Is it true that a world-famous wedding took place here?

Yes, in 1858, Louis and Zélie Martin were married in this basilica. Their daughter was none other than Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the world’s most famous saints. Today, this simple provincial wedding is a major landmark on pilgrimage routes.

Have there been any surprising events in its history?

During the French Revolution, the basilica was transformed into a fodder granary , like many churches at the time. Some of the religious statues were destroyed or hidden away by the faithful to avoid revolutionary vandalism.

Are there any mysterious or rare objects in the basilica?

Yes, it houses a reliquary shrine containing objects linked to Saints Louis and Zélie Martin . Some visitors claim to feel a very special spiritual atmosphere in the vicinity of this space, which regularly feeds stories of intense emotions and even personal “small miracles”.

Our must-haves The Basilica of Notre-Dame in Alençon

As you stroll through the historic centre of Alençon, you won’t want to miss the impressive Notre-Dame basilica, which has stood proudly in the heart of the town for over six centuries.

Getting there

Exterior view of the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Alençon — ©Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon|Ville d'Alençon, Olivier Héron

Notre-Dame Basilica

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”).

THE LITTLE WORD from Dorine, our promotion advisor

“Guarded by gargoyles, who alone know all its secrets, Notre-Dame d’Alençon sends out an invitation.
I like to help visitors discover the history of this place built on a cemetery where thousands of bones still lie beneath their feet… You feel such calm and serenity when you enter, you forget about the outside, you are drawn in by the height of the vault, by the light coming through the 16th-century stained glass windows and above all by the many anecdotes: a Hundred Years’ War, a statue that turns itself upside down, lightning and fire in 1744, sacking by the revolutionaries, the Martin couple’s midnight wedding, a counterfeiters’ workshop during the Occupation… It doesn’t matter to me whether there are beliefs or not, you’re bound to be touched by the beauty and history of this place!”

The basilica An inspiration for art

The interior of the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Alençon is distinguished by its height and light, characteristic of the flamboyant Gothic style. The nave, supported by high pillars, rises to ogival vaults that give an impression of verticality and lightness. The finely crafted, coloured stained glass windows diffuse a subdued light that envelops the space in a spiritual and serene atmosphere.

The choir and side chapels are richly decorated, combining Gothic and Renaissance elements. The carved woodwork, ornamental details and certain floral motifs show a later influence, testifying to an evolution in artistic taste over the centuries. This transition between styles reinforces the unique character of the building.

The main inspiration for the basilica comes from Norman Gothic, but its style is not limited to this tradition alone. It embodies a genuine dialogue between the eras: the vertical rigour and luminous symbolism of the Gothic period are complemented by the finesse, balance and decorative richness inherited from the Renaissance. This fusion of styles is not the result of chance, but of a desire to magnify the sacred space by placing it in a context of historical and artistic continuity. The basilica thus becomes the reflection of a living faith, rooted in the past but in constant dialogue with the times. Every architectural detail, every decorative element tells a story: that of a place in perpetual transformation, where art and spirituality move forward together, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

+ More practical information

Discover all the secrets of the basilica...

Follow our guided tour!

Guided tour of the Basilica — ©Alençon Tourisme, Marie-Claire Lion

How do I get there?

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Sleeping in Alençon

Anecdotes fair

Is it true that a world-famous wedding took place here?
Yes, in 1858, Louis and Zélie Martin were married in this basilica. Their daughter was none other than Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the world’s most famous saints. Today, this simple provincial wedding is a major landmark on pilgrimage routes.
Have there been any surprising events in its history?
During the French Revolution, the basilica was transformed into a fodder granary, like many churches at the time. Some of the religious statues were destroyed or hidden away by the faithful to avoid revolutionary vandalism.
Are there any mysterious or rare objects in the basilica?
Yes, it houses a reliquary shrine containing objects linked to Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. Some visitors claim to feel a very special spiritual atmosphere in the vicinity of this space, which regularly feeds stories of intense emotions and even personal “small miracles”.