La Toutinière

Shopping around for châteaux to visit? Start off at Domfront (15 minutes' drive), where there's a fine medieval offering that comes with fab views over the Varenne river. There's also much to be said for the Château de Lassay (10 minutes), an impressive edifice indeed whose eight pointed towers overlook a pasture grazed by sheep. Taking your time to explore the Orne on two wheels? For a slightly different take on the area by bike, check out Vélorail Bagnole de l’Orne (20 minutes), a five-kilometre route that runs through the pretty Andaines forest. Pedalling these bike-like contraptions along an old railway line is certainly an ingenious way to burn off some of those holiday calories… Making La Toutinière your base while in Lower Normandy also opens up a whole range of day trips slightly further afield. Mont Saint-Michel (an hour and 15 minutes) is a must-see if you're out this way, but you might also amble around Alençon basilica (45 minutes), take in the medieval walled town of Fougères (an hour) or catch a race at Le Mans (an hour and 20 minutes).