Stay ideas | Alpes Mancelles Tourist Office

Romantic weekend in the Alpes Mancelles
Hiking weekend in Saint-Léonard-des-Bois

Day 1: heritage and nature morning

We recommend arriving in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe on Saturday morning to enjoy its weekly market, where you can fill your basket with goodies for a picnic.

While in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, don’t miss the chance to explore this charming Petite Cité de Caractère (Small Town of Character) with its narrow streets leading from the church to the castle, and from the castle to Rue du Bourgneuf. If you have a little more time, we invite you to extend your stroll by exploring the Coteau des Vignes. From the top of the hill, you will have a magnificent view of the castle courtyard “just opposite” and the river.

If you want to have a picnic, there are several places to choose from. Either stay in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, where we recommend the top of the hill, the castle courtyard or the Sans Souci leisure area. If you decide to continue on to your next stop, Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, we recommend the banks of the Sarthe River.

©View of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe from Coteau des Vignes|PHS

Misery Valley sign — ©Misery Valley" sign|PHS

Day 1: sporty afternoon

For the afternoon in Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, you’ll need to put on your walking shoes because you’ll be setting off on a 6-kilometer hike. This walk will take you to the two mountains surrounding the village, Mounts Narbonne and Haut-Fourché, and allow you to discover all the geological interest of the Alpes Mancelles, with views of the Vallée de Misère (which is also the name of the circuit we recommend). The circuit is not very long, but there is quite a climb!

Need a place to spend the night?

For a cozy evening, what could be better than well-equipped accommodation with a jacuzzi or Nordic bath, or simply a little corner by the fireplace?

©Maxime Guillon|© Maxime Guillon - Sarthe Tourisme

Day 2: nature hiking

On the second day, we suggest you explore one of the most beautiful state-owned forests in the Sarthe department: the Perseigne Forest. Starting from Ancinnes, you can choose between two buckle hiking trails, either 8 or 17 kilometers long. This forest, which covers 5,000 hectares, will surprise you in many ways. First of all, its trees are mainly deciduous. Don’t miss the giant sequoia tree, which will make you feel very small. Another surprise is the rugged terrain. Did you know that the highest point in the department is located in the heart of this forest? Head to the Perseigne viewpoint!

Day 1: Towards Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

Let’s go for the Les méandres de la Sarthe hiking trail: 17 kilometers up to the Haut Fourché mount, one of the 2 mounts 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 garden and appreciate the peacefulness of the place at this time of year.

Need a place to spend the night?

We recommand to spend the night in Saint-Léonard-des-Bois.
The reason: once there, you’ll only take the car at the end ot your trip!

You’re more into cocooning?
Go to a hotel.
You’re more into comfort but mini price?
Go to the Gîte de Vandoeuvre.

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 hiking trails: part of the Vallée de Misère, only the loop 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 sensitive natural area (ENS in French). 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 meat boards are available.