Fresnay-sur-Sarthe | Alpes Mancelles Tourist Office

View of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe from Coteau des Vignes

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe covered market and castle gate

Saturday morning market in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe

Gateway to Notre-Dame church in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe

More than 1000 years of history

Although Fresnay-sur-Sarthe probably existed as early as the 6th century, it was in the 9th and 10th centuries that its history really began and the town began to take shape. The starting point was its castle, built on a rocky spur overlooking the Sarthe river, and its ford, which provided a means of controlling comings and goings.

The Viscounts of Beaumont, vassals of the Counts of Maine, made use of this strategic position against Norman incursions. The city was later equipped with ramparts and fortified gates, traces of which can still be seen today.

Several monuments still bear witness to the city’s importance and history. Among them: the 12th-century church, enlarged in the 19th century, whose sculpted portal is a gem. Its covered market (halles), rebuilt in the 19th century, was used as a sales outlet for Fresnay’s famous canvases.

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe has been awarded “Petite Cité de Caractère®” and “Ville et Métiers d’Art” labels.

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

English print version available in Fresnay’s tourist office.

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, village of arts and crafts!

At the end of 2022, the town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe was awarded a new label: “Ville et Métiers d’Art”.

This gives the town’s many craftsmen national recognition for their skills: jeweler, blacksmith, illustrator, upholsterer, leather craftsman, stained glass maker, art carver.

The workshops are complemented by designer boutiques and numerous brocantes.

The town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe is the 100th commune in France to be awarded the “Ville et Métiers d’Art” label.

©Logo Ville et Métiers d'Art|Logo Ville et Métiers d'Art

Plumes et CieNathalie Gavet4 Place Thiers

Illustrations with volume additions

+33 (0)6 45 95 87 17

Corentin Chedozeau - Atelier du fer fresnois

Atelier du fer fresnoisCorentin Chedozeau7 Rue du Petit Crochet

Art blacksmith

+33 (0)6 35 16 47 91

La forge de lumièreMarianne PelcerfRuelle du Lion

Stained-glass artist

+33 (0)6 81 82 59 59

Le terrier du cuirAntoine Rouaud14 Rue Abbé Lelièvre

Leather objects

+33 (0)6 26 68 18 58

L'Antre du ChêneEdwige Lesiourd3 Rue Ambroise de Loré

Photographer and author

+33 (0)7 84 82 70 86

Atelier tapissierFrédéric Lutard52 Grande Rue

Upholstery

+33 (0)7 87 23 22 02

Taillandier d'armesPascal Turpin13 Rue Saint-Sauveur

Weaponsmith

+33 (0)7 45 07 83 33

Le Scribe des BoisMarina Villenave51 Grande Rue

Bookbinder and restorer

+33 (0)6 44 08 16 27

Discover Fresnay-sur-Sarthe

in video

with Stéphane Bern for "Le Village préféré des français" TV show

Not to be missed

Coteau des Vignes

The Coteau des Vignes site offers a fantastic view over the Sarthe Valley and the town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe.
This little corner with its Mediterranean feel is home to rare and uncommon plant species specific to limestone lawns and meadows.
It is one of the Espaces Naturels Sensibles listed in the Sarthe.

A sensitive natural areaThe Coteau des Vignes

Discover the history of

Sarthoise headdresses

200 years of Sarthe headdress history presented by the lingères of the Association “La bise-moi vite”. From the bonnette to the Bise-moi vite and the Galette, discover a fine collection of 180 Sarthe headdresses, presented on original marottes and worn successively by Sarthoise women since 1800.

Explanations are given by lingères who patiently and meticulously restore these lace headdresses, often forgotten and yellowed by time. Occasional bobbin lace demonstrations are offered by lacemakers.

Discover the Headdress museum

Headdress Museum

Must-see

in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe

Take a step back in timeCastle Park

Situated on a rocky spur, the castle park offers a breathtaking view of the Sarthe river and the Creusot district, where old weavers’ houses can be seen. In the middle of the park are the ruins of the keep. Closed at night.

Stroll down theRue du Bourgneuf

Walk along this partly cobbled street on the banks of the Sarthe river to enjoy the tranquility of the place. Take your time to discover the pretty typical houses and take a break on a bench by the water.

Carved oak workthe church portal

The Fresnay-sur-Sarthe church is a must-see when visiting the town, particularly for its carved oak door dating from 1528. The door on the left “symbolizes” the Old Testament with the representation of the Tree of Jesse, and the one on the right, the New Testament with the 12 apostles.

A local personality

Georges Durand

Born in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe in 1864, he spent his entire childhood there. He was car enthusiast who was always very attached to his roots and he helped develop tourism in his region, notably by founding the Syndicat d’Initiatives des Alpes Mancelles and setting up tourist rallies. He also helped set up a major event for the people of Sarthe department, now world-famous, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.