On the roads of the Alpes Mancelles | Alpes Mancelles Tourist Office

More than 100 kilometers through
the Alpes Mancelles

The Alpes Mancelles are the birthplace of Georges Durand, one of the founders of the famous 24h of Le Mans, so it’s only natural that we offer you here an itinerary to do by car or motorcycle. All along this hundred-kilometer circuit, you’ll discover all the facets of our region!

As you wind your way along the winding roads, you’ll appreciate unspoilt countryside, unique landscapes, characterful villages and surprising sites… Let’s get started!

Beware, this itinerary is not signposted!

Discover the circuit

Click on the pins to discover the points of interest!

Villages not to be missed

Must-see sites

Take a break in the heart of nature

Your itinerary

in 3 steps

Our route starts from Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, but it's totally possible to use any other commune as a starting point!

1st stage from Fresnay-sur-Sarthe to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei: “Towards the heart of the Alpes Mancelles”

Start point: Place de la République in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
After discovering the town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe and its medieval town center, head for Sillé-le-Guillaume (D310).
Then head for Douillet-le-Joly (D120). Cross the village and continue towards Saint-Georges-le-Gaultier (D120). Before you reach the village, look out for the Viaduct on your right, now used for bungee jumping.
Cross the village and head towards Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier (D105). Don’t hesitate to stop for a while by the lake to enjoy the peace and quiet. Head back towards Saint-Léonard-des-Bois (D15 then D146 then D112) and enjoy the landscape of small mountains of the Alpes Mancelles.
Just outside the village, don’t miss the Domaine du Gasseau, a leisure site for the whole family. Then head for Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei (D146 then D56), one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

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

View of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe from Coteau des Vignes

Sculpture at the Jardin d'Art Brut Fernand Châtelain

Fanum and archaeological site of Oisseau-le-Petit

2nd stage from Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei to Piacé:
“In search of curiosities!”

Then retrace your steps to Moulins-le-Carbonnel (D56), Gesnes-le-Gandelin (D56) then Oisseau-le-Petit (D56 then D124). Just before you reach Oisseau-le-Petit, you’ll see the Gallo-Roman Fanum on your left, a vestige of the past. Then cross the D338 to Bourg-le-Roi (D124), a medieval town that has preserved part of its town wall.
After enjoying the beautiful heritage of this village, head for Fyé (D108) then turn left just after the freeway to join the D56BIS and discover an atypical place: the Jardin d’Art Brut Fernand Chatelain.

Two options are open to you:

Taking your time through the countryside (18.4 km, dark blue variant):
Going through Fyé, head for Rouessé-Fontaine (D56BIS), through the village then on to Chérancé (D55). Take a break by the lake, surrounded by trees. Then continue on your way through Coulombiers (D118), then you’ll reach Piacé (D129).

Go faster by following the D338 (7.5 km, yellow variant):
Continue on the D338 through La Hutte to reach the village of Piacé.

Take your time to explore this village, home to the Piacé le Radieux – Bézard-Le Corbusier contemporary art center, where you’ll be able to spot many stunning works of art along the roads and lanes.

3rd stage from Piacé to Fresnay-sur-Sarthe:
“Between heritage and nature”

You can then continue on towards Juillé (D338), where you can take a break on the banks of the Sarthe river at the leisure area.
Continue on towards Vivoin (D27BIS), then join Beaumont-sur-Sarthe (D55 then D6BIS) via La Croix Verte (Maresché), where you can enter the town via the Roman bridge and enjoy a view of the Sarthe river. Exit Beaumont-sur-Sarthe and head for Ségrie (D5).
Enter the village to discover the Church of Notre-Dame de Ségrie, built entirely of roussard sandstone, a local stone. Then head for Saint-Christophe-du-Jambet (D21) and take a break on the village heights, near the church, to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding Sarthe department countryside.
Remount and make a detour to Moitron-sur-Sarthe (D226), its pretty heritage and woodlands offer some very pleasant scenery, especially in autumn. Continue on through the village of Saint-Aubin-de-Locquenay (D21), then you’ll be back in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe – the loop is complete!
Arrival point: Place de la République in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe