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ALENÇON NORMANDY
GROUP DESTINATION
EDITORIAL
T
his guide sets out a selection of ideas and options for visiting groups, whether for just a day or for longer: guided tours, days out, places to stay and more. A varied choice of suggestions to pick from, according to your own particular tastes and requirements. From Alençon itself, former city of the Dukes, world famous for its unique lace, setting for the story of Saints Louis and Zélie Martin (the parents of St. Therese), with its remarkable heritage and busy year-round calendar of events, to Saint-Cénerile-Gerei, one of the most beautiful villages in France and beloved of painters like Corot and Courbet, by way of the Ecouves forest, the highest point in western France, much appreciated by walkers and outdoor leisure enthusiasts. Alençon and its region will take you by surprise… and steal your heart. The Alençon Tourist Office is here to welcome you and introduce you to the many facets of our beautiful region, offering advice and support at every stage as you organise your programme, to make sure you enjoy the ideal conditions for a successful visit.
Emmanuel Darcissac,
President of the Alençon Urban Community Tourist Office
CONTENTS
Our must-sees............................................................................................................
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Culture and Heritage................................................................................................
10
Spiritual Tourism.......................................................................................................
14
Know-How and Gastronomy..................................................................................
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Leisure and Nature...................................................................................................
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La Véloscénie / cycle route...................................................................................... 26
Publication : Office de tourisme de la Communauté Urbaine d’Alençon Crédits phototographie : Service communication de l’office de tourisme d’Alençon (clichés Sandrine Potier), service communication de la ville d’Alençon (clichés Olivier Heron), Sanctuaire d’Alençon, Musée des Beaux-arts et de la Dentelle (clichés David Commenchal), service communication du Haras du Pin (clichés Jean Chevret), Sanctuaire de Montligeon, L’Alezan (clichés Mathieu Guénon). Imprimeur : Imprimerie Auffret-Plessis
Cabarets and Shows..................................................................................................
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Restaurants, Accomodation, MICE and Receptions............................................
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Key events in 2017.....................................................................................................
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Informations............................................................................................................... 34
Destination Alençon - Groupe 2017
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OUR TEAM
Are you looking to organise a stay or a one-day outing in our region for your group? Well, we have a team of professionals at your disposal! The Alençon Tourist Office will put all its knowledge to work on your behalf to ensure that you enjoy a unique experience.
6 good reasons why you can count on us • • • • • •
In-depth knowledge of our region Bespoke services tailored to your expectations All your needs met under one roof Quotes on request and specialy tailored programmes All-inclusive packages Personalised advice reflecting your wishes
Thanks to its fascinating, dynamic setting at the heart of an easily accessible region steeped in heritage and enlivened by a variety of cultural events, Alençon makes the ideal getaway destination.
WELCOME TO ALENÇON • Situated 2h30 from PARIS 2h10 from ORLY airport 2h50 from ROISSY Charles-de-Gaulle airport 35 min from Le Mans TGV station 1h15 from the D-Day landing beaches • Gateway to Southern NORMANDY •
31 listed historic buildings
• Over 300 cultural events a year • Section of the VELOSCENIC bike trail from Paris to Mont St Michel • A unique know-how ALENÇON NEEDLEPOINT LACE technique features on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list • SHRINE city • «CITY IN BLOOM» award • SAINT-CÉNERI-LE-GÉREI one of the most beautiful villages in France
Dorine CHÉRON and Fanny DE SAINT JORES, Promotion managers Sales departement Office de tourisme d’Alençon groupes@visitalencon.com 02.33.80.66.35
www.visitalencon.com/groupes.html
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Destination Alençon - Groupe 2017
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TOP 5 EXCURSIONS
TOP 5 EXCURSIONS
GUIDED TOUR OF ALENÇON Alençon, once the City of Dukes, founded on the right bank of the river Sarthe, is famed for its lacemaking, the Point d’Alençon or Alençon needlepoint lace.
Alençon, an ideal destination for groups
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Explore the city centre with its many monuments : the mediaeval Maison d’Ozé, the Basilica of Notre Dame, the Halle au Blé (corn exchange), the Jesuit church and more, and learn about the famous names that form part of its history, including perhaps the most famous of all, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, who was born here.
1 h 30
From 155 €
(group package including VAT on the basis of 30 paying visitors, From 31 visitors upwards, a second guide is required.)
