Discover the Sarthe with family!
Recharge in close contact with nature
The Prairie Farm
Located ten minutes from downtown Le Mans and a few meters from the Epau Abbey, the Arch of Nature offers visitors a vast natural area representative of the main landscapes of the Sarthe. The Prairie House is the center for discovery activities around the hedge area.
17 min (7.5 km)
www.arche-nature.fr
The Forest House
The Prairie House is the center for discovery activities of the Arch of Nature. Open all year round with its barn, farmyard, sheepfold, local breed animals, and vegetable garden, the Prairie House delights both young and old.
10 min (5.4 km)
www.arche-nature.fr
Water House
The Water House is the pedestrian entrance from the city to the Arch of Nature, accessible by tramway.
Located near the Huisne, it showcases to the public, in large aquariums, the different river ecosystems: the trout area, the barbel area, and the bream area.
10min (5.6 km)
www.arche-nature.fr
Explore the heritage
The Plantagenet City
The Old Mans, known as Plantagenet City since 2003, is the historical medieval center of the city of Le Mans formerly Vindunum. Labeled "City of Art and History", Le Mans conceals in its heart this hidden jewel of 20 hectares of cobbled streets, inhabited by half-timbered houses and Renaissance hotels, sheltered by a Roman wall and overlooked by a cathedral.
22 min (8.5 km)
www.lemans.fr
Epau Abbey
The Royal Abbey of Épau remains one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France. Surrounding the abbey church, cloister, and convent buildings are the park and gardens. Numerous cultural events enliven the abbey throughout the year.
10 min (5.2 km)
www.sarthetourisme.com
The Château du Lude
Le Lude, a historic castle, an inhabited and lively estate.
Halfway between Tours and Le Mans, at the gates of Anjou, the Château and gardens of Le Lude are part of the Loire Valley's grand châteaux route, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
41 min (48.4 km)
www.lelude.com
Saint-Pierre Abbey of Solesmes
Saint-Pierre Abbey of Solesmes is a Benedictine abbey located in Solesmes in the Sarthe, with origins dating back to 1010. It is part of the Solesmes congregation, or the Congregation of France, within the Benedictine confederation.
47 min (51.2 km)
www.abbayedesolesmes.fr
The Mancelles Alps
Located north of Le Mans, the Mancelles Alps offer a mountain landscape at the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. Discover its remarkable landscapes between steep rockslides and verdant valleys.
57 min (77.4 km)
www.sarthetourisme.com
Fan of museums?
24 Hours of Le Mans Automobile Museum
Discover the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the heroes who made it legendary. 140 iconic vehicles, a unique collection of miniatures, exclusive content on automotive history: Relive several decades of an exceptional adventure!
10 min (5.0 km)
www.lemans-musee24h.com
Jean-Claude Boulard Carré Plantagenêt Museum
The Museum of Archaeology and History of Maine, officially known as the Jean-Claude Boulard Carré Plantagenêt Museum, is located in the city of Le Mans, in the Saint-Nicolas district, close to the central area.
21 min (8.3 km)
www.lemans.fr
Tessé Museum
The Tessé Museum is the fine arts museum of the city of Le Mans in France. It offers many guided tours on various themes and is located on the outskirts of the Jacobins' quincunx and the Tessé Park.
22 min (8.6 km)
www.lemans.fr
Carnuta, House of Man and Forest
Carnuta, the House of Man and Forest, is a fun and interactive place located in the village of Jupilles, at the heart of the Bercé Forest, in Sarthe. This space offers a discovery of the forest world for both young and old.
28 min (29.5 km)
www.carnuta.fr
Malicorne Faience and Ceramics Museum
The Malicorne Faience Space is now called the Malicorne Faience and Ceramics Museum. This museum is dedicated to faience and is located in Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, in the French department of Sarthe.
32 min (34.6 km)
musee-faience.fr
Our gardens and parks
The Botanical Garden
The Le Mans Botanical Garden, or Jardin des plantes, is a botanical garden open to the public located in the northeast part of the city of Le Mans. It spans approximately eight hectares in total
16 min (7.9 km)
www.lemans.fr
Petit-Bordeaux Atmosphere Garden
This intimate garden now houses an incredible collection of 3,800 species and varieties of trees, shrubs, old roses, perennials, and grasses.
24 min (21.4 km)
www.jardindupetitbordeaux.fr
Ile MoulinSart
Ile MoulinSart is a cultural and tourist site, at the gates of Le Mans, in Fillé-sur-Sarthe. Mill, art center, nautical area, shop, and bistro.
18 min (17.1 km)
ile-moulinsart.fr
Festivals, events...
24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit
Official site of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Find news, photos, videos, schedule, winners, ticketing...
14 min (6.7 km)
www.24h-lemans.com
The Night of the Chimera
From July to September, chimeras take center stage in the streets of the Cité Plantagenêt. At nightfall, the cobblestones and facades of the iconic monuments of Old Mans are adorned with enchanted lights.
24 min (8.4 km)
www.sarthetourisme.com
Le Mans Goes Circus
The festival Le Mans Goes Circus is an annual circus festival founded in 2001 in Le Mans, in the department of Sarthe. It takes place during the last week of June. The festival is organized by the City of Le Mans with the support of the Pays de la Loire Region and the Sarthe Department.
12 min (4.8 km)
www.leplongeoir-cirque.fr
Epau Festival
The Epau Festival is a classical music festival created by the Sarthe General Council.
14 min (6.7 km)
epau.sarthe.fr/festival-de-lepau
Be Bop Festival
The Bebop Festival is a music festival created by the Bebop Association of Le Mans. It is considered a major French festival for new French music trends.
9 min (5.5 km)
www.bebop-festival.com