Lower Normandy - Alençon

Alençon is the capital of the Orne in Lower Normandy, close to the border with the Sarthe department. The ancient streets, medieval buildings, gift shops, chocolatiers, markets and parks of the old town should not be missed. You can even follow a discovery route with an ‘autoguide’ commentary in English or French; headphones and map are available from the Office de Tourisme. This is housed in the 'Maison d'Ozé', former home of the dukes of Alençon, close to the spectacular gothic Church of Our Lady and the cobbled market square.

You will find dozens of restaurants, cafés, bars and bistros in the centre of Alençon. One of our favourites is the ‘Cabestan’ (22 rue Saint Blaise). Fresh ingredients cooked to order, fish dishes a speciality. For those with young children, the Maitre Kanter (36, rue de Lattre de Tassigny) is informal and open 7 days a week, as well having a very varied menu.

Places to visit near Alençon include the Chateau de Carrouges and the Chateau de Sassy. Carrouges was built between the XIVth and the XVIIth centuries and was embroiled in both the Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion. Broad moats surround the buildings and the entrance is protected by an impressive gatehouse. Guided tours of the interior of the chateau take place every 45 minutes.

The nearby Chateau de Sassy at St Christophe le Jajolet boasts a formal French garden with pathways leading from the chateau and its terraces. The main part of the chateau dates from the end of 18th century. At the far end of the garden is a charming orangery, framed by limes. Visits to the gardens and terraces are free whilst guided visits of the interior of the chateau are possible daily in summer (weekends only out of season).

Nearby the forests of Ecouves and Perseigne give ample opportunity for rambling, mountain biking and horseriding in thousands of acres of public woodland with dozens of marked routes. In some parts of these forests it is possible to walk for hours without meeting another person and you may come across red deer, roe deer or wild boar, which are common - but shy!

To the immediate south of Alençon is the region known as the Alpes Mancelles, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The village of St Cenéri-le-Geréi and the town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe are well worth a visit and both canoeing and rockclimbing are on offer.

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