Alencon: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

Culture and history

Alençon is closely associated with Point d’Alençon, a rare technique for producing needle lace. It is practised in Alençon, in Normandy in northwestern France. The craft of Point d’Alençon was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

The Château des Ducs is also part of the city’s history. It was enlarged in the 14th century, making it one of the largest and most significant castles in Normandy. Today, the entrance pavilion with its crenellated towers, the residential building and the crowned tower are preserved from the Château des Ducs.

The Halle au Blé makes another architectural statement with its imposing circular form and majestic glass roof structure. Today, it hosts temporary exhibitions, events and performances.

Religious heritage

Louis and Zélie Martin were married in the Basilique Notre-Dame in 1858. Their ninth child, the future Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus, was also baptised there on 4 January 1873.

The chapel of the Maison de la famille Martin opens onto the marital chamber of Louis and Zélie Martin. It was also Thérèse’s birthplace and the place where Zélie Martin died.

The Basilique Notre-Dame contains an organ whose case dates from the 16th century and which was recently restored. It was inaugurated and blessed in September 2016. The one-hour tour “Les Secrets de la Basilique” focuses on the architecture, stained-glass windows and history of the numerous chapels of the Basilique Notre-Dame.

Cycle paths and routes

Alençon is an important stage on the 450-kilometre Véloscénie, which connects Paris with Mont-Saint-Michel. The 250-kilometre La Vélobuissonnière® cycle route also runs from Alençon to Saumur in the Loire Valley, passing through natural areas along quiet roads and greenways.

The 130-kilometre “La petite reine” cycle loop begins in Alençon. It follows small roads and a greenway from the Alpes Mancelles to the Perseigne state forest.

Those travelling to Alençon may wish to rent a holiday apartment in Alençon.

More destinations

More destinations: Saint-Germain-De-La-Coudre, Bagnoles-De-L'orne, Mahéru, Le Grais, Domfront, Bellou-En-Houlme, Saint-Cyr-La-Rosière, Montreuil-La-Cambe.

To the higher-level travel overview: Orne.