Walks to experience
La Chartre-sur-le-Loir
Chahaignes
Lhomme
Marçon

What's to do around here? Voici, some suggestions:

 

The 24 hour circuit in Le Mans - world famous venue, the museum is definitely worth a visit. Along with a myriad of other things to do and see in Le Mans.

 

If wine tasting is of interest to you we have lots of

vineyards right on our doorstep. And we're proud to say

we are affiliated with the Vignobles et Découvertes

association which represents the local wines and vineyards.

Jasnières is our local label, a reputable white made from

the chenin grape. It isn't too well known, but rather a well

kept secret. The vines are just a two minute walk away

and there are many friendly winegrowers happy to give you

a tasting just a short drive away.

See below for a couple of wine tasting circuits to do.

 

Foret de Bercé - an ancient royal forest that's popular with mushroom pickers and walkers - you can even hire a donkey in Jupilles if you'd like to share the load. Carnuta is a superbe place to visit in Jupilles, a museum of the forest, full of interesting information, not just about Forêt de Bercé but all forests.

 

Lac du Marçon - the beach and playground are great for the kids and a lovely spot for a picnic. Whilst on the lake you can do any number of non-motorised nautical hobbies. And there's fishing too. A great way to arrive is by canoe, hiring them in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir and paddling down the river until you reach the lake.

 

Pescheray Zoo - a delightfully interesting animal park, from goats to wolves to lemurs - a lovely day out for any animal lover.

 

Zoo de La Flèche - a highly recommended zoo, well worth a visit. A little under an hours drive away but you won't regret it. 

 

Les marchés - there's no shortage of markets to buy all your local produce in the villages surrounding us. Chateau du Loir is recommended on a Saturday but there are plenty of other smaller markets during the week.

Marchés en Sarthe

 

If it's more upmarket shopping you desire look no further than Tours, Le Mans and Vendôme where you'll find all the boutiques you could wish for.

 

La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, just down the road, is a rather nice place to spend some euros too, especially if you are interested in brocantes and antiques!

 

Fine dining you say? Take your pick! Most of the villages and towns surrounding us offer at least one very good restaurant. Our favourite however is the Hôtel de France in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir - you won't be disappointed. Also in La Chartre there is B le Restaurant and La Grignotte, pizzeria.  We love L'Escale, a homely restaurant favoured by the locals for it's great value for money and friendly atmosphere.

 

In Chahaignes there is Silex, which comes highly recommended offering a slightly more adventurous menu.

 

Another value for money option is Le Saint Pierre in Ruille-sur-Loire (lunchtime ouvrier menu recommended).

 

Lhomme also has its own friendly restaurant, Les Fougères, which is always packed by local workmen at lunchtimes which is always a good sign!

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Restaurants are generally open between 12 and 2 and then from 7pm. Midday meals are always better value, but don't arrive too late!

 

Walking and cycling - quiet lanes and chemins are

plentiful and are right on your doorstep - including the

GR34 which meanders just next to La Petite Grange. The

recently developed initiative Vallée du Loir à Vélo has lots

of information on their website about everything cyclists

need to know about their hobby

round these parts.

 

Fishing - The Loir river is renowned for its fishing, especially trout.

There are the numerous lakes round these parts too, in particular

in Marçon, Ruillé-sur-Le-Loir and La Chartre.

 

Les Alpes Mancelles - a little known wonder north of Le Mans with breathtaking scenery and beautiful villages. More hilly than

mountainous  despite it's grand name.