In case you’re on the lookout for an off-the-beaten-track getaway in France then the Sarthe is a perfect interlude for an genuine break ! This département is bursting with characterful villages, expert crafts and engaging encounters.
This itinerary will information you thru essentially the most stunning locations to discover the Sarthe in only a few days. Observe the information!
This text was produced in collaboration with Sarthe Tourisme. The opinions expressed on this article are due to this fact fully my very own.
An itinerary to find the Sarthe
Right here is a recommended itinerary for locating the Sarthe in 4 to six days from Le Mans. This itinerary will take you to find La Ferté-Bernard, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, Parcé-sur-Sarthe and Malicorne-sur-Sarthe.
5 must-visit cities within the Sarthe
Le Mans
Le Mans, the prefecture of Sarthe, is the gateway to the division. Simply accessible by prepare, automotive or bus, it’s the best start line to start your itinerary.
With its Plantagenet Metropolis, which plunges you into the center of the Center Ages, its road artwork path and the Royal Abbey of Épau, Le Mans is a metropolis with no scarcity of allure. Plan for a minimum of two days to provide your self loads of time to discover it.
What to do in Le Mans Detailed information
Discover a collection of visits and good addresses to find in Le Mans on this devoted information:
La Ferté Bernard
Within the north-east of the Sarthe, head for Perche Sarthois and La Ferté-Bernard. Nicknamed the “Venice of the West”, La Ferté-Bernard is a city constructed between two arms of the Huisne.
Its medieval and Renaissance structure makes it a really nice city to find with its timber-framed homes, the city gate and above all the gorgeous Notre-Dame des Marais church, not too long ago restored.
Take the time to walk by means of the slender streets and why not make a journey on an electrical boat, accessible with no licence, to find the city in a quiet and authentic manner!
Take a gourmand break at Madame Moustache!
Right here’s a restaurant like no different on this tea room-brocante you may have lunch on the go, get pleasure from a gourmand espresso, or simply hunt for bargains since a lot of the furnishings and ornamental objects right here could be purchased.
On the plates, you’ll discover gourmand dishes made with seasonal produce. The ambiance is nice and heat, a really good deal with !
30 Promenade du Grand Mail, La Ferté-Bernard
Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to six.30pm
https://www.madame-moustache.fr/
Meet the ceramists
In your manner out of La Ferté-Bernard, cease off at La Bosse to fulfill Patricia Pérez and Lucie Bécuwe. These two ceramicists, enthusiastic about their craft, exhibit and promote their creations starting from conventional ceramics to finials.
2 rue de la Lotie, La Bosse
It’s advisable to name forward to be sure to can meet them. They are often reached at 0752487635
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Heading for the Alpes Mancelles and Fresnay-sur-Sarthe for this newest stage. Located on a rocky spur, Fresnay dominates the area. The ruins of a citadel bear witness to the medieval previous of this city, which was as soon as a stronghold to guard the encircling space from Norman invasions.
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe has been awarded the “Petite Cité de Caractère” (Small City of Character) and “Ville et Métiers d’Artwork” (City and Crafts) label, and is now a nice city with many craftsmen and craftswomen, in addition to a backyard providing an impressive panoramic view of the encircling space.
Take a break at Fresnay’s café
Between two visits, regain your energy at Fresnay’s café, a nice restaurant situated within the coronary heart of the town. The dishes are home made with contemporary produce and the ambiance is heat. As for costs, you may order à la carte or go for the menu of the day, which prices between €13 and €15.
11 rue Bailleul, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Meet Edwige Lesiourd, writer and photographer
Meet Edwige Lesiourd, photographer who works with none retouching. Her images concentrate on ecology, with sequence specializing in water, fowl feathers and bushes. She is at her studio each weekend.
3 rue Ambroise de Loré, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 12pm and a couple of.30pm to 6pm
https://www.edwigelesiourd.com/
What to see round Fresnay
Just a few kilometres from Fresnay, head for Vivoin the place the priory, a Gothic gem, recurrently hosts exhibitions in le Centre d’artwork plastiques et contemporain. Till 2 November 2025, you may see the ” Graff sur Paname ” exhibition there. Collector Jérôme Dauchez has entrusted over 100 road artists with a map of the Paris metro from the Nineteen Forties, which they’ve all reinterpreted in their very own manner. From canvas to canvas, we uncover the universe of all these artists, and it’s fascinating!
1 place des Tilleuls, Vivoin
Saturdays and Sundays, 2-6pm or by appointment by writing to contact@capc-prieuredevivoin.fr
€5 / €3 for 6-18 yr olds, free for below 6s
https://www.capc-prieuredevivoin.fr/
Close to Saint-Rémy-du-Val, in case your journey takes place in June, push open the door of the Logis de Moullins. Yearly, over the course of a weekend, the Lecture aux Animaux competition enables you to rediscover writings about animals learn by actors. A poetic second within the pretty setting of the abbey dwelling at Moullins, the place you’ll additionally discover a bookshop and a foodtruck.
https://lecturesauxanimaux.com/
Parcé-sur-Sarthe
Within the Sarthe Valley, Parcé-sur-Sarthe is a village whose present calm contrasts with its historical past ! Ravaged through the Hundred Years’ Battle and lowered to ashes, it was rebuilt within the fifteenth century. In case you discover just a few gaps between a few of the homes, it’s not by probability: traumatised by the fires, the inhabitants took care to house the homes aside to stop one other hearth from spreading.
Labelled a “Petite Cité de Caractère”, it’s now a nice village with its Tour Saint Pierre, its church and its 18th-century homes.
Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
Awarded the ” Ville et Métiers d’Artwork ” label, Malicorne is understood for its earthenware, an exercise rooted right here for the reason that late 18th century ! Nonetheless at present, craftsmen perpetuate this know-how and provides it a contemporary contact with resolutely up to date creations.
Lou François-Eugène’s workshop
Younger designer, Lou François-Eugène has been based mostly in Malicorne since 2024. She makes items with native earth, in small sequence with a play of contrasts and work round line and stroke with motifs impressed by nature. Lou additionally organises discovery workshops, by appointment.
Rue Oudinot, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
https://www.lou-francoiseugene.com/
Interactive map
Discover all of the addresses talked about on this article on this map :
Tip: use the menu on the left to filter the outcomes in line with your wants (eating places, lodging, actions…).
Take pleasure in your keep in Sarthe!
Article produced in collaboration with Sarthe Tourisme
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