LE PERCHE SARTHOIS À VÉLO - CIRCUIT N°7: LE TUFFEAU AU FIL DES VALLÉES PITTORESQUES

Head south for a stroll through the rolling hills of the Loir valley, where you'll discover the small towns of Saint-Calais and Bessé-sur-Braye, and the unspoilt villages of Vancé, Cogners and Sainte-Cérotte. Along the Anille and Tusson rivers, discover the characterful little town of Saint-Calais. Take time to admire the church and covered market, and stroll along the banks of the Anille. LEBONPICNIC?s partner, the JOUBERT butcher?s shop, will be delighted to provide you with picnic baskets of local produce, which you will have reserved in advance. Nature lovers, the Arboretum de Tuffeau in Saint-Gervais-de-Vic welcomes you to discover its 200 species of trees and shrubs from every continent For a refreshing break, Les Vergers de Fanny in La Chapelle-Huon offers a range of local apple products. Then head for Bessé-sur-Braye via the ford near Moulin Guillaume. Then admire the Château de Courtanvaux, a neo-Gothic landmark built in the 15th century and restored in the 19th century. Discover its 68-hectare park and bell tower. Discover local craftsmanship at the Nouette brickworks. Along the way, take in the churches of Saint-Julien de Lavenay, Saint-Blaise de la Chapelle-Gaugain and Saint-Martin de Vancé. While you're in Vancé, take a look at the wash house and its tufa stone cellars. The 4-flower village of Cogners will then be on your route. Admire the 11th-century Church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and the feudal Château, a fine example of the transition from Renaissance to Henri IV and Louis XIII styles. The Church and Château du Vau, the 16th-century home of Sainte-Cérotte, will also accompany you on your journey. - