Car Hire Alencon

Mini guide to Alencon

Alencon, located in the region of Normandy, where the Sarthe and Briante rivers meet, is best known for its tradition of lace making. There are a several interesting places to visit, including the noteworthy Musee des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle. This modern museum, situated in a former Jesuit school, is mainly concerned with the history of lace making. It also contains a collection of Cambodian artefacts like spears, lances and elephants’ feet, which were gathered by a French governor.

Further down the road is the Chateau des Ducs, the famous town castle. This giant structure has been turned in to the town’s prison. It might conjure up grim feelings for the locals, as it was used by the Gestapo during the war. Further afield is St Therese’s birthplace on Rue St-Blaise, just in front of the Gare Routiere.

Alencon has some charming shops and cafes in a few pedestrian-friendly streets. A good first stop would be La Caves Aux Boeufs, which spreads across the pedestrianised Rue de la Caves aux Boeufs, or alternatively, try Café des Sept Colonnes at 2 Rue du Chateau.

The Fort d’Ecouves, north of Alencon, is inaccessible by public transport. The forest is a mixture of spruce, pine, oak and beech trees. Follow the winding paths and you might be fortunate enough to see some of the local wildlife. The Camping d'Ecouves on the edge of the forest in Radon, 6kms north of Alencon, is a perfect place to explore the woodlands.

The tourist office is located in the old Maison d'Ozon at Place la Magdelaine. The Gare Routiere (bus station) and the Gare SNCF (train station) are both northeast of the centre, in an area that holds Alencon's biggest concentration of hotels. The nearest long-haul international airport is Paris Orly.