Surrounded by 2 large national parks – the Normandie-Maine(Parc naturel régional Normandie-Maine) and Perche (Parc Naturel Regional du Perche) Alencon is a great place to visit The town is particularly proud of its unique lace-making traditions, listed by UNESCO as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ and celebrated at the local fine arts museum, and its many extraordinary women. As the one-time capital of a small duchy, this town has a fascinating history.
There is a Christmas Market Marché de Noëlto lure you to Normandy in December – at Alençon (61 Orne, Normandie) 8- 10 December and 15 – 17 December 2023
Alençon Christmas Market has up to 50 stalls selling Christmas goodies, New Orleans style music and dancing with a group called “the red onions”! (Les Oignons Rouges), entertainments for Children, a Gospel Choir and a Father Christmas – the streets of the town will be most festive! Guest of Honour in 2014 was Les Landes (Aquitaine)
Alençon in Lower Normandy is barely known to foreign tourists, yet it is a delight for those who enjoy getting away from the usual tourist traps to see a bit of “real” France: a little gem in Lower Normandy untainted by tacky tourist shops, but justly proud of its rich history, architecture, produce and traditions.
Many a motor sport fan passes Alençon en route to the Le Mans 24 Hours or the GP Motor Bike races, just 25 miles to the south of Alençon, but all that most of them see is the frankly boring and uninspiring Route Nationale (was the N138, now the D338) which bypasses the real town centre with its architecture dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Pity for them, because Alençon is a super little Normandy town still unspoilt by tourism, but with much to offer the discerning traveller. Our kind of place!!! visitnormandy
