A rejuvenating weekend in the heart of Sarthe and the Alpes Mancelles offers a true haven of nature and activities for the whole family. Between exceptional forests, picturesque villages, and rolling landscapes, this corner of the Pays de la Loire region captivates with its diversity and relaxed way of life. Just a few hours from Paris or Lyon, Sarthe surprises with its wooded areas, clear rivers, and gentle mountains known as the Alpes Mancelles, an ideal playground for an active or contemplative break. This stay, designed to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, combines discovery, relaxation, and unique accommodations, all chosen for their authenticity and comfort.
From blueberry picking and horseback riding to unique experiences in tipis, to laugh-filled dog hikes and canoe trips down the Sarthe, adventure is guaranteed. Not to mention the cultural richness accessible through living museums like Carnuta or the scents of the Bercé forests. The Alpes Mancelles, with their hiking trails and Sarthe Valley, invite you to stroll, swim, or enjoy local cuisine in welcoming establishments like the Auberge des Alpes Mancelles or the Gîtes de la Sarthe. This corner of France is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors and conviviality.
Total disconnection at the Ferme des Bleuets: nature awaits you
Among the must-see places for a weekend in Sarthe, the Ferme des Bleuets stands out as a true haven of peace for the whole family. Located in Vaas, this farm is run by Fabienne and Étienne, two passionate people who chose to transform their lives by moving from Paris to live in harmony with nature. Fabienne, a blueberry farmer, offers a unique experience of picking and processing the fruit, while Étienne, a farrier and equestrian guide, invites you to explore the surrounding area on horseback. People come here to:
🍇 Pick their own blueberries and take home a delicious souvenir
- 🍯 Take part in a jam-making workshop and other plant-based delicacies
- 🐴 Try horseback riding with a one- to two-hour ride, or even longer hikes
- 🧘♀️ Enjoy a yoga session in the heart of the fields to reconnect with yourself
- 🍽️ Enjoy a fruity snack in a warm and friendly setting
- The great strength of this place lies in the lively and authentic side of the experience, which combines activities, sharing, and relaxation. For an optimal stay, we also recommend staying in an unusual accommodation nearby, such as a restored old mill located on the banks of the river where serenity reigns supreme. Activity 🌿
Description
| Duration | Recommended Age | Blueberry Picking | Hand-picking in the farm’s organic fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 hours | All Ages | Jam Workshop | Learn how to transform your fruit into homemade treats |
| 1.5 hours | 6 years and older | Horseback Riding | Explore the surrounding trails with a guide |
| 1 to 2 hours | 8 years and older | Outdoor Yoga | Session to soothe body and mind in a field |
| 1 hour | Adults | Discover how to turn your weekend into a waking dream with ideas for relaxing activities, unforgettable getaways, and moments of unwinding. Experience magical moments that will stay with you. | Explore the Bercé Forest and the Maison Carnuta for a natural immersion |
The Carnuta Museum is a vibrant space that invites young and old to discover the forest in a different way. Through a scenography combining sounds, images, games, and smells, visitors learn about the life of trees, local wildlife, and the work of foresters. Activities punctuate this site throughout the year, with creative workshops, guided walks, and shows suitable for the whole family. Here’s what awaits you in the Bercé Forest and Carnuta:
🌳 Gentle hike under impressive thousand-year-old oak trees 🖌️ Plant painting workshop to awaken children’s creativity 🎭 Outdoor shows featuring local flora and fauna
🍴 Picnic break with local lunches, also available to order via Lebonpicnic
👣 Walks led by passionate guides
- Event/Activity 🌲
- Description
- Period
- Audience
- Creative plant workshops
| Creating paints and natural objects using local plants | All year round | Children from 6 years old | Guided walks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided discovery of forest ecosystems | Spring-Summer | Families | Nature shows |
| Outdoor wildlife activities | July-August | All ages | Local picnic |
| Lunch baskets made with local products | All year round by reservation | Families | To extend your nature getaway, consider exploring the surrounding trails or staying in comfortable, family-friendly lodges in Sarthe, offering a charming setting for your relaxation. |
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH7l6v9QqPY | Experience an unusual night in the tipis of Le Bonheur de Vivre: Native American immersion | Spending the night in an authentic tipi in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles is an experience as original as it is enriching. “Les Tipis du Bonheur de Vivre,” located near the lake in Brulon, offers much more than just unusual accommodations. This Native American camp, the largest in Europe, is a place where you can discover the Crow culture, a Native American tribe from the plains of Montana in the United States. | Jean Lemoro, the founder, transformed a personal quest into a unique collective project. After a career in showbiz, he found precious keys to happiness in Sioux culture. Here, visitors learn to: |
🔥 Light a fire the traditional way
🌕 Participate in fireside gatherings and tell stories
🐺 Observe and marvel at wolves near the camp
🎨 Discover Native American customs and crafts
- This stay is particularly suitable for families looking for enriching and fun experiences. Please note that advance reservations are essential, as places fill up quickly, especially during the season.
- Native American Activity 👣
- Description
- Duration
- To be planned
Fireside gathering
| Traditional Crow stories and songs | Full evening | Warm clothing | Fire training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancestral fire-starting technique | 1 hour | No skills required | Wolf watching |
| Safe discovery of these fascinating animals | 1.5 hours | Respect & calm | Discover your ideal getaway with ‘Dream Weekend’, an essential guide for planning dream weekends. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activity ideas, relaxing destinations, or luxury hotels, we have everything you need to experience unforgettable moments. Take advantage of practical advice and tailor-made itineraries to create the perfect weekend. |
| Experience dog hiking: an activity full of laughter and camaraderie | An unusual and dynamic activity not to be missed in the Alpes Mancelles is dog hiking, where you hike while connected to an energetic husky. Even for those who are a little afraid of dogs, the experience promises to be memorable and a lot of fun! | In practice, each participant is harnessed to a husky who guides the walk. The goal is to try to keep up with the dog’s pace, sometimes frantic, sometimes calmer depending on the dog’s desires, thus creating a wonderful bond between the animal and the hiker. Walking becomes a game combining running, laughter, and thrills. A physical activity, but also a truly shared moment of happiness. | What you need for a successful cani-hike: |
🐕 A good dose of open-mindedness and humor
💧 Water for you and your canine companion
📅 Advance reservations with the organizer Benjamin Thomelin
🎒 A light bag to fully enjoy the walk
- Recommended Equipment 🎒
- Tips
- Hiking shoes
- Essential for comfort and safety
- Breathable sportswear
| Practical to avoid overheating | Water bottle |
|---|---|
| Stay hydrated during the hike | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKf95PcscSQ |
| Nature and gastronomy discovery: canoe trip on the Sarthe | For a different way to explore the Alpes Mancelles, there’s nothing like a canoe trip down the Sarthe River. This beautiful water adventure begins in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, perfect for immersing yourself in wild yet peaceful landscapes. |
| For about three hours, families can paddle at their own pace, enjoying the cool, natural beauty of the riverbanks, and the spectacle of the fluttering dragonflies. Even children can participate—as long as they have a bit of energy and motivation! Romane, 10, had the chance to paddle alone for almost the entire duration, strengthening her independence and confidence. The advantages of this activity: | 🚣♂️ A total immersion in nature |
🌞 Possibility of taking a swimming break in quiet areas
🍃 Discovery of local flora and fauna from the water
🛶 Easy canoe rental with the provider Préférences Plein Air
Starting point 🚩
- Approximate duration
- Level of effort
- Ideal season
- Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
- 3 hours
| Moderate | Late June to September | For those who want to take their nature experience further, several accommodation options are available with the | Domaine du Moulin |
|---|---|---|---|
| or the | Camping de l’Étang | , spots that combine comfort and immersion in nature. Unusual and Comfortable Accommodations in the Alpes Mancelles: Les Insolites de JSK | After a busy day, settling into a unique and cozy accommodation is a real treat. Les Insolites de JSK, located in Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, offers modern Canadian tents, carefully equipped to combine nature and comfort. |
Here’s what sets this place apart: 🛏️ Cozy beds with soft duvets 🚿 Hot showers and modern amenities 🍳 Brand new kitchen for preparing delicious meals🌄 Breathtaking view of the Alpes Mancelles valley
🏡 Close to hiking trails and village shops
Service
Description
- Comfort
- Modern amenities ensure a relaxing stay
- Location
- Located in the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park
- Activities
| Close to trails and shops | Atmosphere |
