- History of the town of Alençon in Normandy
- Tourism and visits to Alencon
- Transfer from Alencon to Paris airports
History of the town of Alençon in Normandy
Alençon, a French commune in the Orne department of Lower Normandy, has a history that traces back to the Gallo-Roman period when it was primarily a ford. The town’s name was first recorded in the seventh century. During the tenth century, Alençon served as a buffer state between Normandy and the Maine regions. In 1049–1051, William the Conqueror laid siege to the town, leading to its surrender and subsequent occupation by English forces during the Anglo-Norman wars of 1113 to 1203. By the sixteenth century, the town had joined the royal domain, thriving under the political and spiritual influence of Marguerite of Lorraine, widow of the Duke of Alençon. A long-standing local fabric industry in the eighteenth century gave birth to the town’s famous Point d’Alençon lace. The nineteenth century saw economic development based on iron foundries and mills, and the first half of the twentieth century brought a flourishing printing industry. After World War II, the population sharply increased, with new industries related to plastics, making the town a major plastics educational center.
Tourism and visits to Alencon
Alençon, known for its lace-making traditions dating back to the 17th century, offers numerous attractions. The Point d’Alençon stitching method, listed by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, epitomizes the city’s historical craft. The Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle teaches visitors about the history and production of local lace-making. Alençon was also the birthplace of Saint Thérèse Martin in 1873, known as one of the most popular French saints, and her birthplace is now open to the public. The Notre-Dame Basilica, dating back to the 15th century, was elevated to the status of basilica in 2009 and features beautiful stained-glass windows and a chapel named after Sainte-Thérèse. Tourists can also explore the La Halle au Blé, an impressive circular building from 1811, and the historic Saint-Léonard neighborhood. Additional attractions include Alençon Castle, the Maison d’Ozé, the Hôtel de Ville, the Préfecture, and the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, reflecting the Ancien Régime style from the 17th and 18th centuries. For those wishing to extend their journey to explore more of Normandy, a trip to Bayeux offers a seamless connection to this historic town.
Transfer from Alencon to Paris airports
The town of Alencon, located 48 km from Le Mans and 172 km from Paris, is 212 km from Charles de Gaulle airport, 239 km from Orly Airport, and 247 km from Paris Beauvais airport. Transfer services from Alençon to Paris airports provide a range of options, including private cars, shuttles, and luxury vehicles, facilitating convenient travel for both tourists and residents to reach the airports efficiently.