Other tours available : The medieval Quarter of SaintLéonard, Following in the footsteps of Saint Therese and the Martin family …
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TOP 5 EXCURSIONS
GUIDED TOUR OF SAINT-CÉNERI-LE-GÉREI Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei has held its title as one of the most beautiful villages in France since 1983. With a population of around 120, the village stands at a point where three departments and two regions meet. The river Sarthe marks the boundary between Normandy and Pays de la Loire. You will discover the origins of the name of the village and the mysteries that surrounds its history, as well as having a chance to admire the inn kept by the Moisy sisters and its famous “salle des décapités”, decorated with silhouettes of heads. Akin to Pont Aven and Barbizon, the inn was a gathering point for famous artists who came to seek inspiration in the Alpes Mancelles in the late 19th century. The inn reveals the close relationship between the painter’s art and the landscapes of the village of Saint-Cénerile-Gérei.
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1 h 30
From 155 €
(group package including VAT on the basis of 30 paying visitors, From 31 visitors upwards, a second guide is required.)
TROTTING THROUGH THE STREETS OF ALENÇON If you are drawn towards a different way of exploring the City of the Dukes, step aboard the “Pauline”, a carriage drawn by two mares, Violette and Voltige, representing two local breeds: one a Norman Cob and the other a Percheron. A novel and delightful way to see the sights of the town: the Dukes’ castle, the Halle au Blé, the Quarter of Saint Léonard and much more. A commentary is provided by Gwenaëlle, a driver certified by the Haras National du Pin-National stud farm. The coach is accessible to people with reduced mobility (2 places).
45 min
4 € 50 / Adults 2 € / 3-12 years old (price including VAT ; 25 people max; from April to end of September)
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TOP 5 EXCURSIONS
FINE ARTS AND LACE MUSEUM
The Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle offers a guided tour of its collections illustrating the skills of a unique craft, Alençon lacework, that was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. A total of ten preliminary stages are needed for the making of Alençon needle lace, and it takes over 25 hours to produce a piece of lace the size of a postage stamp. Subject to availability**, the group will have the opportunity to see one of the Atelier National’s seven lacemakers giving a demonstration of the different techniques involved. The museum display samples of Alençon lace and lacework from all over Europe, including needle lace, bobbin lace and machine-made lace. The visit may be extended to include the fine art collections of the museum, consisting of paintings and sculptures from the 15th century to the present day, or a presentation of the extraordinary collection of Cambodian artefacts amassed by Adhémard Leclère.
** Tuesday to Friday, mid-September to June, and subject to Mobilier National approval.
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1 h 30 6 € 60
price including VAT ; 30 people max; closed on Mondays from June to September)
THE BIRTHPLACE OF SAINT THERESE « He is the one that I prepared for you » was what the young Zélie Guérin, lacemaker, heard on the bridge of the Sarthe on crossing paths with Louis Martin in 1858. This was the starting point of their life as a couple where they decided to raise their five daughters on the path of humanity and spirituality. Thanks to this upbringing, Therese became Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face and in 2015, the couple were the first in history to be canonized simultaneously. Louis and Zélie Martin lived in Alençon from 1871 to 1877. The house that witnessed the birth of Saint Therese offers five visitor spaces: the entrance hall, the gallery, the auditorium, the house and the chapel. The stage is set for an intimate, emotional encounter with the Martin family. On display are souvenirs of the parents and their five daughters: Marie, Pauline, Leonie, Celine and Therese. A film based on family letters depicts the life this 19th century family would have led. Tailored tours on request
1 h 30
A donation of 3,50 € per person is advisable
(50 visitors max)
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CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Packages Tours
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Destination Alençon Day’s programme 10 am : Guided tour of Fine Arts and Lace Museum 12 pm : Lunch in a restaurant in Alençon 2 pm : Guided tour of the birthplace of Saint Therese 3:15 pm : Commentated horse-carriage tour of Alençon 4:15 pm : End
From 34 € From 34 € (*Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors for a traditonal lunch). From 41 € (*Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors for a gourmet lunch) For the birthplace of Saint Therese, a donotion of 3.50 € is advisable directly on the site.
From the Alpes Mancelles to Alençon Day’s programme
Alençon posseses a heritage rich in history that will sastisfy every history lover. Discover centuries old buildings, halftimbered houses, exceptional gardens, secret courtyards, cobbled streets, its medieval quarter St Leonard and the unique needle point lace of Alençon, registered by UNESCO.
9:45 am : Group rendezvous 10 am : Tour of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei 12 pm : Lunch 2 pm : Guided tour of Fine Arts and Lace Museum 4 pm : End
From 37 €
From 37 € (*Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors for a traditional lunch) From 44 € (*Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors for a gourmet lunch)
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Excursions
Trot on
Le Haras du Pin
Day’s programme
Set amongst 1,000 hectares of green fields, known as the “Versailles for horses”, one of the most highly renowned stud farms in the world opens its majestic wrought iron gates to your visit. Captured by artists including Edgar Degas, the Haras National du Pin remains the symbol of France’s equestrian heritage. A choice of itineraries are available for visitors to choose from.”
