Carrouges

Founded in the XIVth century, the castle of Carrouges is the main tourist site of the Ornais village. Rebuilt after the Hundred Years War, it underwent several modifications and other embellishments until the eighteenth century. Classified with the Historic Monuments, it takes place on a former defensive oppidum formerly installed on the borders of the Duchy of William the Conqueror. It reveals at the present time a charming 16th century châtelet with four turrets, harmoniously combining red bricks and black bricks. It presents a characteristic style of the period of transition between the Gothic and the Renaissance. There is also a canopy of the late 15th century which now serves as the home of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park, or the seigneurial lodging surrounded by moats in living waters and with an architecture of the Louis XIII and Henry IV styles. The oldest part of the castle of Carrouges remains its keep, built entirely of brick like the rest of the buildings. Inside, you will be charmed by the different rooms of the castle. You will be able to admire the kitchens of the end of the eighteenth century, a room of guards, several rooms including that of Louis XI baptized in honor of the passage of the king in the region, salons like the portraits unveiling l The old family of owners, or charming staircases, as well as a hall of festivals measuring twenty meters long and seven meters wide. The gardens are not to be outdone, revealing an enclosed space spanning about ten hectares. On the program, a French garden, a so-called 18th century olive-tree garden, a meadow, an orchard, groves or an elegant terrace with rose garden. Part of the park is listed in the pre-inventory of remarkable gardens.

The farm decorated with Carrouges attracts many visitors by its bucolic setting. These include farm animals, English-style gardens, or naturalistic trails to appreciate the local fauna and flora.

The weekly market of Carrouges is held on Wednesday morning and Saturday afternoon.

A tourist rally by car and motorcycle is proposed during the month of May.

In mid-July, a pig festival is organized, including a Norman market, a popular ball, a country meal with musical entertainment, or a contest of the best pig's cry.

A flea market is offered every year at the end of August, also with fireworks, a local market, a fun fair, as well as an interesting Spanish parade.

A Christmas market is held every year in December.