The town of Alençon in the south of Normandy is particularly proud of its unique lace-making traditions, listed by UNESCO as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ and celebrated at the local fine arts museum, and its many extraordinary women. As the one-time capital of a small duchy, this town has a fascinating history.
Surrounded by Regional Natural Parks
Alençon owes much of its renown to influential women, and it is thanks in good part to its dukes and to their wealthy wives, that grand buildings went up in Alençon in the late 15th century, from the austere castle to elaborate churches.
Alençon has long been renowned for its lace-making traditions, which date back to the 17th century. The famous Point d’Alençon stitching method became known as the ‘queen of lace and the lace of queens’ and has been listed by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Alençon was also the birthplace, in 1873, of Thérèse Martin, who joined a religious order exceptionally early and went on to become one of the most popular of French saints. Although most closely associated with Lisieux, another town in Normandy, Alençon lies firmly on the Sainte-Thérèse pilgrimage trail, and the house where she was born is open to the public.
Alençon is bordered on three sides by forests. Two beautiful regional natural parks virtually surround the Alençon area, the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park to the west and the Perche Regional Natural Park to the east.
What to see and do in Alençon
01
The Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle
This museum is where you can learn about the history and production of local lace-making and admire stunning pieces. Since the French Revolution, lace-making here has waxed and waned. Today, just a dozen women continue the intricate craft of making Alençon needlepoint lace, which requires many years of training.
02
Notre-Dame Basilica
Dating back to the 15th century, this beautiful basilica boasts beautiful stained-glass windows and a chapel which was named after Sainte-Thérèse de l’enfant Jesus back in 1873. Orginally a church, the links between Notre-Dame in Alençon and Saint-Thérèse resulted in it being elevated to the status of basilica in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI.
03
The birthplace of Sainte-Thérèse
Devotees visit the room where Thérèse Martin was born and the chapel next to her childhood home, as well as Alençon’s basilica.
04
The Saint-Léonard neighborhood
This is the main historic area of Alençon and is a delight to discover on foot. Built in concentric circles, the buildings here boast many fine facades.
05
The Halle au Blé
This former grain market, housed in an impressive circular building dating back to 1811, is now used for events.
As well as…
- The Municipal Library: Located in the former chapel of the Jesuit College. Inside, the 18th century woodwork comes from the Abbey of Val Dieu.
- Notre-Dame de Lorette Chapel: built around 1680 in the Montsort district, this chapel is well worth a visit.
A different way to discover Alençon and the Orne
Our selection of Normandy Experiences
Normandy Experiences are local gems that add meaning to your trip. You’ll meet Normandy people who are truly passionate about what they do.
The Thrill of Bungee Jumping from the Viaduc de la Souleuvre
Souleuvre en Bocage
What to see and do near Alençon
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
Set in the beautiful hills known as Les Alpes Mancelles, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is a picturesque village officially listed among the ‘most beautiful villages in France’ (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). This village was much loved by artists such as Corot and Courbet and pre-Impressionist landscape painters for its peace and serenity. One of France’s prettiest…
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Domfront Bagnoles de l’Orne
The only spa town of its kind in north-west France, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne offers business travellers high-quality venues and wellbeing in the heart of Normandy countryside, just three hours from Paris. The town also boasts stunning 19th-century Belle Epoque architecture and greenery – it was built around a lake in the middle of a 17,000-acre forest – and…
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The Perche Regional Nature Park
Nestled in the heart of Orne, the Perche Regional Nature Park is a haven of tranquillity where nature and tradition thrive. Discover its scenic trails, meet passionate local producers, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities that invite you to reconnect with the natural world. Here, the Perche’s timeless charm and commitment to sustainability offer…
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The Haras du Pin National Stud
For horse lovers or those simply interested in a great family day out to discover a place steeped in history, the Haras du Pin National Stud is open to the public and a great getaway in itself. Nicknamed ‘Versailles for horses’, the oldest stud in France is a jewel of architecture in Normandy’s Orne département….
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How do I get to Alençon?
- By train: There are regional trains from Le Mans, Paris-Montparnasse, Caen, Argentan and Surdon to Alençon.
- By coach: From a number of towns in Normandy, routes 403, 404, 409, 415, 417 and 418 of the Nomad Car network serve Alençon.
- By bike: Alençon is crossed by the Véloscénie, a route between Paris and the Mont-Saint-Michel.
Market days in Alençon
The most emblematic markets in Alençon are the market in the town centre on Thursdays and the market in Place Courteille on Sunday mornings.