300 years of equestrian history at the Haras National du Pin
10 am : Commentated horse-carriage tour of Alençon 12 pm : Lunch near the National Stud farm 2 : 30 pm : Haras National du Pin - National Stud farm Optional : « Le Pin Thursdays » Carriages, riders and original acts staged in the majestic main courtyard of the stud farm. (Every Thursday at 3 p.m. from 01st June to 14th September 2017) Optional : Equestrian show in the manege (duration 1 hour)
Guided tour : 1h00/6 € Equestrian display in the Aure schooling ring : 1h00/6 € Equestrian display and guided tour of the stud farm: 11 € Le Pin Thursdays**: 1h00 / 7 € Le Pin Thursday, guided tour of the stud farm and unaccompanied Discovery Trail **: 14 € Tour of the stud farm and the estate : 11 €
From 37 €
(Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors)
Stone and thread Day’s programme 9:15 am : Group rendez-vous at place Foch in Alençon 9:30 am : Guided tour of Fine Arts and Lace Museum 01 pm : Lunch in Alençon 3 pm : tour of the Château of Carrouges this magnificent 14th century castle with its period furniture stands on the border between Normandy and Maine. 5 pm : End
From 42 €
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CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Packages Tours
From 42 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, for a traditional lunch) From 49 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, for a gourmet lunch)
(Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, 50 persons maximum) ** Every Thursday at 3 p.m. from 01st June to 14th September 2017
Bicycle museum «La belle échappée» Discover the history of cycling and relive the atmosphere of the national races and of the cycling competition since 1817. This is what the Museum «La Belle Echappée» has to offer you with one of the beautiful collections by Ivan Bonduelle.
1h 4€
(Price including VAT; 30 visitors max)
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Shrine cities of France
SPIRITUALITY
SPIRITUALITY
The Association of the Shrine Cities of France’s purpose is to unite the shrine cities and the tourist offices in one common purpose: to improve the visitors’ experiences, whether for tourists wishing to explore the sites or pilgrims in search of spirituality. The association regroups Alençon, Ars , Chartres, Cotignac, la Salette, Le-MontSaint-Michel, le Puy-en-Velay, Lisieux, Lourdes, Nevers, Paray-le-Monial, Rocamadour, Saint Maximin et la Sainte Baume, , Sainte-Anne d’Auray, Thierenbach et Vézelay. More information : www.villes-sanctuaires.com
Follow in the footsteps of Saint Therese, born in Alençon and her parents Saint Louis and Saint Zélie, canonized in 2015.
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Packages Tours
Excursion
SPIRITUALITY
In the steps of Saint Therese and the Martin family Day’s programme 09:45 : am Group rendez-vous 10am : Guided tour following in the footsteps of the Saint family in Alençon 12pm : Lunch 2:30 pm : Guided tour of the birthplace of Saint Therese 4pm : End
From 30 € From 30 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, for a traditional lunch) From 37 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, for a gourmet lunch) For the birthplace of Saint Therese, a donation of 3.50 € is advisable directly on the site.
From Saint Therese to the World prayer centre for the deceased
Day’s programme
10:30 am : Guided tour of Notre-Dame de Montligeon’s Basilica 12am : Lunch in the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Montligeon 2:30 : Guided tour of the birthplace of Saint Therese 4 pm : Guided tour following in the footstep of the Saint family in Alençon
From 24 € From 24 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors) For the birthplace of Saint Therese, a donation of 3.50 € is advisable directly on the site.
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Basilica of Notre-Dame de Montligeon The sanctuary was built at the instigation of Abbot Buguet, founder of the Work of Montligeon. The parish church of La ChapelleMontligeon (51 km from Alençon), which had previously welcomed pilgrims come to pray for souls in purgatory, rapidly proved too small to contain the large numbers who made
their way here. The first Mass was celebrated in the sanctuary in 1911, and the building was grated the status of basilica in 1928.
1h00 2€ (price including VAT)
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Packages Tours
KNOW-HOW & GASTRONOMY Pins and needles
KNOW-HOW & GASTRONOMY
Day’s programme 10am : Tour of the Manufacture Bohin factory (72km from Alençon) 12:30 pm : Lunch in Alençon 2:30 pm : Guided tour of Fine Arts and Lace Museum 4 pm : End
From 38 €
From 38 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, with a lunch in a traditional restaurant) From 45 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors; with a lunch in a gourmet restaurant) Optional : visit the Point de Beauvais Museum (12 km from Alençon) for an extra 2€ per head.
