Bellême
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Bellême |
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 Bellême
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Location within Lower Normandy region
Bellême
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| Administration | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | Lower Normandy |
| Department | Orne |
| Arrondissement | Mortagne-au-Perche |
| Canton | Bellême |
| Mayor | Roussel |
| Statistics | |
| Elevation | 162–230 m (531–750 ft) |
| Land area1 | 1.71 km2 (0.66 sq mi) |
| Population2 | 1,774 (1999) |
| - Density | 1,037 /km2 (2,690 /sq mi) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 61038/ 61130 |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
| 2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Coordinates: 48°22′38″N 0°33′41″E / 48.3772°N 0.5614°E
Bellême is a commune in the Orne department in north-western France.
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[edit] Location
At the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, two hours from Paris, Bellême, situated in the Department of the Orne, is a paradise for lovers of nature and tranquil countryside. Bellême is on a hill that dominates the Perche area.
[edit] Heraldry
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The arms of Bellême are blazoned : |
[edit] Sights
- Church of Saint-Sauveur 15th century, 16th century, rebuilt between 1675 and 1710.
- Crypt of the Saint-Santin Chapel, dating from the tenth century.
- Château Gatehouse 15th century, and Moat.
- Remains of the Ramparts, bearing a plaque commemorating the capture of the château and the town by King Saint Louis and his mother, Blanche of Castile in 1229.
- 17th century and eighteenth century houses.
- 17th century Hôtel de ville.
- Sundials on rue du Château, place de la République and place Liègeard.
[edit] Events
- Les Mycologiades internationales : Annual international wild mushroom festival.
- Bellême Christmas Illuminations 2009 : From 1 December 2009 to 4 January 2010, the businesses and houses of Bellême are decorated with thousands of lights. Animations, decorations, Nativity scenes and other Christmas attractions are presented for the enjoyment of both young and old.
[edit] Twin towns
- Goring-on-Thames
United Kingdom since 1979. - Stühlingen
Germany since 1980.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Hotel Bellême Saint-Martin
- Belleme Tourist Information (in French)
- Goring and District Twinning Association
- Stuhlingen Web page (in German)
