The Heritage Gallops 2026

At the very southern tip of Normandy, between Caen and Le Mans, the town of Alençon (in the Orne) is steeped in art and history, which is precisely why it’s nicknamed the “queen of lace”. Bordered by the Alpes Mancelles (yes, there are also Alps in the north of the country 🤣), you’ll be able to discover its dazzling architectural heritage through the Heritage Gallops. Don’t worry—there’s no horse riding on the program, but very much a running race!

But concretely, what’s waiting for you? A semi-night event through the “city of Dukes” in connection with the European Heritage Days, which usually take place in mid-September. A route where sport and culture intertwine, reminding us of our dear Pierre de Coubertin’s saying: “a healthy mind in a healthy body” 😇. It’ll be an opportunity for you to learn a bit more about this lace capital, which boasts a tremendous cultural wealth.

Just a stone’s throw from the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park 🌲, the sanctuary town (in homage to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux) will host this race so you can run at full speed 💥! Two courses are available: a 7 km and a 13 km, plus a distance for children of 1.8 km as a curtain-raiser to kick off the event. Total immersion guaranteed in the heart of Alençon’s heritage. 🏰

As the great VIP you are, you’ll have the honor of passing through the city’s historic monuments along the way. In particular the Halle au Blé, a sort of little sister of the Grand Palais in Paris with its large circular glass dome, which once served the grain trade 🌾. Throughout your expedition, you’ll notice that plenty of spectators line the route to keep the atmosphere going and that there’s no shortage of entertainment. In short, conviviality will definitely be there! 🥳

Other very nice spots will be on your route, but we won’t reveal any more for the moment: it’s up to you to come and discover them 🕵️‍♂️! After crossing the finish line like a Duke of Boulogne of the time, we suggest you go taste the iconic Alençon andouillette, a culinary specialty of Normandy. And don’t forget to stop by the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace (Heritage Days oblige), which retraces the technique of Point d’Alençon lace, one of a kind and the source of the town’s renown.

So many reasons why you have no excuse to turn back—so off at a gallop! 🐎