Mortagne-au-Perche, Medieval town in Normandy, France
Mortagne-au-Perche is a medieval town in Normandy that spreads across hills and plains, characterized by stone buildings in shades of pink, yellow, and ochre. The tight arrangement of houses with their typical facades creates small, distinctive streets that show the regional architecture of the Perche region.
The town was founded as a fortified settlement and kept its medieval walls along with important structures such as the Saint-Denis Gate and the Notre-Dame church. Over centuries it remained a significant center in the Perche region, though its economic role changed.
The town is known among food lovers for its blood sausage, a specialty with deep roots here that is regularly celebrated in competitions. Visitors can discover this local product in restaurants and at the market.
The covered market is the best place to discover local products and get a feel for daily life in town. Explore on foot since the narrow streets and hills make driving difficult to navigate.
More than two dozen sundials are mounted on house facades throughout town, an unusual collection of time-measuring devices. This overlooked detail shows how residents personalized their surroundings over the centuries.
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