Beaumont-sur-Sarthe

Strategic point between Normandy and the Maine region

The town boasts a rich heritage: Romanesque gateway, feudal motte, halles, Romanesque bridge dominated by an 11th-century castle.

Getting there

Discover the history of the Maine region

in Beaumont-sur-Sarthe

The history of Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, known until the French Revolution as Beaumont-le-Vicomte, is directly linked to the history of the Counts of the Maine region who, wanting to prevent themselves from Norman incursions, made the town a stronghold.

Installed on a hillside overlooking the Sarthe river, the town, defended on one side by the “old keep” and on the other by the motte, grew over the centuries.

Still preserved today are the narrow, winding streets, part of the old castle, the Romanesque bridge and the church, which underwent numerous alterations, the most unusual was perhaps the reversal of the chancel in the 17th century, with the choir now facing west.

Download the Beaumont-sur-Sarthe discovery booklet (french)3MB

Not to be missed

The Town Hall's terraced garden

Dominated by the De Perrochel family’s former 18th-century town house, now the town hall, this garden is ideal for strolling. It features a mix of local trees and shrubs, as well as a remarkable rose garden, complete with small bridges, kiosks, etc. The garden is open to the public during the day only.

Must-see

in Beaumont-sur-Sarthe

View fromthe Romanesque bridge

Located below the modern bridge, the 11th-century Romanesque bridge spans the Sarthe river and offers a fine view of the communal washhouse. If you turn your head to the other side, you’ll have a panoramic view of the town with the (private) castle in the background.

Art Rue du Bercail in Beaumont-sur-Sarthe

Unusual!The contemporary art house

This house is located in the Rue du Bercail, at the foot of the church. It used to be a store selling knick-knacks, religious statues and crockery. Broken items were recycled to create a mosaic on the façade.

View fromthe motte

This ancient feudal motte, also known as Motte à Madame, was donated to the town in 1818 by the Comte de Faudoas, Knight of Malta. In return, the town was obliged to keep the area around the motte as a place for walking and relaxation. Today, you’ll find a mini-golf course and a panoramic view over the Sarthe river.

A local personality

Albert Maignan,
painter and illustrator

Albert Maignan, born on October 14th, 1845 in Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, which he left to study law in Paris. He quickly developed a passion for painting, and devoted his entire life to it. Recognized for his work, he exhibited regularly at the Salon des Artistes Français and won numerous awards. The tapestries in the grand salon of the French Senate were executed according to his cartoons and bear his signature. He died on September 29th, 1908 in Saint-Prix.

Want to discover Beaumont-sur-Sarthe?