Local flavors Day’s programme 10:30 am : Tour of the Glatigny chocolate factory 12:30 pm : Lunch in Alençon 2:30 pm : Guided tour of the town 4:30 pm : A taste of Normandy 5:30 pm : End
The curious, gastronomics and travelers will appreciate the flavors of our local produces of excellent reputation and will discover the uniques know-how of our territory. 18
From 41 €
From 41 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, with a lunch in a traditional restaurant) From 48 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors; with a lunch in a gourmet restaurant)
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A la demi-journée
Excursions
Point de Beauvais Museum
Tour of the Glatigny chocolate factory
The Point de Beauvais Museum, an integral part of the village’s heritage, is intended as a place of memory, but also as a place to discover and preserve the famous Point de Beauvais embroidery technique. The collection includes embroidered pieces remarkable for their fine stitching and rich colours: paintings, clothing and linen, and even items of furniture. Particularly striking is a magnificent embroidered fresco, 12 metres long, retracing the rich history of the commune of Bourg-le-Roi, 12 km from Alençon.
1h00 2€ (price including VAT ; 30 people max)
1h00 2€
A taste of Normandy Normandy is a real Foodie destination for its quality and array of local produce. What better way to sample some of these local products like our ciders, perries, pommeau (fortified apple-based wine), cheeses, cured meats, and sweet treats by coming along to one of our food tasting sessions. Products are on sale at the Alençon Tourist Office.
(price including VAT ; 25 people max)
Traditional Headdress museum Located in the village of Fresnay sur Sarthe (21 km from Alençon), this museum offers a collection of headdresses on traditionnal hand-made dummyhead, from 1800 to 1930. You will learn about the evolution of the headdresses, the Bonnette , the Galette or the Bise-moi vite. Bobbin lace’s demonstrations are available.
1h00 2€
(price including VAT ; 25 people max)
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KNOW-HOW & GASTRONOMY
A taste for the finer things in life is not a sin! Prove it by visiting the Glatigny chocolate factory and delve into the secrets of chocolate making, the traditional way from pure cocoa butter and other high quality ingredients. The tour ends with a tasting session.
45 min 7,50 € (price including VAT ; 45 people max)
Manufacture Bohin factory Situated on the bank of the river Risle, the manufacturer Bohin France is a French manufacturer of sewing needles dating back to more than 180 years. Discover its rich heritage with a tour of their workshops and a visit to their contemporary museum.
1h30 8,90 € (price including VAT ; 20 people max)
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Excursions
LEISURE & NATURE
The Mansonière’s Gardens
LEISURE & NATURE
The Mansonière Gardens is situated just outside the village of Saint Céneri Le Gérei. This exquisite private garden is planted as a series of rooms which are small gardens in themselves like the Rose Garden, the Moon Garden, the Perfume Garden...
2h00 5€ Optional, drinks and cakes for 5 € (Price including VAT on the basis of 20 paying visitors, 50 people max).
Outdoor activities with « Préférence plein-air »
The territory surrounding Alençon consits of forest, hedged farmlands, rivers, peatlands, wetlands and extensive wildlife. The best way to explore these landscapes is to ramble along the numerous paths that exist, either by foot, by bicycle or by horse. If you’re more adventurous canoe-kayak, tree top adventure courses and outdoor games can be on the menu as well.
Situated in the Alpes Mancelles, « Préference plein-air » offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for your group such as, tree top adventure course, orienteering, climbing.
From 12 €
(price including VAT)
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Excursions Hippodrome golf course
Nature walks
Ideally located just outside of the city centre of Alençon, the six-hole Hippodrome golf course, joined to the racecource is open all year round. An instructor will initiate you into the basics during an introductory session or as part of different courses.
In the forest or on the hiking paths of the Alpes Mancelles, your guide will teach you about the different species of mushrooms and the uses of edibles wild plants.
From 180 €
From 11 €
(group package including VAT, on a basis of 10 paying visitors, 25 people max)
(price including VAT)
Rambling Surrounded by two forests, Alençon will definitely meet the needs of Nature lovers. Our guide will lead you through the forests of Ecouves or Perseigne with walks adapted to all levels.
