Alençon, town, northern France, capital of Orne Department, on the Sarthe River, in Normandy (Normandie). Manufactures include motor-vehicle parts, textiles, and printed materials. In addition, the production of point d'Alençon, a fine lace, begun in 1665, is still carried on. Crystals of smoky quartz, known as Alençon diamonds, are found nearby. The town, capital of the old county and duchy of Alençon, was generally a royal possession from the 13th century and formally passed to the Crown in the mid-16th century; it was the seat of the court of Margaret of Navarre. Alençon was badly damaged during World War II. Population (1999) 28,935.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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