La Petite Reine, des Alpes Mancelles au Saosnois

Passing through picturesque villages, this cycling trip through the countryside will take you from the Alpes Mancelles to the Perseigne national forest.

Saddle up in Alençon, a city renowned for the delicate art of Alençon stitch lace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the Place de la Magdeleine, home to the Basilica of Notre Dame d'Alençon and the Maison d'Ozé, follow the narrow streets into the heart of the Normandy bocage. You'll then follow the quiet roads of the Alpes Mancelles. Classed as a nature reserve for their picturesque character, they are characterised by their rugged terrain and the cliffs overlooking the Sarthe are reminiscent of mountain landscapes. If some of the slopes give you a hard time, make the most of a stopover in one of the region's Petites Cités de Caractère.

Continue on towards Beaumont-sur-Sarthe as far as Chérancé. This is the start of the Saosnois greenway, a 17km stretch of safe, unspoilt countryside. Arriving in Mamers, take time to explore the town's rich heritage and sample the famous rillettes made by local artisans. A little strength will do you good before taking the back roads that will take you to the heart of the Forêt domaniale de Perseigne, the highest point in the Sarthe with its belvedere. On the way to Alençon, make a pilgrimage to the Musée du Vélo "La Belle Echappée" before finishing off your escapade!

Signposted cycle loop in both directions:
- follow La Vélobuissonnière (V44) between Alençon and Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, passing through Fresnay-sur-Sarthe (western part of the loop).
- follow La Sarthe à vélo between Beaumont-sur-Sarthe and Alençon via Mamers (eastern part of the loop).

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