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LEISURE & NATURE
Excursions
Survival training Led by a nature guide and a yoga teacher for a relaxing experience, you will be bivouacked into the unknown. You will both learn how to handle your stress and all there is to now about survival in the Nature
From 70 €
From 180 €
(group package including VAT, on a basis of 10 paying visitors, 25 people max)
(group package including VAT, on a basis of 10 paying visitors, 25 people max)
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THE VELOSCENIC TRAIL
Routes
Le Perche
THE VELOSCENIC TRAIL
77,5 km
This noteworthy section of the Veloscenic trail leads you through the unspoiled landscapes of the former province of the Perche along almost uninterrupted greenways. From Condé-sur-Huisne to the gateway of the Pays d’Alençon, the trail winds its way through the superb rolling countryside of the Regional Nature Park. Lush green landscapes dotted with villages, mills and manor houses, and the birthplace of the famous Percheron draught horse makes this a perfect setting on this easy route.
How does the idea of cycling from Notre-Dame in Paris to Mont Saint-Michel by way of Alençon sound ? Set off on the Veloscenic bike trail and explore the history of France, illustrated by some of the country’s finest monuments. The 450 km route is divided into 8 main sections. The fourth section (from the Perche to Alençon), followed by the fifth, together makes the perfect introduction to the Pays d’Alençon. 26
Le pays d’Alençon From the elegant capital of the Orne department, this section of the Veloscenic trail leads through the glorious landscapes of the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park. After Alençon and the Maison du Parc visitor centre in Carrouges, is the spa resort of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, a delightful place to enjoy a brief halt before pressing on to the medieval hilltop city of Domfront by way of the Andaines forest. An alternative route via the greenways of the Mayenne will be another option in the near future.
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Dîner-Spectacle
CABARETS & SHOWS
CABARETS & SHOWS
From 36 €
from 36 € (dinner and show, drinks not included: 13 €supplement covering an aperitif, wine, champagne, groups of 30 minimum).
From 56 €
(lunch or dinner and show, drinks not included, groups of 20 minimum).
Le Haut Ministère
Le Gold Palace
Right in the heart of Alençon, enjoy an evening of quality shows in an intimate setting. The Haut Ministère team prides itself on offering you refined dining and a colourful troupe of artistes. The show of your choice can be booked to order (terms & conditions apply).
Check out what’s on at Le Gold Palace, the new cabaret just 5 minutes from Alençon. Come along and make it a special occasion, starting with a delicious meal and followed by a top-class show, then round off the afternoon or evening by setting the dance floor on fire!
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RESTAURANTS, ACCOMODATION & RECEPTIONS
Normandy is famous for its delicious local cuisine and top quality produce, and our partner restaurants are no exception to the rule. Andouille and Camembert millefeuille, Normandy-style chicken fricassee, apple with salted-butter caramel… to mention but a few of the mouthwatering dishes just begging to be tasted. During your stay, we can recommend a number of restaurants, either in the centre of the town or conveniently situated to the main sites, all well equipped to cater for groups.
Example of a traditional menu
Our knowledge of the market means we can be sure of the quality of the accommodation we recommend. Alençon and its urban area offers a wide choice of hotels ranging from 2* to 4*with options specially tailored for groups. If you prefer, we can also suggest charming B&Bs, offbeat places to stay, large holidays houses self catering and campsites. You will be sure to find the right accommodation you’re looking for. Personalised quotes: please ask.
MICE and receptions
Apéritif Andouille and Camembert millefeuille
RESTAURANTS, ACCOMODATION & RECEPTIONS
Restaurants
Accomodation
Chicken breast, mushroom sauce Apple with salted-butter caramel, vanilla ice-cream
Example of a gourmet menu Apéritif Foie Gras crème brûlée, Granny Smith apple, pistachio bits Rack of Iberian Pig grenaille potatoes Almond milk Panna cotta , chocolate sauce
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Alençon is strategically positioned, with just 2 hours from Paris and connections to the major motoway A28, A11 and A88, making it the ideal venue for your professional events and team-building activities. Destination Alençon - Groupe 2017
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KEY EVENTS OF 2017
KEY EVENTS OF 2017
Our venues
2017 Cultur’elles et cinéma March
Folklores du Monde July
Les rencontres de Saint-Céneri June
Journées du Patrimoine
Les Echappées Belles July
Fête des Familles
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Septembre October
Anova Parc des expositions de la CUA
La Luciole Scène Nationale 61 Destination Alençon - Groupe 2017
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INFORMATIONS
By motorway From Mans A 28 Paris A 11 Bordeaux A 10 Rennes A 81
Alençon - LeMans - Paris (TER-TGV) 1h30
Library Collège des Jésuites e
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Musée des Beaux Arts et de la Dentelle
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Maison Natale de Sainte Thérèse
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P Office de Tourisme
2 places
La
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Basilique Notre-Dame
1 place
2 places
an
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La Quartier St-Léonard
Sar
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Château d es Ducs
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Alençon needle point lace
Town Hall
La
Rouen, Caen, Le Mans A 28
By train
Le M
From Alençon
