Less than an hour from Paris by TGV, the Sarthe is a region rich in sporting experiences and exceptional discoveries. Adventures to live intensely throughout the year.
In the Pays de la Loire, between the Armorican Massif and the Paris Basin, Sarthe is a department with a thousand facets. Its 4 state forests are an ideal playground for hiking, horseback riding or cycling. Its rivers, lakes and ponds offer magical moments of discovery by canoe or sail. And that's not all… The Sarthe is also unique sports facilities in France and an exceptional heritage. One of its villages was also elected second “Favorite French village” in 2021. Today we offer you a brief overview of everything that awaits you during your unforgettable holidays in Sarthe.
Outdoor sports and leisure in Sarthe
La Sarthe is the most forested destination in the west of the country. Forests and rivers offer hours of adventure on foot, by bike, on horseback, tree climbing or kayaking. No less than 1 kilometers of marked trails allow athletes of all levels to indulge in their favorite sport. The Alps Mancelles are renowned for their mountain biking circuits. This is also where the world mountain bike champion, Laurence Leboucher, trained. It was thus able to provide its expertise during the creation of 10 very high quality mountain bike circuits.
If you like to combine cycling and contemplation, let yourself be seduced by the interpretive trails or the Haute-Sarthe-Alpes-Mancelles greenway. Geology, biodiversity and art can be discovered by bike. And if vertigo attracts you, several adventure parks allow you to flirt with the treetops of the majestic Sarthois forests. For water sports enthusiasts, several nautical bases, nautical circles and bodies of water also have refreshing moments in store for you.
Le Mans circuit
La Sarthe is also the famous Le Mans circuit. For lovers of motor sports, it is a real symbol. The circuit has in fact hosted the unmissable 90 hours of Le Mans every year for almost 24 years. Throughout the year, thrill seekers benefit from driving courses behind the wheel of legendary cars. Porsche, Lamborghini, Ford Mustang, Ferrari, or even Audi… Motorcycle driving courses are also available. Three separate tracks are thus accessible. That of Bugatti and its legendary straight line, that of the White House or the course of the 24 hours. An internship in this mecca of driving is really the ideal gift to offer to all those passionate about driving and speed.
La Flèche zoo
Knowing better in order to better protect is the vocation of arrow zoo. Located in Sarthe, this animal park made famous by the TV show “Une saison au zoo”, is ranked among the top 5 parks in France. 1 animals live there in the heart of 14 hectares of nature. The park is committed to the protection of marine mammals on the coasts of mainland France and Polynesia, as well as endangered African fauna. Young and old alike are made aware of the importance of preserving biodiversity and respecting the environment. For an even more unforgettable experience, children can even become Caregivers for a day !
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Wednesday June 30, 2021, the municipality of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe won second place in the 2021 “The favorite village of the French” competition. This ancient fortified city crossed by the meanders of the Sarthe is located at the gateway to the Mancelles Alps. The XNUMXth century castle, the atypical houses, the ramparts, the market halls, the mills and the roussard stone give this village a serene atmosphere ... A relaxing sweetness of life. In Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, craftsmanship is in the spotlight. The butcher's rillettes delight the taste buds. The upholsterer and jeweler still in activity produce exceptional pieces. The weavers and tanners perpetuate the traditions, a real legacy left by the elders over the centuries.
During your stay in Sarthe, do not forget to taste the delicious shortbread which, according to the Marquise de Sévigné, would have emerged in Sablé-en-Sarthe. It would even seem that Louis XIV was fond of it!
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