Stay ideas | Alpes Mancelles Tourist Office

A weekend with friends to discover the Alpes Mancelles
Hiking weekend in Saint-Léonard-des-Bois

Day 1: heritage morning

Whether you’re coming from Rouen, Paris, Rennes or simply Le Mans, the easiest way is to meet up in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, so you’ll be at the crossroads!

The ideal time would be around 11am on Saturday, in the late morning to take advantage of the market. It’s a great opportunity to pick up some good local produce (rillettes, cheese…) in preparation for the evening aperitif.

Then spend some time before lunch exploring the town. This “Petite Cité de Caractère” will surprise you with its majestic church, its narrow streets, including the “famous” ruelle du Cygne, its old covered market (halles), its castle… For lunch, take advantage of the on-site restaurants or pizzeria.

Day 1: nature afternoon

For the afternoon, how about a digestive 3-kilometer stroll? “From the top” of the town join Rue du Bourgneuf on the riverside. Discover these pretty little houses built into the cliffside.

Following the houses, you’ll be invited to take a sunken path uphill to discover the Coteau des Vignes. And yes, there are vineyards in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe! But that’s not all: at the top of the hillside, you’ll pass through a conservatory orchard and see a few small goats… The best part is the view of the town, the river and this unspoilt environment!

Returning to the car, head for Saint-Léonard-des-Bois!
On the way, take in the scenery – you’re bound to be surprised by how much it’s changed. The rounded hills turn to rugged rock as you approach the village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, our “little mountain village”!

Did you say conviviality?

For a get-together with friends, we immediately think of a comfortable gîte, why not with a fireplace! Don’t worry, depending on the number of guests you’ll be, there’s plenty to choose from!

Jardin du Presbytère in autumn at Saint-Léonard-des-Bois

Day 2: morning hike

On Sunday, after a hearty breakfast, let’s go for the Vallée de Misère hike! This 6-kilometer circuit will take you over the Haut-Fourché and Narbonne mounts, the two peaks that surround the village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois.

As you stroll along, you can enjoy the animal park and the view over the Espace Naturel Sensible de la Vallée de Misère, home to one of the screehills of the Alpes Mancelles.

After your walk, return to the gîte to regain your strength! If you prefer to eat in: between a traditional restaurant, a crêperie or a pizzeria, there’s bound to be one that the group will all agree on.

Day 2: afternoon stroll

For the afternoon, head for Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, a 5-kilometer drive from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois.

There’s a good reason why this village has been named one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages: already its natural surroundings are exceptional, and its built heritage just as much so. Discover its church, set on a rock, with its ancient wall paintings. Depending on how much time you have left before departure, you can either stay in the heart of the village and its riverside, or continue on to Trotté and its mill. A place that 19th-century painters loved to reproduce. Indeed, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, like Barbizon or Pont Aven, had its own “school” that brought together numerous artists who identified with a particular style of painting.

View of the Church of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei in autumn

Day 1: Towards Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

Let’s go for the Les méandres de la Sarthe loop: 17 kilometers up Haut Fourché, one of the 2 mountains surrounding the village, and on the way to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, classified as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.

This will also be your lunch break. Please note that you’ll need to pack a picnic lunch as soon as you leave Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, as in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei you won’t find a grocery store or bakery.

At the heart of the village, everything is magnificent: your arrival via the Gallic path and the stone bridge (you probably don’t know it, but this bridge spans the Sarthe river, the natural border between Sarthe and Orne departments, and more broadly between Pays de la Loire and Normandy regions!), the church, the chapel…

On the way back you’ll pass by the Domaine du Gasseau, so don’t hesitate to stop and stroll the paths of its vegetable garden and appreciate the peacefulness of the place at this time of year.

A place to spend the night?

Your “point de chute”: Saint-Léonard-des-Bois.
The reason: once there, you’ll only take the car back home.

For rest you’re more into cocooning?
Think hotel or bed and breakfast.
You’re more into comfort but mini price?
Think gite d’étape.

Day 2: Towards Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier

After a well-deserved rest, ready for another day of walking, we’re off again for 17 kilometers!

For this day, we’ll have to combine 2 existing circuits: part of the Vallée de Misère, the one that takes you up to Mont Narbonne, and the Bois de Chemasson circuit. The 2 link up thanks to the GR36.

On this route, you’ll discover the animal park of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, the “famous” Vallée de Misère which is an Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS). For lunch, this time either bring your own picnic or take a break at the Bar du Lac in Saint-Paul-le-Gaultier, where cheese and sausage boards are available.