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.
