Distance89 km
DifficultyMedium
Duration5 days
Beaconing Retouche Grp
St Leonard Rando Du Pnr 17 04 11 67GR de Pays des Alpes Mancelles
The circuit
at a glance
Beaconing Retouche GrpMarkings to follow
This trail is fully signposted in both directions according to the standards of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre. On the western and southern sections, it follows the GR 36, marked in red and white. On the northern section, it follows the GR235, also marked in red and white. On the eastern side, it’s the link between the two that “closes” the GRP loop, and is marked in yellow and red.
Discover it all along your journey
The château park at Fresnay-sur-SartheFresnay-sur-Sarthe
Voted 2nd “Village Préféré des Français” in 2021 on Stéphane Bern’s famous TV show. This ancient fortified town, now a Petite Cité de Caractère, sits on a rocky spur overlooking the Sarthe river. Its charm lies in its narrow streets, church, covered market and castle, the ruins of which can still be seen in the town’s garden.
Coteau des Vignes vineyardsCoteau des Vignes
If the GR de Pays takes you through the charming Rue du Bourgneuf on the banks of the Sarthe river, be sure to make a little “detour” to the heights to discover this Espace Naturel Sensible, which, as its name suggests, “hides” vines. They were replanted in 2013 after disappearing in the 1920s due to phylloxera. The view is just magnificent!
La Maréchalerie at Gesnes-le-GandelinGesnes-le-Gandelin
As you drive through the village, you’ll discover a rich and sometimes “unusual” heritage, such as its farriery, where you can still see some of the elements used by the farrier. There’s also the church, with its astonishing “narthex”, a sort of small courtyard at the entrance, and the “pierre à brailler”, where the village warden used to shout out important news.
Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei church overlooking the river SartheSaint-Céneri-le-Gérei
If the GR de Pays doesn’t take you directly through the village of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, be sure to stop off for a break. The reason: you’re in one of France’s most beautiful villages. It’s easy to see why 19th-century painters were particularly fond of this village: the river, the church on its rocky promontory, the houses, the chapel – it’s all an open-air painting!
Domaine du Gasseau in Saint-Léonard-des-BoisDomaine du Gasseau
For an invigorating break, this is the place to be! A natural garden to stroll through, a café-nature store to enjoy, and a hotel-restaurant are just some of the reasons to stop off for a few hours or even an evening. In summer, take advantage of its rich cultural season, with concerts, exhibitions, visits… This place also abounds in activities: accrobranche, horse-riding, disc-golf… there’s something for everyone!
Saint-Léonard-des-Bois and Mont du Haut-FourchéSaint-Léonard-des-Bois
If, up to now, you haven’t found the route all that difficult, that’s “normal”! In fact, it’s around Saint-Léonard-des-Bois that the gradient is the greatest. This village, now a “Petite Cité de Caractère”, is surrounded by the Narbonne and Haut Fourché mounts. Beyond these small hills, it’s the sudden escarpment that takes you by surprise, with its rocky outcrops and scree slopes.
Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier lake at sunsetSaint-Paul-le-Gaultier
Today, the village has just 270 inhabitants, but you’ll be surprised by its charm. Its pond, below the village, is ideal for fishing, of course, but also for family gatherings, with its children’s games, petanque courts and picnic tables by the water. Its charm also comes from its church, set on a promontory overlooking the Merdereau valley, and the wash-house below.
Saint-Georges-le-Gaultier viaductSaint-Georges-le-Gaultier
This commune boasts a large number of archaic crosses, stone crosses typical of our region. Their function is not always obvious, but one of them, called the “shell cross” because of its carved scallop shells, was a landmark for pilgrims. Along the way, you’ll also come across an old viaduct built in 1913 which, because of the war, was never used, but is now the delight of bungee jumpers.
The Sillé ForestSillé-le-Guillaume forest
Acquired by the French State in 1925, and until then owned by the Barons of Sillé, this state-owned forest covers 3,500 hectares. This forest massif covers part of the Coëvrons mountain range and a narrow, elongated hill, giving it a relief that surprises hikers. Once over-exploited, the forest is now managed by the ONF (National Forestry Commission), which is recovering its beautiful species and producing quality timber.
P46 SillleCoco Plage
The 32-hectare lake in the middle of this state-owned forest has been a magnet for Sillé locals since the early 20th century. People come here for lunch and a swim. In 1924, a local, Gabriel Richefeu, nicknamed “Coco”, opened the 1st bar on Sunday afternoons. Thus began the story of Coco Plage. Today, the site attracts thousands of visitors in search of leisure and conviviality.
Short hiking trails
