Alençon is a handsomely restored old market town, north of Le Mans, known for its traditional lacemaking industry.
Alençon was the first French town to be liberated by French forces at
the end of the war. Although bombed in the action, several grand
buildings stand out. The very cultured sister of King François I,
Marguerite d’Angouleme, married Duke Rene of Alençon in the late 15th
century, and patronized the splendid Flamboyant finishings of
Notre-Dame. Inside, small Gothic dogs and dragons adorn ribs of the
elaborate vaults. There are some very refined stained glass windows from
the early 16th century.
No comments:
Post a Comment