If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track getaway in France then the Sarthe is an ideal interlude for an authentic break ! This département is bursting with characterful villages, skilled crafts and fascinating encounters.
This itinerary will guide you through the most beautiful places to explore the Sarthe in just a few days. Follow the guide!
This article was produced in collaboration with Sarthe Tourisme. The opinions expressed in this article are therefore entirely my own.
Summary
An itinerary to discover the Sarthe
Here is a suggested itinerary for discovering the Sarthe in 4 to 6 days from Le Mans. This itinerary will take you to discover La Ferté-Bernard, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, Parcé-sur-Sarthe and Malicorne-sur-Sarthe.
5 must-visit towns in the Sarthe
Le Mans
Le Mans, the prefecture of Sarthe, is the gateway to the department. Easily accessible by train, car or bus, it’s the ideal starting point to begin your itinerary.
With its Plantagenet City, which plunges you into the heart of the Middle Ages, its street art trail and the Royal Abbey of Épau, Le Mans is a city with no shortage of charm. Plan for at least two days to give yourself plenty of time to explore it.
What to do in Le Mans Detailed guide
Find a selection of visits and good addresses to discover in Le Mans in this dedicated guide:
La Ferté Bernard
In the north-east of the Sarthe, head for Perche Sarthois and La Ferté-Bernard. Nicknamed the “Venice of the West”, La Ferté-Bernard is a town built between two arms of the Huisne.
Its medieval and Renaissance architecture makes it a very pleasant town to discover with its timber-framed houses, the town gate and above all the beautiful Notre-Dame des Marais church, recently restored.
Take the time to stroll through the narrow streets and why not take a trip on an electric boat, accessible without a licence, to discover the town in a quiet and original way!
Take a gourmet break at Madame Moustache!
Here’s a restaurant like no other in this tea room-brocante you can have lunch on the go, enjoy a gourmet coffee, or just hunt for bargains since most of the furniture and decorative objects here can be bought.
On the plates, you’ll find gourmet dishes made with seasonal produce. The atmosphere is pleasant and warm, a very nice address !
30 Promenade du Grand Mail, La Ferté-Bernard
Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 6.30pm
https://www.madame-moustache.fr/
Meet the ceramists
On your way out of La Ferté-Bernard, stop off at La Bosse to meet Patricia Pérez and Lucie Bécuwe. These two ceramicists, passionate about their craft, exhibit and sell their creations ranging from traditional ceramics to finials.
2 rue de la Lotie, La Bosse
It is advisable to call ahead to make sure you can meet them. They can be reached at 0752487635
Spend the night in Mamers
To spend the night, put your suitcases down in Mamers, at Le Madrigal. This 19th century manor house was bought a few years ago by Marc and Hervé, who have turned it into a haven of peace. Inside and out in the garden, you’ll find a brocante spirit – the result of Marc’s passion for hunting down a thousand and one objects. Excellent cooks, Marc and Hervé also serve as table d’hôtes and run a solidarity restaurant that enables them to finance meals at token prices for those who can’t afford to go out to eat.
83 rue du Docteur Godard, Mamers
https://www.chambres-hotes.fr/
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Heading for the Alpes Mancelles and Fresnay-sur-Sarthe for this latest stage. Situated on a rocky spur, Fresnay dominates the region. The ruins of a castle bear witness to the medieval past of this town, which was once a stronghold to protect the surrounding area from Norman invasions.
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe has been awarded the “Petite Cité de Caractère” (Small Town of Character) and “Ville et Métiers d’Art” (Town and Crafts) label, and is now a pleasant town with many craftsmen and craftswomen, as well as a garden offering a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area.
© Pays de la Haute Sarthe
Take a break at Fresnay’s café
Between two visits, regain your strength at Fresnay’s café, a pleasant restaurant located in the heart of the city. The dishes are homemade with fresh produce and the atmosphere is warm. As for prices, you can order à la carte or opt for the menu of the day, which costs between €13 and €15.
11 rue Bailleul, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Meet Edwige Lesiourd, author and photographer
Meet Edwige Lesiourd, photographer who works without any retouching. Her photographs focus on ecology, with series focusing on water, bird feathers and trees. She is at her studio every weekend.
3 rue Ambroise de Loré, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6pm
https://www.edwigelesiourd.com/
Quiet time at L’école des garçons
We fell in love with this bed and breakfast in Maigné. The owners took on the crazy challenge of restoring this former boys’ school that had been left abandoned. After extensive restoration work, it is now an extremely relaxing place, decorated with taste. A vast flower-filled garden, with swimming pool, will allow you to take a dip in the fine weather. You’ll also be able to enjoy a delicious meal at this top-class table d’hôte, a real treat! Chantal and Dominique are very attentive hosts who are a pleasure to talk to. The problem with coming to their house is that it’s hard to leave !
