France > France regions > Normandy > Orne > Alencon
Alencon
Alencon is located in the Orne department, towards the south of the Normandy region and north of Le Mans.
An important town in the 10th-11th centuries, Alencon is best known as an important centre for lace production, and although the industry is not very active nowadays the story is recounted in the town's 'museum of fine arts and lacemaking'.
In the old town it is the 19th century circular wheat hall, the 15th century castle, and the impressive 18th century town hall that provide the most interest.
In a gory story from the 11th century, when William the Conquror besieged the town the inhabitants insulted him by hanging animal skins from the town walls - a reference to his mother being the daughter of a tanner. This must have annoyed William quite a lot, because when he finally entered the town he commanded that all the citizens have their hands chopped off!
Alencon: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
Plan a visit to Alencon, France
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Map of Alencon, France |
Places to visit - Alencon
- Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei Pretty village
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos
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