There's a lot more to Sarthe than the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Behind its rich automotive heritage, this Pays de la Loire department hides beautiful countryside, riverside walks and small medieval villages. At the heart of the region, Le Mans is an increasingly dynamic city, well worth exploring. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of old Le Mans and admire the half-timbered houses before enjoying a local beer at the Guingette on the waterfront. To find out more about Sarthe, follow the guide !
1- Visit Le Mans
If you're visiting Sarthe, you won't want to miss Le Mans, the department's largest city. Visit the "vieux Mans" and the Plantagenet city to admire its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and Gallo-Roman walls. Pass by Saint-Julien Cathedral, one of the most beautiful in France. To round off the day, visit La Visitation, a former convent that later became a prison, whose cloister has now been refurbished as a lively place with boutiques, terraces and restaurants. On sunny days, we recommend a visit to the guinguette des tanneries. Local beers, home-cooked food, reasonable prices, a warm welcome and a lovely waterside setting: our favorite spot!
The article to read to discover the must-sees of Le Mans.
2- Visit the Abbaye de l'Épau and the Arche de la Nature
On the outskirts of Le Mans, and accessible by streetcar from the city center, you'll find theAbbaye de l'Épau. Built around 1230 at the request of Queen Berengaria of Navarre, this Cistercian abbey is now a listed historic monument and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. Continue your tour to theArche de la Nature, a large green space near the town where you can hike or bike, and discover the Ferme de la Prairie .
The activity to book 3- A culinary tour of Le Mans, solo or with a partner.
3- The Plein Champ festival and street art
Just a stone's throw from Le Mans train station, Parc du Gué de Maulny has been hosting the Plein Champ festival since 2019. For three days, this festival dedicated to street art invites you to discover the live creation of works by some forty street artists. The event has given the town a certain notoriety in the world of urban art. Take a stroll around Le Mans and its surrounding area, and you'll discover a wealth of frescoes.
4- Visit Saint-Léonard-des-Bois
In the north of the department, the commune of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois is a charming village to discover by day. Situated in the hollow of a valley, it is surrounded by hills, forests and rivers. Here you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Also on the leisure front, Domaine du Gasseau offerstree climbing, mountain biking and a horse farm. Ideal for a family outing or weekend.
5- What to do in Sarthe? Hiking in the Alpes Mancelles
The commune of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois lies in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles. Given the relief of the area, the name may seem exaggerated. But the geology and flora of the region are reminiscent of the real Alps. It's a perfect spot for hiking in the Sarthe. We particularly recommend starting out from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois: a loop will also take you through Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, one of the most beautiful villages in France and Normandy.
Read the article to discover the best destinations for hiking.
6- The 24 Hours of Le Mans
Le Mans is best known for its 24 Hoursone of the world's most important motor races. Every year in June, participants compete in a unique endurance race lasting, as the name suggests, 24 hours. Prior to the race, you can attend the weigh-in and practice sessions, as well as the drivers' parade, held every year on the Friday before the race. If cars aren't your cup of tea, we'd still advise you to be in town for the parade- it's a great atmosphere!
7- Visit the Château du Lude
Château du Lude is one of the last great Loire Valley châteaux still inhabited. Its history dates back to the 10th century. From the 12th to the 15th century, it was built as a defensive structure. At the end of the 15th century, it was modified in the Italian Renaissance style, and in the 17th century it took on a French Renaissance style. Visit it to discover its richly decorated interiors and superb gardens. The Gardeners' Festival is held here every spring, on the first weekend in June.
Read more the most beautiful Châteaux of the Loire Valley to visit.
8- Try an escape game
For escape game enthusiasts, the Sarthe region is home to one of the best escape rooms in the world! In 2024, the TERPECA ranking of the world's best escape games ranked one ofEscape Time Le Mans 's rooms 53rd in the world. Its namesake, Alpha District, is the 2nd best French escape room, behind Deep Inside 's Full Experience in Paris. If you haven't tried it yet, go for it! Original, interactive and wildly immersive, this escape room is sure to be one of your favorites. In any case, we loved it!
Good to know : if you haven't done many escape games, start with their other rooms before tackling Alpha District, which is not recommended for beginners.
9- La Flèche Zoo
Created in 1946, La Flèche Zoo was the first private zoo in France. Today, it is one of France's most popular zoos and animal parks. The park claims to contribute to the preservation of species, conduct research and educate the public about animal issues. You'll also find over 800 plant species, used to "recreate atmospheres adapted to the animals".
Read the article to plan your visit to La Flèche Zoo.
To book your tickets for La Flèche zoo, click here.
10- Cross the département by bike on the Vélobuissonnière
The Vélobuissonnière (signposted V44) is a 240km route through the Sarthe. It links Alençon to Saumur, via Le Mans. On the Vélobuissonnière, you'll pass through the Alpes Mancelles and along the banks of the Sarthe before reaching the vineyards of the Loire Valley. This itinerary is mainly made up of greenways and quiet country roads.
Read more the best circuits and itineraries for discovering the Sarthe by bike.
11- Discover Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
If you're heading to the Alpes Mancelles from Le Mans, you're bound to pass through Fresnay-sur-Sarthe (or nearby). This ancient fortified town is well worth a detour. From the heights, you'll have a lovely panoramic view of the town and the houses lining the Sarthe. The ramparts and remains of the castle add to its medieval atmosphere.
12- Discover Sablé-sur-Sarthe
Known for its famous shortbread cookies, the small town of Sablé-sur-Sarthe is well worth a visit. As well as its sweet treats, you'll discover a beautiful riverside village. Sablé is a small town with a varied natural and cultural heritage. In particular, you can admire the Manoir Gautret, the château and the old ramparts tower, all of which have been classified as historic monuments.
13- What to do in Sarthe? Go to Parcé-sur-Sarthe
South-west of Le Mans, on the road to Angers, the small village of Parcé-sur-Sarthe is well worth a visit. This old stone village boasts many well-restored houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Architecturally, the village is charming and homogeneous. The banks of the Sarthe and the adjoining dam add a picturesque touch.
14- Saint-Pierre de Solesmes Abbey
Just outside Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Solesmes is home to an impressive Benedictine abbey whose history dates back to 1010. To see this imposing edifice dominating the river on a misty morning is a sight not to be missed.Solesmes Abbey is also a major centre for lithurgy, renowned for its Gregorian chants.
15- Visit Moulinsart Island
In the commune of Fillé, just outside Le Mans, Moulinsart Island is a pretty little corner of greenery. Set on the water's edge, this park offers both a natural interlude and cultural activities. Join us for a picnic, visit the Moulin Cyprien and take a paddle before visiting the contemporary art center. There's also a small bistro-guinguette to welcome you.
16- What to do in Sarthe? Taste the local specialties
When it comes to local specialities, the Sarthe is best known for its rillettes(even if war rages between Sarthe and Touraine over who gets the recipe first). The department is also famous for its shortbread and Jasnières, a fresh, slightly sweet white wine. Alternatively, don't hesitate to visit the Marché des Jacobins in Le Mans on a Sunday morning. Choose your products and enjoy them on the terrace of one of the local cafés, overlooking the esplanade and the Cathédrale Saint-Julien .
If you're interested in a trip to the Sarthe region, book your tickets now to take advantage of the best rates:
