Cultural season at the
Abbaye Royale de l’Épau
Yvré-l’Évêque
Throughout 2026
With more than 106,000 visitors in 2025, the Abbaye Royale de l’Épau confirms its appeal and its major role in the cultural life of the Sarthe region. Owned by the Sarthe Departmental Council, this 13th-century Cistercian monument is a vibrant place where heritage, artistic creation, and nature come together. The 2026 cultural season promises to be rich and open to all audiences: music festivals, photography exhibitions, conferences, workshops, major national events, and immersive experiences will punctuate the year.
Cultural Program
Sillé Castle
Sillé-le-Guillaume
From April 15th to September 20th
Sillé-le-Guillaume Castle welcomes you for tours and special events. Visiting the Château de Sillé means discovering a unique medieval fortress, exploring the twists and turns of history, and meeting iconic figures! Robert de Sillé and Arsène Marie Le Feuvre are waiting to reveal their secrets to you.
Région Pays de la Loire Tour
Route covering the entire Pays de la Loire region
Stage from Brûlon to Le Mans on Friday
From Monday, April 7th to Friday, April 10th
The final stage of the RPDLT will once again finish in the streets of Le Mans, where the dominant rider of this edition will be crowned. A hilly stage through the Sarthe department, starting in Brûlon, awaits the riders as they head to Le Mans and its final circuit, which offers no respite with repeated ascents of the 400-meter-long Mur de Gazonfier—featuring gradients of 12 to 20 percent—and the Côte de Saint Blaise. The battle for the stage victory and the general classification will be intense.
Randos 61 – Hiking Festival
in the Orne Department
Throughout the Orne Department
Saturday, April 25th, and Sunday, April 26th
Come enjoy the department’s magnificent landscapes. The Orne, Normandy’s nature destination, offers a diverse environment and invites you to explore completely unexpected places—places that make up the Orne’s rich heritage. This richness will be shared on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2026, thanks to the many hikes offered throughout the weekend.
