What tourist activities are available in Sarthe?
The Sarthe offers a multitude of opportunities for those looking for a cultural,, sporting or relaxing break !
With its natural landscapes,historical heritage and wide range of tourist activities, you’re sure to find something to suit you and make your stay unforgettable.
Are you planning to come to Chanteloup next summer and looking forward to doing some travelling around the region ? Follow the guide!
Cultural activities in Sarthe
The Sarthe is a region rich in history, culture and heritage. You can immerse yourself in its past by visiting some of its most famous sites and historical monuments and museums, there are many cultural activities to do in the Sarthe, like the discovery of the Le Mans cathedral, or the Tessé Museum which offers fascinating exhibitions on history, art and archaeology.
Visit Le Mans Cathedral
A visit to Saint-Julien cathedral in Le Mans is a must-do during your stay. This building is one of the most majestic in the town, and you can admire a collection of Romanesquestained glass windows.
Strolling around Old Mans
After the cathedral, a visit to Vieux-Mans is a refreshing change of scenery! Take a stroll along the narrow cobbled streets and you’ll discover a wealth of shops and restaurants. The Plantagenet City is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and a unique opportunity to discover the city at its best!
Le Mans 24 Hours Museum
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum traces the history of this incredible motor race. Whether you’re acar enthusiast or simply want to learn more about this race, this is the perfect place to satisfy your curiosity. The museum also has a gift shop and a free tour of the circuit.
The Tessé Museum
The Musée de Tessé is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the history of the town and learn more about its past! Here you can discover a variety of objects, including an important collection of Flemish, Italian and French paintings. It’s a place that’s sure to offer you an enriching experience!
Outdoor activities in Sarthe
Sarthe is a magnificent French department in the Pays de la Loire region, offering a variety of outdoor activities and natural sites. Whether it’s for a day out or a longer holiday, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do and see in the Sarthe. Find out here about the best outdoor activities you can do in the department!
Go-karting
If you’re looking for a good time on a go-kart, there’s plenty to choose from! In fact, the Sarthe region, a land of motor sports, has several outdoor karting tracks, including one close to the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit.
The Alpes Mancelles
The Alpes Mancelles in the Sarthe are a veritable jewel case of unspoilt nature! Accessible to all, this unique site welcomes you for long hikes, canoe trips and many other more sporting activities such as tree climbing and even bungee jumping! hikes,canoe trips and many other more sporting activities such as tree climbing and even bungee jumping! Not to be missed, one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei,perched on the cliffs along the river, a highly sought-after place full of charm.
Leisure parks
Several leisure parks (e.g. Arche de la Nature) are scattered throughout the Sarthe. You and your children can try your hand at tree climbing, zip-lining and even water sports! It’s the perfect way to keep the kids busy in summer!
Leisure activities in Sarthe
The Sarthe is a magnificent region of western France, brimming with history and culture. Surrounded by beautiful green landscapes, picturesque towns and historic sites, it offers visitors unique and memorable opportunities to relax and discover new things. Whatever activity you’re looking for, you’re sure to find one that suits you best.
Visit an amusement park
Papéa is the biggest theme park in the Pays de la Loire! It offers over 30 attractions, a circus show and several restaurants. There’s plenty to keep young and old busy! If you prefer a bit of adventure, Tepacap welcomes you to its accrobranches (tree climbing) courses with zip lines, guaranteed to give you a thrill, as well as a host of other activities such as laser games and paintball!
Strolling through a zoo
La Flèche Zoo is certainly the biggest in the region. With 1,500 animals, lots of entertainment and 18 hectares to explore, you’ll be able to spend the whole day here without getting bored! There’s also the Domaine de Pescheray and Spaycific’Zoo, so there’s no shortage of choice.
Going to the cinema
For some great family fun, why not go to the cinema? Several establishments are showing the latest films. Ideal if the rain prevents you from doing something outdoors!
The Sarthe is a perfect holiday destination, offering a wide range of activities and a highly developed tourist heritage. There are also a number of chateaux to visit (the Château du Lude, the Château de Montmirail, the fortress of Sillé-le-Guillaume and the keep at Ballon, to name but a few), as well as the Royal Abbey of Epau, for example.
You can also try your hand at mountain biking, nature walks in the heart of nature or canoeing. The Sarthe offers a wide range of sporting activities, particularly for motor sports enthusiasts!
If you can’t decide what to visit, a stop at the Le Mans tourist office will certainly help!
Tourism professionals will be able to point the whole family in the direction of walking itineraries, guided tours, lakes, ponds, horse-riding centres or even the vineyards of Sarthe for a little wine tasting, in moderation of course!
The number of tourists in the Sarthe remains reasonable, so you can enjoy the city of Le Mans and plan leisure activities in peace and quiet for your holidays.