Alencon

Visit Alencon, Normandy

Alencon is an important town located in the Orne department, towards the south of the Normandy region and north of Le Mans. An important town in the 10th-11th centuries, Alencon is best known as an important centre for lace production, and although the industry is not very active nowadays the story is recounted in the town's 'museum of fine arts and lacemaking'.

In a gory story from the 11th century, when William the Conqueror besieged the town the inhabitants insulted him by hanging animal skins from the town walls - a reference to his mother being the daughter of a tanner. This must have annoyed William quite a lot, because when he finally entered the town he commanded that all the citizens have their hands chopped off!

Exploring Alencon

The attractive centre of the town features a historical section with some interesting half-timbered and ornate stone buildings lining the streets, and numerous small architectural highlights, and is very enjoyable to explore, with part of the historic centre also pedestrianised. The part of the town on the Sarthe river is also attractive, and Alencon has a good selection of cafes and restaurants.

There are several individual highlights of interest in Alencon. The most easily recognisable of these is the circular wheat hall dating from the 19th century and with a large round glass cupola on top that allows a large amount of light to enter the building.

The 16th century Basilica of Notre-Dame is best known for its facade which contains a great deal of intricate stonecarving, particularly around the entrance - bringing to mind the importance of lacemaking to the town. Pass through the ornately carved entrance to see the mosaics and stained-glass windows inside the church.

The 15th century Chateau des Ducs is another imposing monument in Alencon - it is mostly the castle towers that now remain, and part of the walls, forming an impressive entranceway.

Other buildings of interest include the 17th century Jesuit's church (now a library), the 15th century Maison d'Ozé that now holds Alencon tourist office, and the 17th century red-brick Hotel de Guise.

You will also see the impressive 18th century town hall with its tower. During office hours you can enter the Town hall to see the monumental staircase. The town hall also has an attractive well-maintained garden, and there are various other pretty parks and gardens scattered around the town, along with fountains etc.

To learn more about lacemaking in Alencon visit the Museum of Fine Arts and lacemaking

Market days in Alencon are Thursday and Saturday.

Attractions nearby

The surrounding region is known as the Pays d'Alencon which is part of the Natural Regional Parc of Normandy-Maine. There is a great deal to enjoy in the surrounding countryside including lots of very pleasant forest walks.

Of the many villages and historical monuments near Alencon we particularly recommend that you visit the village at Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei, classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France and just 12 kilometres to the south-west of here.

Note: photo is copyright

Tourist classifications for Alencon: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Alencon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Argentan 36km; Bagnoles de l'Orne 40km; Jublains 47km; Evron 48km; Le Mans 48km; Sainte-Suzanne 49km; Le Perche 52km; Mayenne 54km; Falaise 55km; Domfront 57km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Alencon

Alencon tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Normandie-Maine - regional natural parc (24km) : Sassy - remarkable garden (27km) : Coulaines - ville fleurie 4* (46km) : Cathédrale Saint Julien (Le Mans) - religious monument (47km) : Abbaye de l'Epau (Yvre-l'Eveque) - religious monument (48km) : Saint-Loup-du-Gast - ville fleurie 4* (50km) : Jardin de la petite Rochelle - remarkable garden (50km) : Jardins du Mirail - remarkable garden (51km) :

French version: see Alencon (Francais)