Argentan: Lace, Art, Architectural History and Nature

Argentan brings together art, crafts and architectural history with nature and hiking. If you’re looking for a hotel in Argentan, you can plan your stay around whether you’d mainly like to visit museums and historic buildings or also make time for the landscape and activities on the water.

Lace-making and art from Argentan

The Maison des Dentelles is dedicated to Norman lace, including the needle-lace Point d’Argentan and Point d’Alençon. It also traces the economic and social history of lace production, including its heyday in Argentan in the 17th and 18th centuries. Another historical point of interest is the lace-making school founded in 1874 at Argentan’s Benedictine abbey, whose history is also explored by the museum.

The Musée Fernand Léger – André Mare is dedicated to two major 20th-century artists from Argentan. Opened on 6 July 2019, the museum is housed in Fernand Léger’s birthplace in the town centre. Its seven galleries feature childhood drawings, illustrated books, decorative arts objects and paintings. The museum is close to shops and a ten-minute walk from the train station. This makes it a useful landmark when planning your stay and considering the location of individual cultural attractions.

Churches, fortifications and local history

The present-day Église Saint-Germain was built between the 15th and 18th centuries and combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Its features include a 15th-century Gothic portal, a Renaissance choir, a Norman-style lantern tower and a Flamboyant Gothic nave. The church is illuminated after dark throughout the year. Its different architectural elements reflect several periods rather than forming a single, uniform architectural style.

The Tour Marguerite is a remnant of Argentan’s 14th-century fortifications. Its rampart walk offers views over the town. Visits can be arranged on request through the cultural services department by calling 07 85 51 24 95. The Chapelle Saint-Nicolas also offers an insight into local history: it was built in the 14th century at the initiative of Pierre II de Valois, Count of Alençon, and houses an 18th-century oak altarpiece. Contemporary art exhibitions and art workshops are also held there throughout the year; the programme may change.

The Château des Ducs was burned down during the Hundred Years’ War and took its present form in the 14th century. Along with the church, chapel and Tour Marguerite, it illustrates different aspects of Argentan’s architectural and urban history.

Wetlands, water and hiking trails

Les Pâtures is designated an « Espace Naturel Sensible » by the Orne Department. The landscape includes streams, ponds, reed beds and wet meadows. A walking trail with information panels explains how the area is managed and maintained. The protected European otter, the amphibious vole and the great burnet occur here year-round. The site thus offers a close-up view of the landscape as well as information about its management.

Canoeing and kayaking are available at the Plan d’eau de la Noë in July and August. PL Argentan Canoë-Kayak offers trips lasting from one hour to a full day. They start and finish at the base in Argentan, with a shuttle available if needed. Two long-distance trails also offer different options for planning a route: the GR22 pilgrimage route passes through Argentan, with one stage running between Le Bourg-Saint-Léonard, Argentan and Écouché. The GR 36 connects Argentan and Caen and passes through rural, unspoilt Normandy. For seasonal activities and trail conditions, it is advisable to check before travelling.

Plan your stay around your interests

The cultural attractions cover a range of subjects: lace-making, 20th-century art, religious buildings and remnants of the fortifications. Les Pâtures, waterside activities and long-distance trails offer other ways to shape your trip. Conditions also vary: canoeing and kayaking are available in July and August, while visits to the Tour Marguerite are by request. If you’re looking for a hotel in Argentan, these differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: La Chapelle-Montligeon, Saint-Germain-De-La-Coudre, Alencon, Cerisé, Mahéru, Le Pas-Saint-L'homer, Aubry-le-Panthou, Trun

For the broader travel overview: Orne.