Map of Alençon
Bordeaux
By plane
Saint-Céne
ri-le-Gerei
La Luciole
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Roissy Charles de Gaulle 2h50 Orly 2h15 Caen Carpiquet 1h10
Courtyard of the quater of Saint-Léonard
Maizon d’O zé Visitor cen tre
e-Dame of Notr ame n a g r O Notre D Basilica
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General Terms and Conditions of sale ARTICLE 1 Tourist Offices authorised by virtue of the Law of 22 July 2009 may undertake the booking and sale of all types of services involving leisure activities and general interest reception of visitors within their area of responsibility. They facilitate matters for the public by offering a choice of services. Tourist Offices are local tourism bodies at the disposal of service providers who are not members of the Office and who have entered into an agency agreement with them. As such, the Tourist Office seeks to sell various services involving guided tours and tourism packages, which are governed by these general terms and conditions of sale. ARTICLE 2 – LIABILITY The Tourist Office offering a service to a client is the sole point of contact for the client and liable to the client for the delivery of the services ordered and for fulfilment of the obligations arising from these general terms and conditions of sale. The Tourist Office may not be held liable for total or partial failure to deliver the services ordered or for total or partial failure to fulfil the obligations stipulated in these general terms and conditions of sale, in the event of fortuitous events, acts of God, failure to perform or faults committed by the client, or unforeseeable and insurmountable actions by a third party unconnected to the delivery of services. ARTICLE 3 – EXECUTION OF THE CONTRACT Any order placed by the client constitutes acceptance by the client, without restriction or reservation, of these general terms and conditions of sale. If clients feels insufficiently informed of the characteristics of the services they wish to order, they may request further information on these services from the Tourist Office prior to placing an order. By placing an order, clients implicitly acknowledge that they have obtained all the information they require on the nature and characteristics of the services ordered. In the case of guided tours, the service contract becomes firm and final once the client has returned the price quote, duly signed, to the Tourist Office and paid in full the price for all the guided tours ordered at the current listed price, prior to the date of said service. In the case of package tours, the service contract becomes firm once the client has returned the booking contract, duly completed and signed, to the Tourist Office, accompanied by a deposit of 30% of the total price. Should the booking be made within 30 days of the tour date, payment in full will be required on booking. Should the client request additional services, on the terms set out in article 7 of these general terms and conditions of sale, the booking contract becomes firm once the client has returned the price quote, duly signed, to the Tourist Office and accepted the above payment terms. Until such time as these conditions are met, the booking contract will not be deemed executed and the Tourist Office will be under no obligation to deliver the services ordered. Once the service contract is approved by both parties on the conditions set out above, the contract can no longer be modified by either the client or the Tourist Office, except with the agreement of both parties, and except in the case of an act of God. For package tours and additional services, the client undertakes to pay, on presentation of an invoice by the Tourist Office, a deposit of 30% of the total cost of the service, with the balance payable 30 days prior to commencement of the service, unless the booking is made within 30 days of the date of the service. For packages including accommodation and supplementary services, the client undertakes to pay, on presentation of an invoice by the Tourist Office, a deposit of 30% of the total cost of the package, with the balance payable 30 days prior to commencement of the service, unless the booking is made within 30 days of the date of the package. The invoice will be for the sum definitively payable and will take into account the number of persons stated in the booking. If the balance is not paid by the due date, the package will be considered as cancelled and under no circumstances will the deposit be refunded. ARTICLE 4 – PRICE Prices are quoted inclusive of VAT for the services stipulated, as described in the Tourist Office commercial documents. In the case of guided tours, these prices include: -The provision by the Tourist Office of one or more guides (the meeting with the guide(s) generally takes place at the Tourist Office reception or, with the agreement of the Tourist Office, at the Tourist Information point in Saint-Céneri). -The prices do not include admission to museums, champagne houses or meals. -Rates apply to consecutive hours, with each hour begun being payable in full. In the case of packages, prices include (depending on the package chosen and as described in the Tourist Office commercial documents): -The provision by the Tourist Office of one or more guides (the meeting with the guide(s) generally takes place at the Tourist Office reception or, with the agreement of the Tourist Office, at the Tourist Information point in Saint-Céneri). -A meal or meals with or without drinks included, depending on the package chosen, as described in the Tourist Office commercial documents. -Admission to the museums shown (unless otherwise specified in the Tourist Office commercial documents). -Accommodation (depending on the package chosen, as described in the Tourist Office commercial documents) Prices do not include the tourist tax (taxe de séjour), which must be paid directly to the accommodation provider. Prices do not include any royalties payable to SACEM, unless specified in the programme. Rates apply to groups with their own audio-enabled vehicle providing a seat for the guide. The price of packages quoted in the group brochure is
