Definition
Aubry-en-Exmes is a commune in the Orne department of the Normandy region in north‑western France.
Overview
Aubry-en-Exmes lies within the arrondissement of Alençon and is part of the canton of Athis-Val de Rouvre. The commune covers an area of approximately 6.4 km² (2.5 sq mi) and varies in elevation from about 170 m to 260 m above sea level. According to the latest data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the population of Aubry-en-Exmes was 57 inhabitants in the 2019 census, reflecting its status as a sparsely populated rural locality. The local administration is headed by a mayor, elected for a six‑year term, in accordance with French municipal governance.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Aubry-en-Exmes” combines a personal name and a geographical qualifier. “Aubry” derives from the Old French given name Aubri (from the Germanic Alberich, meaning “ruler of elves”). The suffix “‑en‑Exmes” indicates the commune’s historical association with the former lordship or parish of Exmes, a neighboring settlement that was once a significant medieval stronghold in the region.
Characteristics
- Geography: The commune is situated in the rolling countryside typical of the Perche area, characterized by mixed forest, pastureland, and small streams. The terrain supports mixed farming and limited livestock rearing.
- Economy: Economic activity is primarily agricultural, with a focus on cereal cultivation, dairy farming, and occasional artisanal production. There are no major industrial or commercial establishments within the commune’s boundaries.
- Heritage and Landmarks: The principal built heritage is the parish church of Saint‑Martin, a modest stone structure dating from the 12th‑13th centuries, featuring a simple nave, a bell tower, and remnants of Romanesque sculptural decoration. The surrounding landscape includes several traditional Normandy farmsteads and stone crosses typical of the region.
- Demographics: The population has remained low and relatively stable over recent decades, reflecting broader trends of rural depopulation in parts of north‑western France. The demographic profile is skewed toward an older age group, with limited in‑migration.
- Administration: Aubry-en-Exmes is a member of the intercommunal structure known as the Communauté de communes Athis Val de Rouvre, which coordinates shared services such as waste collection, road maintenance, and cultural programming among neighboring communes.
Related Topics
- Communes of the Orne department
- Normandy (region)
- Exmes – the nearby historic town that gave part of its name to Aubry-en-Exmes
- Perche – the natural and cultural area encompassing parts of Orne and surrounding departments
- French municipal administration and intercommunality
All information presented is based on publicly available governmental and geographic sources up to 2024.