Alençon, known as the City of the Dukes, is a city rich in history and culture. Highlights include the Château des Ducs d’Alençon, the Basilique Notre-Dame and the Musée de la Dentelle.
Here’s our selection of the best attractions in Alençon.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Château des ducs d’Alençon
Why visit?
The town’s most famous landmark is the Château des Ducs d’Alençon. It’s an ancient fortified castle dating from the late 12th century. Although largely demolished, you can still admire an entrance pavilion and important remains, reminders of its glorious past. Built under Peter II in the 14th century, it was the center of the Duchy of Alençon. It was converted into a prison in 1804, a role it fulfilled until 2010.
Its two crenellated towers are truly impressive. The castle must have been a veritable fortress!
Today, you can see the remains and the Simone Veil park in the courtyard.
Practical advice
- Free access
- Exterior view only, no access to interior.
WHERE TO STAY IN Alençon
Hotel Château de Saint Paterne – view photos and availability
Hôtel Château de Sarceaux – see photos and availability
2. The historic center: Saint-Léonard district
Why visit?
We enjoyed the historic center of Alençon. It’s a charming architectural ensemble that bears witness to its rich past. We enjoyed exploring the streets and secret courtyards.
Its cobbled pedestrian streets are lined with half-timbered houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. It’s a bit like time travel.
During your visit, look up and notice the coats of arms above some of the doors.
Practical advice
- Free access
- Go on an adventure, wander around
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3. Basilique Notre-Dame d’Alençon
Why visit?
The Basilique Notre-Dame d’Alençon is a major Gothic edifice in the heart of the city. You won’t want to miss it!
Construction began in 1356 under Charles III during the Hundred Years’ War, and was completed in the 19th century. The church features an imposing flamboyant porch with three large arches and a pediment depicting the Transfiguration.
Its 15th-century nave is topped by a richly sculpted star vault. The 16th-century stained glass windows are Renaissance masterpieces that survived the 1944 bombings. And the organ has been beautifully restored.
Practical advice
- Free access
- 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Mass on Sunday at 11 a.m.
4. House and Garden of Ozé
Why visit?
Right next to the basilica, the Maison d’Ozé is an iconic house. It was built in 1449. In the 16th century, the wing and turret were added.
It is distinguished by its architecture. It currently houses the Tourist Office.
Take time to admire the view from the small garden!
Practical advice
- Free access to see the architecture
- Tourist office: 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Museum of Fine Arts and Lace
Why visit?
The Musée de la Dentelle, part of the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Alençon, showcases the unique art of Alençon Point lacemaking, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Located in the former Jesuit College, the museum traces the history of this refined technique, which dates back to the 15th century. You’ll see information on techniques and exceptional pieces, including a 19th-century bridal veil requiring hundreds of thousands of hours of work.
Practical advice
- Schedules:
summer: at least every day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
From September to June, monthly from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm, but closed on Mondays. - Price: 4 euros
- See the latest information on the official website here
6. Birthplace of Saint Theresa
Why visit?
The birthplace of Saint Theresa (canonized in 1925) is an important place of pilgrimage for the faithful. Thérèse Martin was born here on January 2, 1873. The house, now a sanctuary, allows visitors to discover the room where she was born and to meditate in the adjoining chapel.
Practical advice
- 50 rue Saint-Blaise
- Opening hours, at least 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm – closed on Sunday mornings and Mondays (except in summer).
- Closed in January
- Free admission, donations welcome
- See the latest information on the official website here
7. Saint-Cénéri-Le-Gérei (20min away)
Why visit?
Around Alençon, Saint-Cénéri-le-Gerei is the place to be!
This village is one of our favorites in Normandy(see our list). It offers old stone houses surrounded by hills and trees.
The village is partly located on a hill overlooking a loop of the Sarthe. This elevation offers a breathtaking view.
Many painters have been inspired by this place, like Courbet, and there are still artists living here.
Climb up to the church (from the 22nd century) and admire the remains of wall paintings. And walk around to enjoy beautiful views of the valley.
Descend to the bridge for a different perspective.
The village is also home to the gardens of La Mansonière.
Practical advice
- 20min drive from Alençon
- Crossing the village to reach the parking lot isn’t easy, especially when there are a lot of tourists.
There is a good sized parking lot. - See more photos in our article on Saint-Ceneri.
Things to do in Alençon: other ideas
Here are some other buildings to discover in the city:
- La Halle au blé, a circular building that opened to the grain trade in 1812
- The former Jesuit college church, a 17th-century building with an imperial roof.
- The town hall, with its elegant rounded façade and small bell tower
- Saint-Léonard Church
- Saint Pierre Church
- Saint-Roch Church
- Sainte-Thérèse Church
- Notre-Dame-de-Lorette chapel
Excursions around Alençon
You can also explore from Alençon:
- The magnificent Château de Carrouges 30 minutes away
- The Perche countryside, with charming towns such as Mortagne-au-Perche and Bellême, 30 minutes away by car
- Caen and its memorial, 1h15 away
- Falaises and its William the Conqueror castle, a 50-minute drive away
- Clécy and Suisse Normande, 1h15 away by car
- The many chateaux of the Loire Valley within a 1h30 drive
Is Alençon worth a visit?
Yes, if you’re just passing through, Alençon is well worth a visit. The town boasts some beautiful architecture and, above all, its Lace Museum, a must-see heritage of the region.
And it’s the city that connects Normandy to the Loire Valley.
Useful tips for visiting Alençon
Where is Alençon?
- In the south-west of Normandy, on the border of the region
- From Caen = 1h10 drive
- From Rouen = 1h40
- From Paris = 2h30
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Alençon
We strongly recommend that you come to Alençon with a car, to discover the beautiful surrounding countryside.
You can also get there by train from Paris, via Le Mans.
Parking in Alençon
Parking is easy in Alençon, with several large parking lots in the city center. We recommend the one next to the château.
Getting around Alençon
It’s easy to explore the city center on foot. The city is flat.
Where to eat in Alençon
We recommend..:
- Restaurant Au Petit Vatel: generous, modern cuisine with exotic touches
- Restaurant La Suite: traditional dining with a sweet and savory twist
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
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- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
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