“Those that have cycled know that in life, nothing is ever flat.”
René Fallet, French author (1927-1983)
The tours of Tuesday, 1 August
Direction the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. Here, you can see a very long way… to the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, on the borders of Brittany., from the Alpes Mancelles to the Armorican Massif, one of the oldest in Europe, where its last foothills rise before joining the limestone plateaux of the Paris Basin
The road routes
FROM THE PERCHE SAOSNOIS TO THE PAYS MÊLOIS
First to the south, you will cross many villages and admire the manor houses: Chanceaux in Saint-Jouin-de-Blavou, La Pellonière in Le Pin-la-Garenne, Vauvineux in Pervenchères, Soisay and the castle of Montimer in La Perrière. You will cross the forest of Bellême where you can stop near the pond and the fountain of La Herse. The millennial village of La Perrière, classified "Little Town of Character®" will offer you a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys. You will then discover the Saosnois, opening on the Normandy and Mancelles plains. "La Belle Echappée de la forêt" will be waiting for you in La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet. At Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe, you may be tempted by a swim in the lake. Further north, the town of Sées, originating from three medieval villages, will surprise you with its Gothic cathedral, its museum of religious art and its numerous church buildings.
A choice of 5 circuits of 44, 78, 115, 147 or 168 km
• Departure: Km 0, Place de la République
• Lunch and reception points at La Perrière et le Mêle-sur-Sarthe
The mountain bike trail
THE BELVEDERE OF LA PERRIERE
From its height of 350 metres, the village is a veritable belvedere. We quickly descend into the forest of Perseigne, and there will be some obligatory gear changes! Steep and very technical inclines, on this site, you soon learn what it means to have strong legs…
A choice of 3 circuits of 20, 35 or 48 km
• Appointment at 9 am at La Perrière
Tour cyclist discovery
THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST OF RENO
The national forest of Réno-Valdieu is a relic of the vast Gallo-Roman "Silva Pertica". This majestic forest extends over 4000 acres in the heart of the Perche Regional Nature Park. You will cycle on shady paths and roads from Longny. The Chartreuse of Valdieu, the forge mill in Rainville, the strange bell-tower of Malétable, and at the edge of the forest, the majestic Notre-Dame-de-Montligeon basilica are nestling among hundred-year-old oaks.
A 46 km tour in the shade of Réno-Valdieu
• Departure at 8 am from Longny-au-Perche
• Stops: The church of Bizou, town and church of Saint-Victor de Réno, industrial heritage of Rainville etc.
• Visits: The gardens of the Manoir de Pontgirard, the basilica of La Chapelle Montligeon, Notre-Dame-de-la-Pitié
Pedestrian excursions
Located in the heart of the Perche, discover La Perriere, this Small Town of Character® of 250 inhabitants. Before or at the end of your walk, take time to stroll along the many narrow streets that reveal beautiful and imposing buildings, houses with colourful facades of “roussard” stone giving them a particular charm. In the course of your walks, here and there, through the trees, you can enjoy remarkable panoramas over the departments of the Orne and the Sarthe.
2 circuits to choose from:
Le chêne de l’École > 8.5 km
Gué-de-la-chaîne > La Perrière
The Manoir de Soisay > 7.6km
La Perrière > Contilly
Rendez-vous at le Gué de la Chaîne
Coach excursions
RABODANGES LAKE AND THE SUISSE NORMANDE
On the Rabodanges lake, start your day in the Suisse Normande, enjoy a cruise full of good humour to discover in all seasons diverse water fauna, and relax on the water. You will continue after lunch with a walk in your own free time to the Roche d'Oëtre. In the Country of stone and water, discover four unusual valleys…
• Departure à 9 am from the car park rue Montcacune
• 10 am: Leave the landing stage for the cruise on Rabodanges lake
• 12 am : Free time for lunch
• 2:30 pm: a walk to the Roche d’Oëtre (with a guide + plans of the pathways).
• End of the day around 5 pm and return to Mortagne
MUSEUM OF FRENCH EMIGRATION, MUSEUM OF TRADE AND TRADEMARKS, “MUSEE DE L’INZOLITE”
For almost four centuries, Tourouvre and more generally Le Perche have enjoyed privileged links with Canada. From the first half of the 17th century, many Frenchmen, including 279 Percherons, crossed the Atlantic to settle on the shores of the Saint Lawrence river. The permanent exhibition that you will discover in the morning tells the story of those men who became the founders of French America. Continue with the visit of memorabilia in the Trade museum (bouillon KUB box, packet of tapioca, cheese grater, coffee grinder etc.) Immerse yourself with nostalgia in the past… In the afternoon, Pierre Marzorati will present the “inzolite”. As well as the collection of objects that are witnesses of the past, a scenography spread out through 10 rooms invites you to dream, to wonder and admire the eclectic. From the press at the beginning of the century to the Grand Guignol via the old Doctor’s room: a real collection of curiosities awaits you.
• Departure at 9 am from the car park rue Montcacune
• 10 am: Guided tour of Museum of French Emigration to Canada in Tourouvre
• 12 am: Free time for lunch
• 2:30 pm: Guided tour of the “Musée de l’Inzolite” in Lignerolles
• End of the day around 5 pm and return to Mortagne