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per person and on the basis of a minimum of thirty (30) participants. Clients should contact the Tourist Office Sales Department for rates on any other basis. These rates are valid for guided tour and package services delivered in 2016, i.e. from 1 June to 31 December 2016, and 2017, i.e. from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. Changing economic circumstances may result in modifications to rates and services. ARTICLE 5 – CONDITIONS OF DELIVERY OF SERVICE The duration of the service is that set out in the booking contract or price quote completed and signed by the client. In view of its predetermined nature, under no circumstances can that duration be extended beyond the date on which the service is to be delivered. In order for the service to be delivered as provided for, the client must be present on the day specified and at the times set out in the booking contract. The meeting point is at the Tourist Office reception or, with the agreement of the Tourist Office, at the Tourist Information point in Saint-Céneri. For tours outside the city of Alençon, if the meeting point is outside the city centre, the cost of transport from the city centre to the meeting point will be met by the client. If delayed, the client undertakes to inform the Tourist Office by telephone on 33/02 33 80 66 33. In the event of the client’s late arrival, the services may be cut short, without the client being entitled to any price reduction or refund, or extended, depending on the guide’s availability. In the latter eventuality, the client undertakes to pay a supplement corresponding to the additional time spent by the guide over and above the expected duration of the service, on the basis of current rates. If the services booked by the client include accommodation, hotel rooms must be vacated no later than 12 noon on the day of departure. Tours are subject to the opening days and hours of the various monuments, museums and establishments. In the vent of unscheduled closure, the Tourist Office can under no circumstances be held liable for failure to provide the tour, such closure being considered as a fortuitous event. Furthermore, it is not possible to visit the interior of churches on Sunday mornings while services are being held. Similarly, should it prove impossible to visit the interior of a church due to an unscheduled religious ceremony, the Tourist Office can under no circumstances be held liable for failure to provide the tour of the interior, such being considered as a fortuitous event. For group tours, the number of guides provided is one guide for thirty (30) participants maximum, with the exception of walking tours, for which the provision is one guide for twenty-five (25) participants maximum. In the case of group tours, the client expressly acknowledges and accepts that in the event of the client’s failure to provide an audio-enabled vehicle with a seat for the guide, the guide will be entitled to refuse to lead the tour. ARTICLE 6 - VOUCHERS On receipt of the contract and of payment in full (under the conditions set out in article 3 of these general terms and conditions of sale), the Tourist Office will issue the client with vouchers to present to the service providers used. Depending on the time available between the date of payment and the date of travel, however, these vouchers may be handed over to the client directly upon arrival. ARTICLE 7 – ADDITIONAL SERVICES A client requiring services additional to those offered in the Tourist Office commercial documents should contact the Tourist Office Sales Department to request a detailed price quote. The quote submitted to the client will set out the terms, in particular the financial terms, of such additional services. ARTICLE 8 – CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT Any cancellation, whether total or partial, must be notified to the Tourist Office by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. Cancellation by the client of part of the services ordered and/or fewer participants than provided for in the booking contract or price quote are considered as partial cancellations. In the event of total or partial cancellation by the client, the Tourist Office will automatically apply penalties, on the following conditions: - If the total or partial cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to commencement of the service, no penalty will be applied and the Tourist Office will refund the deposit paid less handling charges. Depending on the general terms and conditions of sale of the service providers concerned, however, this 30-day period may be extended. - If the total or partial cancellation is made between the 30th and the 21st day prior to commencement of the service, a penalty of 30% of the price of the service will be retained. - If the total or partial cancellation is made between the 20th and the 8th day prior to commencement of the service, a penalty of 50% of the price of the service will be retained. - If the total or partial cancellation is made between the 7th and the 3rd day prior to commencement of the service, a penalty of 80% of the price of the service will be retained. - If the total or partial cancellation is made less than 3 days prior to commencement of the service, the full amount will be retained. In the event of total cancellation, the penalty will be calculated on the basis of the total price of the services ordered. In the event of partial cancellation, the penalty will be calculated on the basis of the price of the service(s) ordered or on the total price of the services ordered proportional to the shortfall in the number of participants (except in special circumstances). If the payment received by the Tourist Office is insufficient to cover the penalties due, the Tourist Office will invoice the client for the remainder of the penalties. If the number of participants is less than the number shown in
