“The effort we make to be happy is never lost.”
“About happiness” (1928) Emile-Auguste Chartier, known as Alain, born in Mortagne
The tours of Wednesday, 2 August
Discover the Perche Gouet. Between the Beauce and the Perche, the Perche Gouet is a welcoming territory with hilly and wooded countryside ideal for hiking, and also remarkable buildings representative of the typical habitat of this part of the Perche (roofing with pronounced slopes, half-timbering, handsome residences etc.)
The road route
DIRECTION LE PERCHE GOUET
The Basilica of La Chapelle-Montligeon stands on the outskirts of the imposing Réno-Valdieu forest. Installed at the foot of this Basilica, in the Buguet workshops, local artisans will be happy to share their expertise. Following the Huisne river, you will make your way towards the south-east of the Perche and discover the mills of Condeau, Condé, Courcerault, Dorceau and Frazé where a picnic table awaits the stroller at the water’s edge. You will sometimes take or cross over the Véloscénie: a suggested itinerary to connect the Mont-Saint-Michel to Paris through pleasant lanes, via a greenway and then along a cycle road trail. You will then be able to admire the castle of Saint-Jean in Nogent-le-Rotrou, the abbey and the museum of the former royal military college in Thiron-Gardais, and for those with the most endurance, the castle of Frazé.
5 circuits of 40, 74, 113, 139 or 168 km to choose from
• Departure: Km 0, Place de la République
• Lunch and reception points at La Chapelle-Montligeon and at Nogent-le-Rotrou
• Today’s BCN-BPF: Nogent-le-Rotrou
The mountain bike trail
YOYO IN LA CHAPELLE-MONTLIGEON
We take the time to have a look at the monumental Basilica that protects this small town and the tormented profile of the Réno Valdieu forest. Beware! Your feet will heat up immediately… In the midst of this lush green setting, we pass from 11 to 32 teeth in no time at all. Excitement guaranteed!
2 circuits of 35 or 50 km to choose from
• Rendez-vous at 9 am in La Chapelle-Montligeon
Discovery cycle tours
INCURSION INTO THE BELLÊME COUNTRYSIDE
After visiting the small town of Bellême, enjoy its splendid 6000 acre state-owned forest. Renowned for its majestic beech and oak trees, it is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Do not miss the discovery of the "Chêne de l’Ecole"; the oldest oak tree of the forest will celebrate its 351 years in 2017. Shady roads, charming villages and places to stop will punctuate these two circuits through one of the most beautiful forests of the Perche and of France.
Circuit of 46 km in the Bellême countryside
• Departure at 8 am from Bellême
• Stops: Serigny drinking trough
• Visits: Bellême; Saint-Santin, Manoir de Corboyer, the church of Courthioust, La Perrière
Pedestrian excursions
2 circuits to choose from:
The Belliard dam > 8.3 km
Saint-mard of Réno > La Chapelle-montligeon
Le Courthenou > 8.4 km
La Chapelle-montligeon > Maison Maugis
Appointment at 9 am in Saint-mard de Réno
Coach excursions
CHATEAU DE CARROUGES & BAGNOLES-DE-L'ORNE
Captivating in its austerity, this morning you will discover Carrouges, a summary of history, from the 14th to the 20th century. At first a fortified town besieged by the Plantagenets, rebuilt during the Hundred Years War, it became during the Grand Siecle a magnificent residence, remodeled during the Age of Enlightenment. Moats, terraces, elegant châtelet entrance, park and gardens with ancient doors and gates. Your afternoon will be devoted to the thermal spa of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne created in 1913 and open to tourists. You will discover through this guided tour the history of Bagnoles and of the thermal baths, the legends surrounding it and the Casino Close to the lake.
• Departure at 9 am from the parking lot rue Montcanune
• 10:30 am: Guided tour of the Château de Carrouges
• 12 am: Free time for lunch
• 14:30 pm: Guided tour of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne and the Belle-époque quarter then time to visit the Casino
• End of the day around 5 pm and return to Mortagne
THE LONLAY L’ABBAYE BISCUIT FACTORY AND DOMFRONT
The “Biscuiterie de l'Abbaye” welcomes you to the heart of its factory. You will discover all the stages of biscuit making: kneading, shaping, cooking and packaging. You can sample the biscuits and buy some from their shop. For reasons of hygiene and security the visitors are provided with an overall and protective headwear, and it is forbidden to wear jewelry during the visit. After lunch, accompanied by a guide, you will go to the park of Domfront castle to discover the remains of the dungeon and of the Saint-Symphorien chapel, witnesses of the reign of Lord Henry 1st Beauclerc, the third son of William the Conqueror. Then head for the narrow streets to stroll and admire the half-timbered houses, towers, ramparts and paved courtyards. A city much favoured by Anglo-Norman kings, you will appreciate the typical architecture of this medieval town.
• Departure at 9 am from the car park rue Montcacune
• 10:30 am: Guided tour of the Lonlaye-l’Abbaye biscuit factory
• 12 am: Free time for lunch
• 2:30 pm: Guided tour of the Medieval City of Domfront
• End of the day around 5 pm and return to Mortagne