France's leading private zoo, La Flèche Zoo attracts over 300,000 visitors a year. Although it became known (in part) thanks to the TV show "Une saison au zoo", this magnificent animal park well deserves its reputation. We find their efforts in favor of animal protection 100% commendable! Now that you've finished visiting this little treasure of the Sarthe region, what's there to do around La Flèche zoo? Follow our clever little guide! We've found 13 must-sees within an hour's drive.
1. What to do around La Flèche zoo? Château du Lude
Once you've followed all the good tips for visiting La Flèche zoo, drive the 21 km to Château du Lude (approx. 20 minutes' drive). A former medieval fortress transformed into a magnificent pleasure residence, we found superb decorated rooms, royal apartments, period furniture and exceptional tapestries. Majestic, very well preserved, this superb castle surrounded by round towers is a splendor! We literally fell under the spell of the French gardens, as well as the tour and history of the château, which we spent around two hours visiting, so as not to miss a thing.
Good to know: dogs on a leash are allowed on this tour.
2. A breath of fresh air in the Loir valley
The La Flèche zoo is 15 km from the Vallée du Loir, a 15-minute drive. Totally enchanted, we discovered some breathtakingly picturesque villages. Bazouges-sur-le-Loir, for example, unveiled a beautiful castle surrounded by water and greenery. A little further on, in Poncé-sur-le-Loirwe took the time to stroll through the elegant gardens of the Renaissance château.
Are you a nature lover? Good news, we found there were plenty of outdoor activities in the area! Fishing and canoeing punctuated our discovery of the Loir valley for a few days. What a delight!
Read the article: Sarthe by bike: the best routes and circuits in 2025
3. Visit Solesmes Abbey
L'abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmesfounded over a thousand years ago, is a veritable treasure trove of spirituality and heritage! As soon as we walked through its doors, we were enveloped by the serenity of the setting and the beauty of its architecture. It's here, in this peaceful setting, that the famous Gregorian chant is practiced, an art that resonates in every nook and cranny. So, if you're looking for calm, beauty and spirituality,Solesmes Abbey is a must-see around La Flèche zoo (allow around 35 minutes to cover the 30 km between the two points of interest).
4. Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages at Asnières-sur-Vègre
The charm ofAsnières-sur-Vègre reminded us a little of the tranquility of the Cotswolds in England. Pretty little houses, peaceful surroundings, a stream topped by a small bridge: it was a real coup de coeur! The medieval atmosphere can be felt everywhere, notably at Saint-Hilaire church and the Manoir de la Cour. The latter organizes themed events to ensure that families have a great time. In our case, the feeling was unanimous: children and parents alike loved it!
5. What to do around La Flèche zoo? The Sarthe Valley
We remember the Sarthe Valley as a treasure trove of pretty spots to explore! As always, we loved wandering through typical villages like Sablé-sur-Sarthewhere you'll discover a pretty historic center with old houses and the Saint-Jacques church. But for those of us who love walking, we were particularly taken by the varied landscapes, with rivers, forests and fields, that surround the local villages. Whether on foot or by bike, there's something for everyone!
Petit Futé Tip: if you're lucky enough to have several days to visit the area around La Flèche zoo, book a guided tour of the Sarthe valley. That way, you'll see all the best spots!
6. Château du Plessis-Bourré
45 km and three-quarters of an hour's drive from La Flèche zoo lies a heritage treasure: the château du Plessis-Bourréin Écuillé. Beneath this smiling name lies a real cloak-and-dagger castle. If you're traveling with children, you've found a real little nugget! In a late medieval/early Renaissance setting, we discovered the perfect mix of fortress (with drawbridges, moat and prison) and fairytale castle. It was magical! It was a real pleasure to wander through its richly decorated rooms and magnificent grounds, where we also enjoyed a picnic.
Good to know: many films have been shot in this romantic setting, including Peau d'âne and Louis XI, le pouvoir fracassé. Interested? Check out our Top 27 castles to visit in France!
7. What to do around La Flèche zoo? Le Mans 24-hour museum
For fans of cars, racing or both! Visit 24h of Le Mans Museum is a must-see, even if, like us, you weren't lucky enough to attend the famous race. This legendary Sarthe venue is 43 km from La Flèche zoo, a 40-minute drive.
The permanent collection comprises over 100 vintage vehicles. Here we embark on the epic story of the 24 hours of Le Mans, its beginnings, its tragedies and its victories. We found this museum as moving as it is interesting, and won't hesitate to return once the upgrades are completed, scheduled for spring 2026. By the way, did you know that the 24h du Mans museum is one of the most beautiful automobile museums in France?
Good to know: there are guided tours that include the museum + the circuit: even better for real fans!
