Sarthe Holiday Guide
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A rural department, offering many outdoor activities
Sarthe is a largely rural department, and outdoor activity holidays are always a popular choice here. Hills, forests, meadows and vineyards characterise the countryside from north to south, while the towns offer a wealth of history and heritage.
Top 5 things to see and do in Sarthe
1. Watch a motor race
Le Mans, the principal town of the Sarthe, is most famous for its motor races, among the most prestigious and exciting in the world. Both cars and motorbike championships are held here, so if you can organise tickets, do get along for a really thrilling day out.
2. Enjoy a river cruise
Cruising the waterways of the Sarthe valley is a lovely way to spend a holiday, watching the countryside change as you glide by. You will no doubt become an expert in negotiating the locks as you go.
3. Sillé le Guillaume Lake
Sillé le Guillaume has a large and beautiful leisure lake, surrounded by forest, where you can try your hand at a variety of water sports, or simply soak up the sun on the beaches. Who needs the seaside?
4. La Flèche Zoo
If you have kids in tow on holiday, you will appreciate the importance of keeping them happy, so why not take them along to the super zoo at La Flèche. La Flèche is a pretty town too, noted for its floral displays and gardens in summer.
5. Visit a chateau
Sarthe has numerous castles and grand houses that are open to the public. Tour them all, or take your pick. The Château du Lude is one which may be worth making a starting point, as it has stunning Renaissance features and beautiful rose gardens.
Top 5 towns and cities in Sarthe
1. Le Mans
With regard to its motor racing heritage, Le Mans needs no introduction to most, as it is a household name. However, the city itself is a worthy departmental capital, with a very different sort of heritage on offer. Even if you have no interest in the cut and thrust of car or motorbike racing, take at least a day to explore Le Mans. This City of Art and History has a lovely cathedral, a charming historic centre and gallo Roman walls, giving it a good deal of charm and providing plenty for visitors to see and do.
2. La Flèche
La Flèche is a pretty town, resplendent with the floral displays in summer months that have earned it the listing as a "Town of Flowers". Sights of interest include the castle and a Jesuit College, while those with children in tow will enjoy the diversion of a look around the excellent zoo.
3. Asnièrs sur Vègre
Asnièrs sur Vègre is a very picturesque village whose chief attraction is its church. In the church you can find a set of stunning mural paintings, depicting religious scenes painted in the 13th century.
4. Nogent le Bernard
Nogent le Bernard is not really on the main tourist trail, but then, apart from Le Mans, not many places in Sarthe are. It is worth a look, though, as there are a couple of interesting features which include the listed church, the castle and an unusual menhir.
5. Saint Georges les Gaulthier
Among the more usual sights, such as its church, its viaduct bridge and traditional streets and houses, Saint Georges les Gaulthier has an added attraction, at least for fans of extreme sports. The sport of bungee jumping is practiced from the viaduct - good to watch even if you aren't keen on doing it yourself!
Food and drink in Sarthe
Sarthe, like every department in France, has a proud gastronomic tradition, and welcomes visitors to try its specialities and local produce. Wines are produced in the south of Sarthe, while goodies from all over the department include duck, chicken, pork, fresh local vegetables and the Le Mans Rillettes.
How to get to Sarthe
If you want to arrive by air, you can fly to Tours (Ryanair), Paris (served by a multitude of airlines) or Rennes (Flybe), all quite easily accessed from Sarthe. TGV trains will get you either to Paris or to Le Mans, right in the heart of the department.
