8 good reasons to stop by

Welcome dear visitors and let yourself be seduced…

You’ll see that Alençon and the surrounding region have many pleasant surprises in store for you: a unique heritage, a historic past marked by illustrious personalities, unsuspected treasures, landscapes and forests that are great places to stroll, an ideal setting in which to recharge your batteries and take your time, and local produce that’s very much home-grown!

Getting there

1. Let yourself be surprised with a rich heritage!

Alençon, a town in southern Normandy classified as a “Remarkable Heritage Site”, stands out for the richness of its architectural heritage. The ancient city of the Dukes of Burgundy boasts 46 listed or registered historic monuments, testimony to its prestigious past. These include the Château des Ducs, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Maison d’Ozé and the Corn Exchange.

Strolling through the streets of Alençon is like travelling through the centuries. Each building tells its own story, from the skills of lace-making to the heritage of the Duchy. This exceptional heritage makes Alençon an unmissable cultural destination for lovers of history and architecture.

Immerse yourself in Alençon and its history

2. To find out more know-how that is unique in the world

In Alençon, lace is much more than a skill: it’s a delicate art, born in the 17th century and shaped over the centuries by expert hands. The Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle celebrates this local treasure with rare pieces, including the famous Point d’Alençon, a UNESCO-listed skill that is unique in the world. A wedding veil, a masterpiece of 350,000 hours’ work, embodies the excellence of this tradition.

Housed in part of the former 17th-century Jesuit College, the museum combines heritage and art, with collections of paintings, sculptures and Cambodian objects. Demonstrations, exhibitions and modern creations extend the magic of this unique place, where lace continues to inspire.

Discover lace

3. To immerse yourself in a sanctuary city

Alençon belongs to the network of Shrine Towns in France , whose aim is to promote spiritual tourism. Here in Alençon, the story is told of the life of Saint Thérèse, who was born in this beautiful town, and of her holy parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, who were canonised in 2015. You can discover the house in which the whole family lived. The house recounts the daily life of the Martin family, remarkable for their faith and humanity, and a symbol of holiness lived out in the ordinary.

Nearby, the Notre-Dame basilica stands in the heart of the town. This sober, luminous Gothic building contains Thérèse’s baptistery. It is a place of passage, of silence, sometimes of prayer, where believers and the curious come to discover another face of Alençon: that of a town marked by a spiritual history that is still alive.

4. For a stroll in one of France's most beautiful villages

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is a charming village in Normandy, situated in the Alpes Mancelles on the banks of the Sarthe. Listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, it boasts narrow flower-lined streets, stone houses and a Romanesque church perched on a promontory. The natural setting, rolling hills and lush greenery, gives the village a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.

Since the 19th century, the village has attracted many artists, inspired by the beauty of its landscape. Even today, the studios that have been set up here bear witness to this tradition. A blend of nature, heritage and culture, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei is an ideal destination for an authentic getaway.

Discover Saint-Céneri

5. Going green and take the time

If you’re looking for a change of scene, a breath of fresh air and a chance to get off the beaten track, away from the noise and pollution, you’ve come to the right place!
Alençon has plenty of parks and gardens in which to linger. On its doorstep, the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park and its landscapes stretch between hedged farmland, deep forests and peaceful rivers. Hiking trails take you through unspoilt countryside, ideal for walking, cycling or horse-riding.

6. For a walk quietly or more sportily

Alençon and the surrounding area is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers, with 25km of greenways ideal for walking and cycling. Three long-distance footpaths (GR® 22, 36 and 235) criss-cross the region, taking in the varied landscapes of forest, hedged farmland and local heritage.

Trail enthusiasts will find what they’re looking for at the Massif d’Écouves Trail Station®, with signposted routes to suit all levels. There are also a number of walking trails to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Whether you’re an experienced sportsman or a Sunday stroller, the Alençon area offers a natural setting in which to get moving and recharge your batteries in the great outdoors.

1,2,3... go for a walk!

Aerial view of the bridge and Romanesque church at Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei — ©Alençon Tourisme, Pascal Beltrami

7. Pedal at your own pace while admiring the breathtaking scenery

Alençon is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts thanks to its varied routes. You can set off on the Vélobuissonnière®, a nature trail through forests and hedged farmland, linking Alençon to Saumur, or take the Véloscénie, which links Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, offering changing and inspiring landscapes. For a shorter adventure, La Petite Reine offers a loop through the Alpes Mancelles and the Perseigne forest.

Not far away, the “La Belle Échappée” cycling museum in Villeneuve-en-Perseigne invites you to delve into the history of the sport and its legends. Alençon and the surrounding area is the perfect playground for those with a passion for two wheels.

8. To delight your taste buds by enjoying local products on your plate

To tantalise your taste buds, savour quality local produce, carefully selected from gourmet producers. Whether in restaurants, markets or shops, each bite reveals the authentic flavours of Normandy’s terroir.

You can also find a fine selection of these products directly in the Alençon Tourisme shop, ideal for taking home a gourmet souvenir or offering a typical gift. A tasty way to extend the Alençon experience at home.

Enjoy local products