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Cheap Car Hire Alencon - Save 15% on your Car Rental in Alencon |
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Book your cheap car hire in Alencon securely online and save on a wide choice of vehicles from low cost economy options through to our luxury range. Make the most out of your Alencon car rental. Check out our Alencon tourist destination guide and driving tips submitted by our visitors.
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| Alencon Overview |
Located in the southern part of Normandy and was once the centre of the lace-making industry as well as being the tax collection centre for 17th century Normandy. Alencon has an atmosphere of comfortable wealth surrounding it, plus a heritage of exceptional architecture. The old town still holds a medieval charm which is witness to a glorious past. It is also a town of faith being the birthplace of St Therese of Lisieux.
Unfortunately the industry of traditional of lace-making is now almost obsolete, although there are museums that still exhibit this exceptional art. Alencon has some very good hotels as well as restaurants and plenty of shops where the visitor can wander around in areas that have been allocated for pedestrians only. |
| Alencon Essentials |
Musee des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle – This museum has a very modern and informative exhibition on the different ways of making lace and in particular the famous Alencon lace which was developed in the 18th century. However, this will only appeal to those who are interested or have a passion for lace. For those not that interested in the lace exhibits there are several other displays of several Cambodian artefacts on display such as spears, elephant’s feet and a few more.
Château d'Alencon de la ville Alencon – The chateau was built by Pierre II, count of Alencon. There is unfortunately only a small part of it left such as the entrance pavilion which was designed by his son and grandson during 1410 – 1417. The crowned tower is made of two towers on top of each other. Henri IV ordered that most of the castle be demolished and what was left became a begging depot from 1768 to 1776 and from 1779 to 1824 a place of diverse jurisdiction. The castle ended as a prison during the war and it was here that a number of patriots were tortured by the Gestapo. The castle has been listed in the Historical Monuments Survey since 1862.
Salle de lecture – Mediatheque de la ville Alencon - The library is situated in a 17th century building with 18th century panelling which shelters a remarkable and rare collection of ancient books. Here the visitor will find medieval scrolls, early printed books and text which have been inspirational. There is also a very rare collection of 16th and 17th century scrolls plus a catalogue which was printed in 1905 and which is still for sale today.
Eglise Notre-Dame de la ville Alencon – This church built in the 15th and 16th centuries is situated in the heart of the pedestrian arcade. It has an elegant High Gothic nave with delicate stone lace sculptures. The church boasts a set of beautiful stained glass windows dating from the 16th century. Saint Therese who was born in Alencon was baptised in this church in 1873 and her christening robe is on display in the chapel found on the north aisle. The church is closed in March and August.
Verger Conservatoire de la Maison d'Oze de la ville Alencon – This small but pretty public park is situated on 585 sq metres of land at the bottom of one of the walls of Alencon. It was designed in 1997-1998 by the City of Alencon, who commissioned the horticultural society of Orne to do the plantings and attend to the daily upkeep of the park. It is a place where both visitors and locals and society members can relax, walk, learn and experiment. |
| Alencon Calendar - Pick of the Year's Events |
Orne Music Festival – The Orne music festival is held in September and features some of the most renowned musicians and composers of the music scene and will be held in churches, chateaux and monasteries in the area, plus the town centre of Alencon.
Black Pudding Fair – This festival is held in March every year in the town of Mortagne au Perche not far from Alencon. This three day fair brings together, butchers, traders, artisans and more than 100 exhibitions. Awards are given to the best International Black Pudding, the Best Black Pudding Eater plus many more. |
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