The tour of the historic center of Alençon begins in the garden of the Maison d'Ozé, one of the oldest houses in the city, dating from the 15th century.
From there, you will set off with your live guide to visit the Notre Dame basilica, whose nave is a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic architecture. It was in this building that Louis and Zélie Martin were married and that their daughter, little Thérèse, who became the greatest saint of modern times, was baptized. The church also has magnificent 16th-century stained-glass windows.
You then set off to explore the Saint Léonard district, where the city began, and stroll through beautifully restored courtyards. The tour continues to the Château des Ducs d'Alençon, an imposing 15th-century relic that gives you an idea of the importance of the walled city in the Middle Ages. From the castle, we pass by the former Jesuit college, where the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace is located, and on the way back, you will discover an iconic monument of the city, the grain market, and some mansions with beautiful noble façades, adorned with beautiful wrought-iron balconies reminiscent of iron lace.
Alençon has retained a rich heritage because the historic center was well preserved from the bombings of 1944.
Originally from Boulogne-Billancourt, Dominique Eudier has lived in the Orne department (in Héloup) for over 35 years. She has held a professional guide-lecturer license since 1994 and has been practicing this profession for more than 30 years, with an undiminished passion for introducing people to her adopted region.
It was during her visit to the Alençon Tourist Office that Dominique Eudier was "awakened" to the profession of live guide. A member of the Normandy Federation of Guides, she now leads guided visits from April to October over a wide area: Pays d'Alençon, Alpes Mancelles, Suisse Normande, Perche, Pays d'Ouche, as well as iconic sites such as the Château de Carrouges or Sées.
A live guide and lecturer in Orne and throughout Normandy for 25 years, she designs and leads cultural and heritage mediation activities, drawing on a solid knowledge of the political, social, cultural, and artistic history of the region.
