Saint-Céneri-le-GéreiDiscoverOur must-havesA must-see!
Don't missThe house at the stall
In the Saint-Léonard district, don’t miss this superb house, a remarkable and typical example of shop architecture during the Middle Ages! Built in the 15th century, it is one of the oldest houses in Alençon and has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1926. It is thought to have once been a bakery, and its canopy houses an impressive one-piece granite stall, which gave it its name. The slate-covered façade of the house adds to its historic charm.
Marie-Claire's favouriteThe porch of the Notre-Dame basilica
A masterpiece of the flamboyant Gothic style, the porch of Notre-Dame Basilica is impressive for its sculptural finesse.
Built in the early 16th century, it features three large, richly decorated arcades, topped with pinnacles and openwork gables, giving the whole a lacy, stone-like appearance. In the centre, a rare scene of the Transfiguration of Christ catches the eye, surrounded by biblical figures and finely sculpted details.
This porch once marked the solemn entrance to the church, a passageway from the secular world to the sacred space. One of the mostbeautiful porches in Normandy, it’s a must-see in Alençon’s heritage, and you’ll want to admire it up close to see every detail!
Flamboyant Gothic porch of the Notre-Dame basilicaWhat 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, is sure to delight. A little further on, hidden away in its secluded meadow, is the chapel of Petit Saint-Célerin… Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some lovely walks in the surrounding area, in particular the 5 km “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 called “Les rencontres de Saint-Céneri “, which celebrates all the arts.
