Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei | Alpes Mancelles Tourist Office

One of France’s Most Beautiful Villages

At the heart of the Alpes Mancelles listed site, between river and rock, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei draws its charm from its houses built of local stone – roussard sandstone – perched on the cliffs and along the Sarthe river. The village owes its origins to a hermit, Céneri, who founded a monastery in the 7th century.

The present-day church built on the rocky spur replaced the one built by the founder. It boasts remarkable paintings, the oldest of which may date back to the 12th century. Throughout the Middle Ages, the village’s geographical location, on the border between Maine and Normandy regions, made it a highly coveted site.

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei has been awarded “Plus Beaux Villages de France®” and “Petite Cité de Caractère®” labels.

A village of artists

In the 19th century, the invention of the paint tube revolutionized the history of painting. Henceforth, painters would be able to “go out” and “invent” a new style: painting from the motif. Many painters stayed at Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei and created the Saint-Céneri School. In the Auberge des Soeurs Moisy, now transformed into a museum, relive this key period in the village’s history.

A “Saint-Céneri sur le motif” walking trail, set up by the Normandie Maine Regional Nature Park, will take you to the places so beloved by these artists.

Not to be missed

the Mansonière Gardens

Gardens takes an “s” here simply because the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Manson, have conceived it as a series of gardens, each with its own specificities, charms, species and style, sometimes French, sometimes English… These gardens tell the story of their owners’ lives and passions along the paths.

Mansonière Gardens

in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

View of the Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei bridge from the church

View fromthe church

If there’s a view not to be missed, it’s undoubtedly the one offered by the church’s rocky promontory overlooking the Sarthe river and the bridge, the border between the Orne and Sarthe departments. Before discovering the view, pay close attention to the foot of the transept, where ancient Carolingian sarcophagi “overflow”, reminding us of the presence of an ancient cemetery.

The legend ofbees

As you walk around the church choir, don’t miss the bees’ nest. Since the 9th century, the bees have dug their nest in the stone and protected the church and village from the various attacks over the centuries, notably those of the Normans who behaved disrespectfully and whom the bees would attack, driving them to throw themselves off the cliff.

Lost in the middle of a meanderthe chapel

Dating from the 15th century, the legend says that this chapel, in the middle of the meadow, was built on the very site of the founder’s hermitage: Saint Céneri. The stone lying inside is said to be the Saint’s bed. It is said to have had many benefits, as does the statue of the Saint, whose feet are pricked with needles by young women in search of a husband.

The legend of

Saint Céneri

Saint Céneri was born in Italy in the 7th century. He left his homeland accompanied by his brother, Cénéré, with the aim of evangelizing Gaul. His journey took him to the Alpes Mancelles, where he settled for good, finding serenity and calm. His life was marked by many miracles.

In the chapel, you’ll be amazed by the statue of the Saint, whose base is covered with needles. Legend says that young girls wishing to get married come and prick a needle; if the needle remains planted, their wish will be granted within the year.

Want to discover Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei?