The Mancelle Alps
Do not be fooled by the name: the Mancelle Alps are wooded hills crossed by the Sarthe, but their sandstone cliffs and panoramic viewpoints feel surprisingly alpine for western France. The village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, classed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, gathers bridges, hilltop chapels and artist cafés. Ideal for a romantic spring Sunday getaway.
Perseigne Forest and Lake Sillé
To the east, the Perseigne state forest offers huge beech and oak woodlands crossed by trails and lookouts. To the west, Lake Sillé-le-Guillaume, deep in the woods, offers a beach, pedal boats and a tree-top course in fine weather. People come to walk, picnic or try simple activities together, far from the bustle: nature plays matchmaker effortlessly.
Along the Loir and the Sarthe
To the south, the Sarthe-side Loir crosses La Chartre-sur-le-Loir and small wine villages such as Marçon and Lhomme, where you can taste Jasnières wine. The banks of the Sarthe, from Fresnay to Sablé, can be followed by bike or barge. On Lyad, members from the Sarthe share their favourite walks; it is up to you to find someone to climb on a bike with a packed lunch.
Date ideas
- Mancelle Alps
- Perseigne Forest
- Sarthe Valley
- Sarthe Loir
- Lake Sillé
- Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
- Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
- La Flèche Zoo
