The heights of the Vallée de MisèreDiscover the animals of the Mount Narbonne animal park
Enjoy the calm and beauty of the green setting of the Alpes Mancelles.
Discover a magnificent view of the village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois
Take our “Vallée de Misère” hiking trail.
In Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, you’ll be able to discover special and rare landscapes such as scree slopes and, in particular, the Vallée de la Misère. To get there, climb up a steep path and venture onto Mont Narbonne, between the animal park and the breathtaking view of the village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois!
The Valley of MiseryNestled in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles, this deeply incised valley, overhung on either side by rocky bars and scree from the Quaternary Armorican sandstone, forms a very picturesque site of remarkable interest, not only geologically but also landscape-wise, unique in Pays de la Loire.
This valley is one of the few Sensitive Natural Area (Espaces Naturels Sensibles in french) in Sarthe. Acquired in 2017 by the Sarthe department, this scree is made up of moorland, dry grassland and woodland, home to abundant and diverse pioneer vegetation (mosses and lichens), with several species that are rare in the region.
The Valley of Misery
Vallée De Misère © Otam (3)If the valley bears this name, it’s undoubtedly because at the turn of the century, it still had a totally mineral and desolate appearance. Overexploitation of the soil and trees made it so. Today, as nature has reclaimed its rightful place, moorland and pine trees have invaded and the valley has regained its colors.
Fallow deer at Saint-Léonard-des-Bois wildlife park
On the heights of Mont Narbonne, you can also discover several rare and familiar animal species: llamas, sika deer, fallow deer, mouflons, Ouessant sheep, goats, ponies or Cotentin donkeys frolicking in a wildlife park accessible all year round.
This is an ideal place for a family outing, and also for contemplating the village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, surrounded by a rocky cirque where the river Sarthe meanders below.
A perfect place for hiking, you’ll cross this site by taking the “Vallée de Misère” hiking trail, or by following the “Histoires géologiques” trail, set up by the Normandie Maine Regional Nature Park, which takes you back in time.
Also, thanks to the interpretation panels along the way, you’ll be able to understand how the atypical Sarthe landscape of scree was formed, and discover the origin of the name of this Sensitive Natural Area located on one of the slopes of Mont Narbonne.
Misery Valley" sign
