 1944, British airborne forces secured bridges crossing the Orne at Benouville (Pegasus Bridge) and Ranville, facilitating the broader Normandy campaign.

As of the early 2020s, Orne has a population of roughly 300,000 inhabitants. The department is administratively managed from Alençon and is a part of the larger Normandy region, reflecting a mix of rural economy, historic towns, and regional parks.