Alençon

Administrative centre of Orne département in the Basse-Normandie region of France, situated in a rich agricultural plain southeast of Caen; population (1999) 44,400. The town lies at the confluence of the Sarthe and Briante rivers. Lace-making was once an important industry, particularly the production of a fine lace called point d'Alençon which began in 1665. Some is still produced but its economic importance has now been superseded by printing works and the manufacture of electrical goods and vehicle parts.

The church of Notre Dame has 16th-century stained-glass windows. Although the town suffered much damage in World War II, the 18th-century town hall and the medieval Maison d'Ozé remain unscathed. The fine arts museum contains an important collection of lacework.