|---|---|
| Peace, nature, and family friendliness | To extend your stay in a more traditional setting, consider the Gîtes de la Sarthe or the Relais du Silence, where the welcome is always warm and family-friendly. |
| Discover our ideas for a dream weekend, combining relaxation, adventure, and fun. Transform your free time into unforgettable moments with inspiring activities and choice destinations. | Hiking in the Alpes Mancelles: the Misère Valley and its viewpoints |
| The Alpes Mancelles massif invites you to explore on foot thanks to its numerous trails. Among them, the hike called “La Vallée de Misère” is particularly suitable for families thanks to its short and varied route, combining a steep climb, a forest crossing, and a return to the riverbank. | This circuit enchants hikers with its incredible panoramas of the valley and the numerous possible breaks for swimming or picnicking. The village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, where the hike begins and ends, also offers the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the restaurant |
| O Passage | , renowned for its fresh cuisine and welcoming terrace. 🥾 Well-marked and easy-to-follow trail |
🌲 Alternating between wooded areas and open views
👣 Two loops are possible for a variety of activities
💧 Areas suitable for swimming and resting
Features DetailsHiking time
- Approximately 3 hours / 2 loops
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Starting point
- Saint-Léonard-des-Bois
| Nearby services | Restaurants, shops, accommodation |
|---|---|
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX5luHJ_iKc | Domaine du Gasseau: a lively place for young and old |
| Located in the heart of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, the Domaine du Gasseau is a multifunctional space ideal for ending a weekend in style. This estate offers a Vanupieds trail, a nature playground, and an adventure park with a treetop adventure course featuring original and sometimes challenging obstacles. | On Sundays in summer, the estate also hosts free concerts, a perfect opportunity for families to gather around music and socializing. Temporary exhibitions and a small on-site café complete the offerings, allowing everyone to enjoy a pleasant, cultural, and fun experience. 🌳 Vanupieds Trail for a barefoot experience in the great outdoors |
| 🧗 Adventure park with several obstacle courses | 🎶 Free outdoor concerts in summer |
| ☕ Small, friendly café with local products | 👨👩👧 Warm welcome and family-friendly activities |
Description
Treetop Adventure Park
Varieded trails suitable for children and adults
- Vanupieds Trail
- Fun barefoot trail
- Summer activities
- Concerts and exhibitions
- Café / Restaurant
| Local products and a friendly atmosphere | For a full weekend, the Domaine du Gasseau fits perfectly into an itinerary that also includes visits to |
|---|---|
| Château de la Rivière | and a meal at the |
| Auberge des Alpes Mancelles | , to sample local flavors in an authentic setting. FAQ: Planning your dream weekend in Sarthe and the Alpes Mancelles |
| ❓ | When is the best time to visit Sarthe and the Alpes Mancelles? |
| Late spring through September is ideal, with mild weather and lush green landscapes. | ❓ |
Which accommodations are best for a family stay? TheGîtes de la Sarthe, the
Insolites de JSK
- , or the Camping de l’Étang
offer family-friendly comfort, often in a natural setting. - ❓ What activities are accessible to children?
Cani-hiking, horseback riding, workshops at the Ferme des Bleuets, and visits to Carnuta are perfect for entertaining and engaging youngsters. ❓Do I need to book activities in advance? Yes, especially for spots at the Tipis du Bonheur de Vivre, cani-hiking, and some workshops at Carnuta, to guarantee availability.❓ How can I get there easily from major cities? Le Mans train station, about 1 hour from Paris and 3 hours from Lyon by train, is the ideal gateway to Sarthe and the Alpes Mancelles. -
-
-
Découvrez notre guide complet — destinations, budget, visa, faune et conseils pratiques pour préparer votre voyage.
