Alencon

Travel Guide
Alencon featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Learn about the world-famous needlepoint lace industry prospering in this traditional French town and discover a beautiful natural park.

Capital of the Orne department in northwestern France, Alençon has a booming lace trade and pleasant countryside of rolling green hills. Hike, cycle or ride horseback on the rural paths in this quaint retreat. Meander through forests and encounter châteaus and monuments that make Normandy seem like an enchanted fairytale.

The Château des Ducs is the ideal first stop to learn about the area’s fascinating past. Capture photos of the impressive 14th-century structure and walk around the grounds. Admire the iconic twin towers that border the portal and learn about its past role as a prison.

Another important part of this region’s history is revealed at the Birthplace of Sainte- Thérèse. Look around the 19th-century saint’s former house and enter the serene adjoining chapel.

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace to learn about how the town grew over the centuries with its famous trade. See artistic displays which divulge the secret of the region’s unique needlepoint lace technique.

Learn about the town’s wartime and royal history. Alençon was involved in a Norman siege in the 11th century, was the seat of a dukedom and was occupied by Germans in World War II. Due to its intriguing history, it was formerly known as the City of the Dukes.

Get away from the city with a trip to the forests of the Normandie-Maine Natural Park. Hike for hours through the Sarthe River Valley and the Forest of the Andaines. The area is fairly wet and has warm summers and mild to cold winters typical of northwest France.

The town is located about 35 miles (55 kilometers) north of Le Mans near a vast, convenient freeway. The nearest major airport is in Paris, which is a 3-hour drive east from Alençon. To get around the town use the great bus system and many cycle paths.

Visit Alençon for its quaint atmosphere and intriguing lace-ridden past, before exploring the endless forests that surround it.

Hôtel Le Chapeau Rouge
Hôtel Le Chapeau Rouge
2 out of 5
3 boulevard Duchamp, Alencon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥9,841 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥9,841
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this hotel in Alencon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Musee des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle and Chateau des Ducs ...
7.6/10 Good! (153 reviews)
"We had a nice clean room. Owner helped us find a gas station with an attendant."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2023

Hôtel Le Chapeau Rouge
ibis Alencon
ibis Alencon
3 out of 5
13 Place Auguste Poulet Malassis, Alencon, Orne
The price is ¥10,777 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥10,777
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Alencon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Halle au Ble and Chateau des Ducs are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
Clean friendly Hotel in great lication
"Basic but very clean. Great staff and an excellent location"

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

ibis Alencon
Hotel des Ducs
Hotel des Ducs
3 out of 5
50 Avenue du Président Wilson, Alencon
The price is ¥22,253 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
¥22,253
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Alencon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Halle au Ble and Chateau des Ducs are located nearby. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
"Convenient place to stay overnight when traveling south. Modern, clean, comfortable and welcoming."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2023

Hotel des Ducs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
T2 Cosy Calme au RDC Parking Privé TV 165 cm Netflix/wi-fi
T2 Cosy Calme au RDC Parking Privé TV 165 cm Netflix/wi-fi
Alençon
Stay at this apartment in Alencon. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Chateau des Ducs and Halle au Ble are located nearby. ...
T2 Cosy Calme au RDC Parking Privé TV 165 cm Netflix/wi-fi
B'O cottage
B'O cottage
4 out of 5
Boulevard de la Gatiniere, Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, Orne
Stay at this 4-star residence in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne. Enjoy free WiFi, free water park access, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (365 reviews)
"Very modern building, clean and well organised. Spa facilities are an added bonus! Great value for a family stay. We only stayed 1 night as passing through on route to the south so we didn’t get a chance to visit the town as raining so much during our short stay! Breakfast was really nice too. Deffo ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2023

B'O cottage
Traditional Normandy Cottage
Traditional Normandy Cottage
La Bellière
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in La Bellière. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Sassy Castle and Medavy Castle are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (52 reviews)
Normandy Gite
"We had a lovely week at St Iven. The rural location meant the peace and quiet was wonderful and was much needed! The gite is spacious and well equipped and within easy reach of some very attractive towns, some stunning scenery and all the humbling history that is associated with the Normandy D-Day ..."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2023

Traditional Normandy Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Alencon

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Top Destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 23, 2019

Great country town!