View of Alençon and the banks of the SartheDiscoverAlençon
A must-see!The Basilica of Notre-Dame in Alençon
It has stood proudly in the heart of the town for over six centuries. This harmonious Gothic monument, whose construction began during the Hundred Years’ War, boasts a superb three-sided flamboyant Gothic porch, a veritable lace of stone.
It’s one of the most beautiful in Normandy!
Inside, admire the nave, the fine collection of stained glass windows and the recently restored organ.
Every quarter of an hour, the clock in the bell tower chimes out a little melody: the tune of the Christian hymn “Terre entière chante ta joie au Seigneur” (“The whole earth sings your joy to the Lord”).
Not to be missedThe Museum of Fine Arts and Lace
The Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle d’Alençon is a must-see museum located in the heart of the town, in the Cour Carrée de la Dentelle. Housed in part of the former Jesuit College, it showcases a unique art form: Alençon lace, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
The museum has three collections: lace, with 350 years of history and contemporary creations; Fine Arts, with works from the 15th to the 20th century by masters such as Watteau and Coypel; and the Cambodian art collection, bequeathed by Adhémard Leclère, which offers a rich insight into Khmer culture.
Not to be missedThe birthplace of Saint Theresa
The birthplace of Saint Thérèse is a place of pilgrimage and remembrance in Alençon, where Thérèse spent her early years. Visitors can discover the life of the Martin family, in particular that of their parents, Louis and Zélie, both of whom have been canonised. The house, divided into several areas, offers a total and moving immersion thanks to the presence of personal objects, an auditorium and a chapel dedicated to the saint.
The chapel, decorated with sculptures and frescoes, evokes the life of Thérèse and houses the saint’s birthplace, as well as her parents’ bedroom. The visit is enhanced by a film based on family correspondence, recreating the atmosphere of the Martin family life in Alençon.
Our favouritesThe Saint-Léonard district
The Saint-Léonard district is THE historic district of Alençon that can’t be ignored! It’s home to some of the town’s oldest houses, some of which are timber-framed and line the Grande Rue. You won’t want to miss the recently restored Maison des 7 colonnes, which lights up the district with the warm colour of its half-timbering.
The district has also preserved its narrow streets and hidden cobbled courtyards, such as the Cour Cochon de Vaubougon and the Cour Hébert, which bear witness to its medieval past.
What to see around AlençonSaint-Céneri-le-Gérei
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is a charming village in the Orne department, in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles. Listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, it is nestled on a rocky promontory with picturesque views over the river Sarthe. Its pretty, flower-filled houses were built from local stone and are home to a number of artists’ studios. Its 11th-century Romanesque church, with its magnificent murals, will delight you. A little further on, in its secluded meadow, lies the chapel of Petit Saint-Célerin… You can also take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful walks in the surrounding area, including the 5km “Trotté par la corniche” loop, which starts at the bottom of the village.
The village is also famous for having attracted numerous painters since the 19th century, notably Corot, Boudin and Buffet, who found inspiration here. Every year, during the Whitsun weekend, the village organises a festival entitled “Les rencontres de Saint-Céneri“, which celebrates all the arts.
