Belleme

Visit Belleme, Normandy

Belleme is an attractive town in the south-east of the Orne department of Normandy and east of Alencon,

Although it is for a chance to explore the surrounding countryside that most visitors visit Belleme, be sure to also allow a little time to explore the town itself.

Exploring Belleme

There are several interesting landmarks to discover in the town, including the Church of Saint-Sauveur, largely a 17th century reconstruction of a 15th century church, it is the decorative interior which is the highlight but note also the external clock  - it is one of very few churches built with the clock placed deliberately off-centre on the clocktower.

Elsewhere in Belleme there is a very ancient crypt in the Saint-Santin Chapel (not open to the public at the time of our visit) and some remnants of the original 15th century chateau that once stood here, such as the donjon.

You will also see parts of the original defensive ramparts for the town, along with an original arched gateway through which you can enter the main square in the centre of Belleme (the 'Porche de Bellême' on the Place de la République). You will also notice a few antique sundials as you explore.

There are a good number of town houses in the centre dating from the 17th-18th centuries, creating an attractive overall feel to the town as you amble through the winding streets of the centre, with examples including the Governor's House and the Old School.

Area around Belleme

Belleme is well placed for exploring the popular Le Perche region, a scenic area of rolling hills, fields and woodland designated as a natural regional park.

The 'dominial forest of Belleme' outside the town is an extensive forested area with numerous opportunities for leisure activities.

Note Belleme photo is copyright

See Normandy and Orne (the region and department for Belleme) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Belleme, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei 45km; Le Mans 49km;

Belleme tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Perche - regional natural parc (17km) : Jardin de la petite Rochelle - remarkable garden (17km) : Nogent-le-Rotrou - recommended detour (20km) : Abbaye de l'Epau (Yvre-l'Eveque) - religious monument (46km) : Coulaines - ville fleurie 4* (47km) : Cathédrale Saint Julien (Le Mans) - religious monument (49km) :

See more places and a map at places near Belleme