8. Discover the art of earthenware at Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
Malicorne-sur-Sarthe has been awarded the "Ville et Métiers d'Art" label the art of earthenware an art of living. Allow around 25 minutes to cover the 21 km between the zoo and this little corner of paradise. In particular, we found the Musée de la faïence et de la céramique really fascinating. Here, the centuries-old history of the local earthenware industry was passionately recounted to us!
As we wandered around the village, we also came across many artisan workshops, perpetuating this fine tradition of the arts of fire. But there's more to Malicorne than just art: theChurch of Saint-Sylvestre and its Gothic recumbent statue rounded off our visit, as did the listed château that watches over the village. In short, although we landed in Malicorne somewhat by chance, it turned out to be a real "coup de coeur"!
9. Fall under the spell of Saint-Denis-d'Anjou
The village of Saint-Denis d'Anjou is one of the pretty places to visit around La Flèche zoo (40 km and about the same amount of driving time). Located in Mayenne, in the Pays de la Loire region, it has been awarded the " Petite Cité de Caractère" label. The heritage we discovered there left us speechless... Medieval and Renaissance influences are everywhere in this absolutely charming flower-filled village. Our impression: a complete change of scenery !
Good to know: Every two years in June, Saint-Denis-d'Anjou hosts the"Maine Uke Festiv'Halles". This ukulele festival brings together renowned guests and offers a rich program: initiations, open stage and friendly atmosphere on the menu!
Read also: Top 25 most beautiful villages in France
10. What to do around La Flèche zoo? Visit the Château de Saumur
The Château de Saumur, nicknamed the Château d'Amour, is the epitome of princely medieval architecture. Over the years, it has welcomed crowned heads as well as prisoners, and today houses the superb Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Cheval. When we saw that the site was a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we quickly understood why. What splendor! Magnificently preserved, enthroned proudly on its "Emerald Rock", the Château-palais des Ducs d'Anjou is a real nugget to visit around the La Flèche zoo (just under an hour for 57 km).
Read more: What to do in Saumur Top 15 must-sees and must-visits
One of the best things to do in Saumur is to climb aboard a traditional "toue cabanée", a boat typical of the Loire, by booking here. You'll be able to observe the fauna, flora and emblematic monuments of Saumur!
11. Discover the history of Fontevraud Abbey
It will take you around an hour from La Flèche zoo to drive the 65 km to theAbbaye Royale de Fontevraud. It's another UNESCO World Heritage site that really took our breath away! Founded in the 11th century, it's a magical place, where history comes to life, telling us here and there the secrets of the Plantagenets. Between immersive exhibitions and guided tours, you'll find plenty of fascinating information in this place steeped in history.
Visiting the abbey with the family? Good news! Children will have a blast, thanks to the Time Passages map, which turns every young visitor into an intrepid explorer. We also enjoyed the family creative workshops, which added their own dose of fun to this family visit. As a bonus, we invite you to discover the Musée d'Art Moderne, with over 800 works of art.
The article to read: Top 15 most beautiful abbeys to visit in France in 2025
12. Visit the Château d'Angers and its other treasures
Le château d'Angers is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Pays de la Loire region, so don't miss out! The town is only three quarters of an hour from La Flèche zoo (approx. 57 km). With its superb defensive towers, period ramparts and famous Apocalypse Tapestry, it left us with some lovely memories. Tempted? Take advantage of our partner's special rates by booking your ticket to the Château d'Angers here!
Visiting Angers also means discovering its cathedral, the Jean Lurçat museum, the charming Droute district, and the Maison d'Adam. We spent a whole weekend there, and have no regrets.
Read the article: What to do in Angers Top 15 must-sees and must-visits
13. What to do around La Flèche zoo? Fun at Terra Botanica
Stay a little longer in Angers to discover the magnificent Terra Botanica park, a delight for young and old alike! Offering total immersion and fun in the world of plants, this park is one of the most unusual we've visited in France. From the Botanical Odyssey, Terra Seen From Above and the Walnut Shell Journey (to name but a few!), it's hard to say what we enjoyed most. The mix of entertainment and nature awareness was absolutely perfect. We'll be back with great pleasure to explore the magical universes again, including "Escapade en Anjou" and "le Végétal Insolite".
We recommend that you book your park tickets before your visit by clicking here.
The article to read: Tips and tricks to organize your day at Terra Botanica
Did you like the things to do around La Flèche zoo? Discover the must-sees in Maine-et-Loire: we've found the area to be superb! Between nature, castles, abbeys and the surrounding towns and villages, you can't get bored. If you dare to go a little further, you can also visit Tours, as well as numerous châteaux, including Chenonceaux, Montgeoffroy and Châteaubriant. We visited a lot of them, and came back with plenty of memories (and cameras!).
