📍 France

NORMAN BOCAGE: STUD FARMS AND TIMBER-FRAMED VILLAGES

Lace bobbins click softly. Thoroughbred bloodlines, thermal waters, half-timbered tranquility. Norman hedgerows breathe tradition, fully customizable.

≈ 10
Days
385
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Alençon lace, Perche villages like Bellême and Mortagne, Belle Époque Bagnoles-de-l'Orne spas. Orne, Norman bocage and preserved traditions.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Alencon

lace bobbins heritage workshop light

Alencon - Photo 1Alencon - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Museum of Fine Arts and Lace.
2
Saint-Sauveur Church.
3
Saint-Denis Gate.
🎯

Activities

→
Wheat Hall.
→
House of Ozé.
→
Bellême Forest.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 26 km
Travel time: 31min
2
Day

Belleme

medieval fortress hilltop peace

Belleme - Photo 1Belleme - Photo 2Belleme - Photo 3Belleme - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-André Crypt.
2
L'Aigle Museum.
3
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Norman Gothic).
🎯

Activities

→
Alain Museum.
→
Capital of blood sausage.
→
Percheron bocage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 2h24
3
Day

Mortagne Au Perche

pastoral plateau quiet dignity

Mortagne Au Perche - Photo 1Mortagne Au Perche - Photo 2Mortagne Au Perche - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Former episcopal palace.
2
Saint-Germain Church.
3
Benedictine Abbey.
🎯

Activities

→
Flea market (Tuesday).
→
Eagle Forest.
→
Departmental museum of sacred art.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 21 km
Travel time: 25min
4
Day

L Aigle

cutlery forges industrial pride

L Aigle - Photo 1L Aigle - Photo 2L Aigle - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Le Pin National Stud ("Versailles of horses").
2
Stables.
3
Château de Carrouges (14th-17th century).
🎯

Activities

→
Lace Museum.
→
Equestrian shows.
5
Day

Sees

gothic cathedral needle spire

Sees - Photo 1Sees - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Belle Époque thermal spa.
2
Notre-Dame-sur-l'Eau Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Park.
→
Horse Museum.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27 km
Travel time: 33min
6
Day

Argentan

stud farm bloodline legacy

Argentan - Photo 1Argentan - Photo 2Argentan - Photo 3Argentan - Photo 4Argentan - Photo 5Argentan - Photo 6Argentan - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Germain Church.
2
Castle.
3
Benedictine Abbey.
4
Le Pin National Stud ("Versailles of horses").
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park House.
→
Andaines Forest.
→
Panorama over the bocage countryside.
+2 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 63 km
Travel time: 1h16
7
Day

Carrouges

manor stone feudal grace

Carrouges - Photo 1Carrouges - Photo 2Carrouges - Photo 3Carrouges - Photo 4Carrouges - Photo 5Carrouges - Photo 6Carrouges - Photo 7Carrouges - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Château de Carrouges (14th-17th century).
2
Park.
🎯

Activities

→
Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park House.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 1h36
8
Day

Bagnoles De L Orne

thermal springs belle époque glow

Bagnoles De L Orne - Photo 1Bagnoles De L Orne - Photo 2Bagnoles De L Orne - Photo 3Bagnoles De L Orne - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Belle Époque thermal spa.
2
Lake.
3
Casino.
🎯

Activities

→
Thermal baths.
→
Golf.
→
Andaines Forest.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
9
Day

Domfront

fortress rock medieval silhouette

Domfront - Photo 1Domfront - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Castle ruins.
2
Notre-Dame-sur-l'Eau Church.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Panorama over the bocage countryside.
→
Medieval heritage.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23 km
Travel time: 27min

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

BETWEEN BOCAGE AND MEDIEVAL CITIES

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COMPLETE NORMANDY: CLIFFS, D-DAY BEACHES & ARTISTS' VILLAGES (15 DAYS)

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D-DAY BEACHES AND AUTHENTIC NORMANDY

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.