14 rue de l’Eglise, Maigné
https://www.lecoledesgarcons.com/
What to see around Fresnay
A few kilometres from Fresnay, head for Vivoin where the priory, a Gothic gem, regularly hosts exhibitions in le Centre d’art plastiques et contemporain. Until 2 November 2025, you can see the ” Graff sur Paname ” exhibition there. Collector Jérôme Dauchez has entrusted over a hundred street artists with a map of the Paris metro from the 1940s, which they have all reinterpreted in their own way. From canvas to canvas, we discover the universe of all these artists, and it’s fascinating!
1 place des Tilleuls, Vivoin
Saturdays and Sundays, 2-6pm or by appointment by writing to contact@capc-prieuredevivoin.fr
€5 / €3 for 6-18 year olds, free for under 6s
https://www.capc-prieuredevivoin.fr/
Near Saint-Rémy-du-Val, if your trip takes place in June, push open the door of the Logis de Moullins. Every year, over the course of a weekend, the Lecture aux Animaux festival lets you rediscover writings about animals read by actors. A poetic moment in the lovely setting of the abbey dwelling at Moullins, where you’ll also find a bookshop and a foodtruck.
https://lecturesauxanimaux.com/
Parcé-sur-Sarthe
In the Sarthe Valley, Parcé-sur-Sarthe is a village whose current calm contrasts with its history ! Ravaged during the Hundred Years’ War and reduced to ashes, it was rebuilt in the 15th century. If you notice a few gaps between some of the houses, it’s not by chance: traumatised by the fires, the inhabitants took care to space the houses apart to prevent another fire from spreading.
Labelled a “Petite Cité de Caractère”, it is now a pleasant village with its Tour Saint Pierre, its church and its 18th-century houses.
Don’t miss: The Artistic Red Dot
Just outside Parcé, Artistic Red Dot is a new generation of art gallery. An 1870 stable surrounded by parkland has been completely transformed to house a selection of 200 works.
Surrounded by old stones, peacocks and cats, you can discover art in a different way. Of course, you can come and see, but you can also buy, as the works are for sale and there is something for everyone.
To preserve the tranquillity of the site and offer a unique experience, Artistic Red Dot is open by appointment only, but don’t be afraid to call and book your visit – you won’t regret it!
Lieu dit La Saunerie, Parcé-sur-Sarthe
Visit by appointment by writing to eric@the-artistic-red-dot.art or by telephone on 06 25 84 51 57
https://www.the-artistic-red-dot.art/
A bistronomic lunch at the Domaine des Mésangère
Before heading off to another town, make a stop at the Domaine des Mésangères. The restaurant on the estate is run by Anthony Boucher, a former Michelin-starred chef who offers authentic, refined French cuisine with a seasonal menu. It’s good, gourmet and in a soothing setting, a very fine address !
The 2-course menu of the day is priced at €22, or €28 for 3 courses.
Lieu dit Les Mésangères, Mézeray
Lunchtimes, Wednesday to Saturday, evenings only on Fridays
Booking advised
https://www.lesmesangeres.com/
Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
Awarded the ” Ville et Métiers d’Art ” label, Malicorne is known for its earthenware, an activity rooted here since the late 18th century ! Still today, craftsmen perpetuate this know-how and give it a modern touch with resolutely contemporary creations.
Atelier Vézanne: ceramic jewellery
The Vézanne showroom on the banks of the river is a must-see! Clélia is a craftswoman who gives new life to old fragments of earthenware by transforming them into jewellery on fine gold-plated bases. Thanks to her, old neglected plates become necklaces, earrings, rings or cufflinks.
5 place Duguesclin, Malicone-sur-Sarthe
Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 5pm
https://vezanne.fr/
Lou François-Eugène’s workshop
Young designer, Lou François-Eugène has been based in Malicorne since 2024. She makes pieces with local earth, in small series with a play of contrasts and work around line and stroke with motifs inspired by nature. Lou also organises discovery workshops, by appointment.
Rue Oudinot, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
https://www.lou-francoiseugene.com/
The Malicorne earthenware factory
At this earthenware factory, care is taken to preserve ancient techniques and recipes. This workshop follows the complete production cycle of an earthenware piece, respecting the know-how.
There are hand-painted reproductions of old earthenware, as well as more modern objects. From the shop where these creations are sold, you can watch the craftsmen at work through a glass window, and sometimes exchange a few words with them.
18 rue Bernard Palissy, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
https://www.faiencerie-malicorne.com/
Interactive map
Find all the addresses mentioned in this article on this map :
Tip: use the menu on the left to filter the results according to your needs (restaurants, accommodation, activities…).
Enjoy your stay in Sarthe!
Article produced in collaboration with Sarthe Tourisme
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