Aunou-Sur-Orne: Church Art, the Source of the Orne and Local History
Accommodation in Aunou-Sur-Orne
Aunou-sur-Orne offers several themes for a stay focused on church art and local history: Sainte-Eulalie, the chapel in Fresneaux and the source of the Orne. There are also cultural events and local products. The buildings reflect different historical periods—from church furnishings with precise dates to the history of a former Templar commandery.
Church Art at Sainte-Eulalie
Sainte-Eulalie is a Romanesque church with architectural features from the 12th, 14th and 19th centuries. These dates point to several periods, rather than a single phase of construction. One notable work is the Renaissance-style limestone altarpiece, assembled from three bas-reliefs in 1862. The reliefs depict scenes from the Christmas cycle and had previously been transferred from the chapel of the manor house at MĂ©davi. The altarpiece thus offers a way to distinguish not only material and style, but also the subject matter and origin of its parts.
The main altar ensemble includes an altarpiece from the second half of the 18th century, a winged tabernacle from the 17th century, and a painting by Charles Louis Dufresne dated 1699. The dates span the 17th century to the second half of the 18th century; within that range, the painting is precisely dated to 1699. The ensemble therefore brings together components from different periods.
The Chapel in Fresneaux
The 13th-century chapel is the only surviving older building of a former Templar commandery. The commandery was founded along a route between Chartres and Mont-Saint-Michel. The chapel's later history includes its conversion into horse stalls. This gives it a different historical focus from Sainte-Eulalie: in Fresneaux, the links to the former commandery and the building's repurposing take centre stage, while at Sainte-Eulalie, the focus is on its construction phases and furnishings. The two sites therefore offer different ways to understand the area's religious architectural history.
The Source of the Orne and a Cycling Route
The source of the Orne is near Aunou-sur-Orne. The Orne is the first river followed by the La VĂ©lo Francette cycle route. This connects the river with a specific route, without assuming a stage distance or journey time. There is also a washhouse near the source. If you plan to include it in your itinerary, check its condition and access before visiting.
Cultural Events and Local Products
For 15 July and 19 August 2026, Ateliers d'antan were scheduled to take place at the Sources de l'Orne in Aunou-sur-Orne, at 10:30 a.m. on each date. Demonstrations and activities on weaving, traditional washing and dyeing with plant-based dyes were planned. These dates were for 2026; if you are staying in another year, check the specific event dates.
Another point to consider when choosing where to stay is the produce from GAEC des Osiers: the farm produces and sells meat in packages and apple juice in Aunou-sur-Orne. Check the sales arrangements before your visit so you know how to make a purchase. The historic churches, the Orne and local production appeal to different interests when planning a stay.
Discover more destinations: La Ferté-Macé, Le Château-D'almenêches, Belfonds, Champeaux-Sur-Sarthe, Saint-Siméon, Carrouges, Boucé, Champcerie.
For the main travel overview: Orne.
