Alençon, city of Art and History between lace and Norman heritage

Welcome to Alençon, a city with a rich historical past, renowned for its unique artisanal know-how in lace, listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site. Located at the gateway to the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park, it combines architectural heritage, culture and unspoiled nature.

A historic center with timeless charm
Alençon reveals an elegant city center, where the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica reigns, a Gothic building whose stained glass windows tell the history of the city. The Château des Ducs, a medieval vestige, recalls the strategic role of the city through the centuries. The cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses offer a pleasant stroll, punctuated by artisanal discoveries, notably in the workshops dedicated to the world-renowned Point d'Alençon lace.

A natural environment ideal for getaways
A few kilometres away, the Normandie-Maine Park is a real playground for hikers and nature lovers. The trails of the Massif d'Écouves offer superb panoramas of the Normandy countryside, while the Alpes Mancelles, with their steep reliefs, are perfect for walks or bike rides.

A gastronomy between Normandy terroir and local traditions
Normandy cuisine is a celebration of local produce. It is impossible to stay in Alençon without tasting the farmhouse Camembert, accompanied by a good country bread. Tripe à la mode de Caen, slowly simmered in cider, is another specialty to discover. For dessert, teurgoule, a rice pudding flavored with cinnamon, recalls the traditional sweets of the region.

Where to sleep in Alençon?
Whether you are a fan of arts and crafts, history or hiking, Contact Hôtels welcomes you to comfortable establishments for a memorable stay in Normandy.