the contract, the cost of the service will be recalculated. ARTICLE 9 - MODIFICATION OF A MATERIAL ELEMENT OF THE CONTRACT BY THE TOURIST OFFICE Should the Tourist Office be obliged to modify a material element of the contract prior to the scheduled date of commencement of the service, the client may, without prejudice to any claim for damages that may be suffered, and after receiving notification from the Tourist Office by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt: - Either terminate the contract and obtain an immediate refund of all sums paid. - Or accept the modification or substitution of services proposed by the Tourist Office. - The parties then sign an amendment to the contract setting out the modifications made, without penalties. If the replacement service costs less than the service ordered, the difference in price will be deducted from any sums remaining due from the client; if the payment already made by the client exceeds the price of the modified service, the excess amount paid will be refunded to the client. ARTICLE 10 – INABILITY OF THE TOURIST OFFICE, DURING THE DELIVERY OF SERVICE, TO DELIVER THE SERVICES STATED IN THE CONTRACT Should the Tourist Office find itself unable, during the delivery of the service, to deliver the bulk of the services set out in the contract, representing a substantial proportion of the price paid by the client, the Tourist Office will, without prejudice to any claim by the client for damages suffered, offer a service to replace the scheduled service and will cover any additional cost incurred. If the service accepted by the client is of lesser quality, the Tourist Office will refund the client the difference in price. If the Tourist Office is unable to offer a replacement service or if the client refuses the replacement services on valid grounds, the Tourist Office undertakes to refund the client the cost of services not delivered as a proportion of the total price charged for the services. ARTICLE 11 – CANCELLATION BY THE TOURIST OFFICE Should the Tourist Office cancel the service prior to commencement, it must inform the client by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. The client will receive an immediate refund, without penalty, of all sums paid, without prejudice to any claim for damages suffered, and will also receive compensation at least equal to the penalty that would have been payable had the cancellation been made by the client at that point in time. These provisions do not apply when an amicable agreement is reached by which the client accepts a replacement service proposed by the Tourist Office. ARTICLE 12 – TRANSFER OF THE CONTRACT BY THE CLIENT The client may transfer the contract to a transferee meeting the same conditions as the client for delivery of the service. In such an eventuality, the client is required to inform the Tourist Office accordingly, by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, no later than 7 days prior to the commencement of the service. The contract must be transferred at its cost price. The transferor and transferee are jointly and severally liable to the Tourist Office for payment of the price and for any additional expenses incurred as a result of the transfer. ARTICLE 13 – MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS Package tours, as described in the Tourist Office price lists and commercial documents, and additional services may be dependent upon a minimum number of participants, as set out in the commercial documents or the price quote signed by the client. Should the minimum number of participants not be reached, the Tourist Office reserves the right to cancel the service. In such an event, the Tourist Office is required to inform the client accordingly, by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, no later than 15 days prior to the scheduled commencement of the service. The Tourist Office undertakes in such an eventuality to refund the client all payments received in respect of the cancelled service. Cancellation on these grounds does not, however, entitle the client to any compensation. ARTICLE 14 - DISPUTES Any complaint regarding a service must be notified to the Tourist Office by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt within three (3) days following delivery of the service, at the following address: Office de Tourisme de la communauté urbaine d’Alençon, Maison d’Ozé – Place de la Magdeleine, 61000 Alençon. The Tourist Office will not admit any complaint that fails to follow this procedure. In the event of a dispute, the parties will attempt to reach an amicable settlement. Should this not prove possible, the parties undertake to submit their dispute to the Quality Department of the Fédération Nationale des Offices de Tourisme et Syndicats d’Initiative, which will use its best efforts to reach an amicable settlement. If no such settlement can be reached, the dispute will be brought before the competent courts of the City of Alençon. ARTICLE 15 – INSURANCE - GUARANTEES The Tourist Office has taken out tour operator civil liability insurance with Generali (Segment Entreprises Dommages Entreprises – 75456 Paris CEDEX 09) under policy no. AP 513 715 and a financial guarantee with APST to cover the consequences of professional civil liability to which the Tourist Office may be exposed in its capacity as a local tourism body authorised to market tourism products. Public Industrial and Commercial Institution - Siret 818 145 963 00018 – APE 7990 Z Office de Tourisme de la communauté urbaine d’Alençon, local tourism body listed on the register of tour operators and travel agents under no. IM061160001.
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Office de Tourisme d’Alençon Maison d’Ozé - Place de la Magdeleine 61000 ALENÇON
02 33 80 66 33
contact@visitalencon.com www.visitalencon.com