Camping in Sarthe
Go camping in the Sarthe and be sure not to be disappointed. More fun for children and less expensive than a hotel, the Sarthe also has 50 campsites to accommodate you during your stay, your weekend or your holidays in order to better enjoy the environment, nature and discover the historical heritage that this department offers, in complete freedom.
The treasures of Sarthe's history
Le Mans, which owes its worldwide fame to its famous car race, also has a multiple and varied heritage for its visitors. The Saint-Julien cathedral is one of the must-sees, built between the 12th and 15th centuries on an ancient base probably dating from the 11th century. In the medieval centre of the city, which has been called the Plantagenet City since 2003, the remarkable Roman wall was built in the 3rd century to assert imperial power. The city centre was thus surrounded for over 17 centuries.
In the Middle Ages, the Château de Lude became a strategic point on the borders of Maine, Touraine and Anjou. With its gardens, it is now one of the most important châteaux in the Loire Valley and also one of the few to have been inhabited by the same family for 260 years! The upper floors are now open to the public and a new room in the stables was inaugurated in spring 2021. Along the Loir, the gardens of several hectares are also magnificent. The Eperon garden has been cut into compartments of Chinese roses and leads to the labyrinth where you can enjoy the magnificent landscape.
Classified as a historic monument, the Manoir de la Cour, very well preserved and recently renovated, dates from the 13th century and served as the administrative headquarters. It offers a fun and interactive permanent exhibition on life in the Middle Ages. A fun and exciting way to broaden your knowledge, which will appeal to the whole family.
Surrounded by water, the town of La Ferté-Bernard is known as the Venice of the West. Legend has it that there are as many bridges and footbridges as there are days in the year. A charming medieval town, it is worth walking around to see the timber-framed houses, passages and courtyards. In the summer, you can enjoy electric boat trips, another way to explore the town, with the sumptuous Notre-Dame des Marais church and the old covered market.
The nature of Sarthe
The Berce state forest is the top of the range of French forests. With 3,000 hectares of oak and 2,400 hectares of coniferous trees, it produces sought-after quality wood. It is also the perfect place for hiking, horse riding and cycling, with a total of 280 kilometres of marked trails. Something to keep the whole family busy and healthy.
Located in the Alpes Mancelles, the Saint-Léonard-des-Bois nature reserve is a 1000-hectare area that stretches over three departments: the Sarthe, the Orne and the Mayenne. It is the steep valleys of this site that are the real attraction, even if the altitude remains modest with a high point at 417 metres. Plenty of space to breathe during your holiday in the Sarthe!