Do you want to leave the city behind and move to a small town that’s easy-going but lively? Then head to Argentan, on the doorstep of the Normandie Maine Regional Nature Park. This small town in the Region of Normandy (population 13,000) proudly protects its environment, while enjoying a vibrant cultural and sporting scene.

A small town, with big things going for it

  • 3rd largest town in Orne
    with 13,700 inhabitants
  • 12 daily train services
    to Paris
  • 1 concert venue
    Le Quai des Arts
  • €1,503
    average price/m²

Top 5 reasons to move to Argentan

Argentan vu du ciel

01

An ideal location in western France

Between Paris, Rennes and Le Mans, Argentan boasts an enviable geographical location, enhanced by excellent road (A88, A28) and rail links. 

Randonnee_cycliste_en_foret_-_Domfront-orne
Pascal Beltrami / CRT Normandie

02

It’s that easy

With many local shops and services, the town can be explored on foot or by bike, with long-term electric bike hire available.

Chateau_du_Haras_du_Pin Orne
Thomas Le Floc H / CRT Normandie

03

Nature in the city centre

Surrounded by countryside and stud farms, Argentan is also green within the town. The town has a Natura 2000 area (the Pâtures site), 3 hectares of natural open land and 6 city gardens…

Festivités centre ville d'argentan orne
©M. Dehayes / Ville d’Argentan

04

A true cultural and sporting life

Theatres, multimedia library, conservatoire, cinema, swimming complex and sports clubs (32 community groups, 5,000 members): there’s plenty to keep you active all year round!

Hôtel de Ville rénové Argentan Orne

05

Sustainable development

Setting an ecological example to other towns, Argentan is focusing its efforts on energy self-sufficiency and preserving local biodiversity. 

Help with setting up home in Argentan

© J.E Rubio
Le-Sap Argentan Orne

Have you been convinced by everything the town has to offer, and would like to set up your business or your home in Argentan? A number of organisations can help you.

  • Terre d’Argentan, the economic development department of the community of municipalities, supports economic endeavours and projects in the area. 
  • Argentan town hall, for all your enquiries about schooling, housing, etc.

What not to miss in Argentan

 The Noé lake and park 

There may not be a sea in Argentan, but you can still fish there! Right in the centre of town, the Noé lake and park are ideal for a wide range of activities and walks.

The Fernand Léger-André Mare Museum

Located in Fernand Léger’s childhood home, this museum tells the story of these two major cubist and decorative artists who shaped their time. 

 

And also…

The Micro-folie Museum
This digital museum brings the world’s finest museums just a click away for the people of Argentan. It’s the perfect opportunity to admire great works of art, as well as shows and scientific demonstrations in high definition. And all free of charge! 

The Montormel Memorial
Just 20 minutes from Argentan, the Montormel Memorial offers an exceptional geographical and historical perspective on the final episode of the Battle of Normandy. This key part of history is unmissable.

Working in Argentan, in a vibrant industry

Groupe-Lemoine-plasturgie-orne

Besides being a great place to live, Argentan has a number of economic advantages to offer: a strategic position in western France, major motorway links, 10 business parks and zones, advantageous conditions for setting up a business (tax exemptions), etc. 

The top sectors and companies recruiting

Vibrant sectors and areas of excellence 

Logistics and transport, the food and automobile industries, the equine sector, the green economy, health, services and retail…

 

Large companies and innovative SMEs

Newcold; Ditri Agrial (logistics); Ysco, Europe’s leading ice cream manufacturer; Laboratoires Sfan; Verescence, world leader in glass cosmetics bottles; Magneti Marrelli (automotive equipment supplier); Récyouest (the world’s only water-free recycling solution for agricultural plastics); Tertu (world leader in wood and metal guardrails); Terra Fertilis… 

The top professions recruiting in Argentan

Self-service staff, care assistants, home carers, nurses, social workers, draughtsmen, and more.

Studying in Argentan: up to 3 years after high school

The town has 2 lycées offering BTS and undergraduate degree courses: the Lycée Mézeray-Gabriel (BTS in surveying and digital modelling, management, undergraduate degree in Scan-to-Bim civil engineering, National Diploma in Art and Design with a specialisation in objects) and the Lycée Jeanne d’Arc (BTS NRC, beauty and perfumery, management option).

 

Based at the Haras National du Pin stud farm (20 minutes from Argentan), the IFCE offers training in breeding, reproduction, horsemanship, saddlery, farriery and harnessing.

What’s on in Argentan

  • Les Arts j’entends
    July 2024
    This street arts festival has been bringing the 14th July weekend in Argentan to life for almost ten years now. There’ll be laughs all round!
  • Festival des Trop Petits
    Spring 2024
    Shows, workshops, exhibitions, cinema… This spring event is exclusively for children aged between 6 months and 6 years. And their parents will be delighted too!
  • International Organ Festival
    Summer 2024
    For the past 20 years, Argentan has welcomed the world’s leading organists to the church of Saint-Germain for a series of free concerts open to all. 
Festivités centre ville d'argentan orne

Useful information in Argentan


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