Mortagne-au-Perche

Visit Mortagne-au-Perche, Normandy

Mortagne-au-Perche is an attractive town situated on a hill in the south-east of the Orne department of southern Normandy, north-east of Alencon. It is a historically important town for the region - a history reflected in the wide range of buildings and monuments to be seen here.

Exploring Mortagne-au-Perche

It is in the historical centre of the town that you will start your visit, in the huddle of medieval streets lined with houses from the Middle Ages, shops and also some grander buildings.

Among the individual highlights to enjoy in Mortagne-au-Perche are the 12th century medieval entrance gateway at Porte Saint-Denis (below a substantial old stone gate-house), the Maison du Doyen de Toussaint, the Maison Henry IV and some other very fine townhouses dating from the 16th and 18th century.

The most important religious monument here is the Church of Notre-Dame - note particularly the elaborate carving around the doorway on the north side of the church and the facade with its large tower. See also the 16th century cloisters and chapel at the Saint Francois convent and the 13th century crypt of the Church of Saint Andrew.

The 18th century town hall is also an imposing building - be sure to stroll behind to admire the public gardens and the views across the countryside.

Mortagne-au-Perche tourist office have also usefully laid out a well indicated 'town trail', which leads you past the highlights, and explains a little about them as you go.

You will find a good selection of shops and restaurants - be sure to try the local speciality - boudin noir (similar to black pudding in the UK).

The weekly market in Mortagne-au-Perche is held on Saturday.

Attractions nearby

The town falls within the Natural Regional Park du Perche, with numerous opportunities to explore the quiet woodlands and countryside of the park.

A good way to start exploring is to follow the circuit suggested by Mortagne-au-Perche tourist office - a route about 80 kilometres long that passes through several villages and scenic highlights to the north and east of the town and is a good introduction to the region - see their route map for details.

Note: photo is copyright

See Normandy and Orne (the region and department for Mortagne-au-Perche) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Mortagne-au-Perche, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei 47km; Argentan 49km;

Mortagne-au-Perche tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin de la petite Rochelle - remarkable garden (19km) : Perche - regional natural parc (22km) : Nogent-le-Rotrou - recommended detour (30km) : Sassy - remarkable garden (43km) :

See more places and a map at places near Mortagne-au-Perche