"Le passeur de Montaigu" hiking trail

A former holiday resort nestled in the heart of unspoilt nature, Domaine du Gasseau is now a leisure site for the whole family. If you like plants, come and discover the vegetable garden; if you prefer more thrills, hang on to the branches and follow the trail. The Domaine du Gasseau also offers concerts, exhibitions… in a word, fun!

By linking the two banks of the Sarthe, this chain ferry, installed in 2015, reconnects with history, when the Sarthe and Mayenne departments were in fact a single territory called the Maine.

Please note that the chain ferry is in the water and can therefore only be used from May 1st to September 30th.
For the rest of the year, it is not possible to cross the river.

A river over 310 km long, it rises in the Orne and joins the Mayenne to form the Maine. The construction of locks in the 19th century downstream of Le Mans made it navigable, allowing goods to be brought upstream from the Loire and further afield… Today, the Sarthe upstream of Le Mans, crossing the Alpes Mancelles, has remained more authentic and attracts fishing enthusiasts and kayakers…

Unexpected after just a few meters’ walk, the Toyères lookout reveals an impressive view of a verdant canyon carved out by the Sarthe river. The imposing granite cliffs make it an exceptional place for rock climbing. With a vertical drop of over 70 m and a rich flora and fauna, this is a unique place.