Medieval barons fought in Orne over their power bases at Domfront, Chambois and Mortagne. Or against the English, who occupied the Orne capital, Alençon, for nearly a hundred years. 

Later, Alençon would gain fame for its exquisite needlepoint lace – coveted and adored, no doubt, by the tragic La Dame aux Camélias, who grew up near Gacé. 

Later still, 19th-century painters including Corot and Courbet took their easels to Saint Céneri-le-Gérei,  'the artists' village'.  Others drew on the walls of the local inns instead, for rent or beer money.

Today, that same passion for the arts is very much alive.  Orne nurtures an energetic calendar of cultural events, and is rightly proud of its prestigious September Music Festival.