Below, we look at some quirky activities and fun facts linked to this overlooked spot in the region of Normandy which houses two regional parks.
From history to horses...
1) Alençon was occupied from June 1940 until August 1944 by Nazi troops. It was the first French city to be liberated by the French Army, commanded by Général Leclerc.
2) The Hippodrome d'Alençon, in operation since 1825, specialises in harness racing. This uncommon form of the sport sees horses pull carriages behind them.
Its website has dates of meetings, events, and upcoming activities. Entrance is €5 and free for under-16s.
3) If you head to Mortagne-au-Perche, you may see a gloriously adorned horseman hacking through the streets.
Red cape flowing over his shoulders with his dapple grey horse decked out in matching scarlet, this is the famous 'Dan Vautier'.
Everyone knows him in the area - he always dresses like that and no, he will not mind you taking photos.
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4) The world's largest cheese factory is the Camembert Président factory in Domfort.
5) Marie Harel, who invented Camembert, donated a day's production a week to soldiers on the front lines during World War One, which is how it became France's best-known and best-loved cheese.
Camembert fed soldiers on the front line in World War OneJ.E. Rubio
6) The needles and pins factories of Orne used to supply the whole of France.
The last remaining one, Bohin in Saint-Sulpice-sur-Risle, is open to the public for tours of the workshop and a museum. Check your planned date of visit on the website however, as the museum is not open everyday.
Alençon is famous for its lace-makingOrne Tourisme
7) The Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle in Alençon has a collection of Cambodian art as well as some spectacular examples of lace-making and fine art.
8) Speaking of which, lace-making was established in Alençon during the 16th Century by to reduce the dependence of the French royal court on expensive Venetian lace.
It is emblematic of the region and remains prized for its quality, and remains in small-scale production today. Several areas in the city are dedicated to the history of lace-making.
9) The Jardin Retiré in Bagnoles de l'Orne is a veritable jungle of unusual plants and flowers which thrive in deep shade. Gardeners Annie and Laurent Blanchais open their garden to the public every afternoon and you can linger as long as you want.
