There are many accompanied walks throughout the Orne all year round, either just to show off the beauty of the countryside and its flora and fauna. Additionally there are special interest walks including ones in relation to bird watching, butterflies, mushroom collecting, tasting local produce or nocturnal events focusing on the moon and sky at night or the wildlife out and about under cover of darkness.

Fishing – Throughout the year you can fish for a variety of fish on Rabodanges Lake. Night fishing for carp is a speciality.

Over 3500 km of the 4000 km of fishing in the Orne is classified 'first class' and is a paradise for trout fishermen amongst others.

Water Sports – Close by also at Rabodanges Lake is the home of the Water Ski Club of Lower Normandy for water-skiing and wake-boarding and each year is the venue for National and International Championships.

For thrill seekers there is a wide choice of adrenalin rush - sky diving, bungee jumping, hang gliding, go-karting and quad biking to name a few. On a more gentle note you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon.

Indoors you can swim in an excellent pool or have fun at an aquatic centre, go ice skating, play squash or bowls, visit a casino or be pampered at a spa.

The area is also involved in the breeding of the Percheron heavy horses.

Numerous stud farms surround Putanges and the local equestrian centres offers numerous activities for children in addition to trekking for adults and riding expeditions following in the footsteps of William the Conqueror.

Horse racing is extremely popular throughout France with 250 course nationwide and hosts the world famous l'Arc de Triomphe, Grand Steeple Chase de Paris and Prix d'Amérique. Lower Normandy is home to over 30 courses offering flat racing, steeple chasing and trotting and Le Bosquet is ideally situated within easy reach of many.

Two of the closest courses are Argenten with its panoramic restaurant which holds the Critérium de Vitesse de Basse-Normandie, Prix de Normandie and the Grand National du Trot and la Bergerie at le Pin au Haras which is home of the Grande Steeple-Chase des Pins each October.

There is plenty of opportunity for leisure riding, whether just an hour or two or up to 2 - 4 days. It is also possible to take a ride in a horse drawn carriage.

Golf – There are several golf courses close by and these include:

Belleme Situated in the heart of the Perche, this course was designed for top level competitions and is 18 hole, par 72, 5935 metres. The charming club house bar is situated in part of a former 16th Century priory and there is also a 3 star restaurant.

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne is a charming Spa town which offers a 9 hole course which is set right in its heart.

Sport and Leisure Activities

Walking and mountain biking – there are 12 clearly marked, well-maintained trails which detail flora and interesting local heritage around Putanges itself. One of which can be joined outside our back gate.

Garcelles Golf and Country Club offers 18 holes, par 70. The first few holes act as a gentle introduction to the course but you will need to be more precise for the back 9 holes through the forest, five of which are protected by lakes.

Horses – The Orne is famous for horse breeding, especially thoroughbreds. With over 2500 studs, several race courses and over 4000 kms of bridle paths it is easy to see why this is the region of the horse.

The National Stud at Haras du Pin, built on the orders of Louis XIV and known as the 'Versailles of the Horse' is famous for breeding racehorses and stands over 70 state-owned stallions. It is open every day of the year and on Thursday afternoons between June and September in the main courtyard there are presentations of stallions and carriages. It also hosts a Three Day Event in the Spring and race meets at the Bergerie racecourse.