Alençon, Regional administrative center in Normandy, France
Description
Alençon is an administrative capital in the Orne département of Normandy, located roughly 173 kilometers west of Paris at an elevation of 135 meters. The town sits along the banks of the Sarthe river and features a mix of medieval quarters and modern residential areas spread across several low hills.
History
The settlement emerged in the 10th century as a strategic buffer zone between Normandy and Maine and gained ducal status in 1415. During the 17th century, the famous lace industry developed here, bringing economic importance to the town.
Culture
The Musée des Beaux-arts et de la Dentelle presents exhibitions highlighting the local point d'Alençon lace techniques and regional artistic heritage. In the old town, traditional half-timbered houses and narrow lanes recall the centuries-old craft traditions of the settlement.
Practical
The town maintains a functional transport network with access to the A28 motorway, regional trains, and a local bus system. The old center can be explored comfortably on foot, as most points of interest lie within walking distance of each other.
Did you know?
The Basilica of Notre-Dame, registered as a monument since 1862, displays Gothic architecture with finely worked stone carvings and detailed flying buttresses. Inside, colorfully painted glass windows from the 16th century depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
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Basilica of Notre-Dame d'Alençon
239 m
Château des ducs d'Alençon
653 m
Halle au Blé d'Alençon
533 m
Parc des Promenades
928 m
Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle d'Alençon
662 mAncien Hôtel de Guise
348 m
Bibliothèque municipale d'Alençon
596 m
Église Saint-Pierre d'Alençon
505 m
Hôtel du Grand-Cerf
263 m
Maison d'Ozé
177 mTown hall of Alençon
732 m
Café la Renaissance
216 m
Maison de la franc-maçonnerie
338 m
Pharmacie Pesche
481 m
Maison à l'Étal
635 m
Hôpital psychiatrique d'Alençon
1 km
Arboretum Koutiala
1.3 km
Tribunal de commerce d'Alençon
275 m
Scierie Prout
1.4 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Lorette d'Alençon
665 m
Maison des Sept Colonnes
503 m
Hôtel Libert
463 m
Maison 110-112 av. du Général Leclerc à Alençon
1.2 km
8-12 rue des Marcheries
291 m
Remparts d'Alençon
317 m
Immeuble, 31, 33 rue du Jeudi
361 m
Presbytère Saint-Pierre de Montsort
538 m
Hôtel Radigue
313 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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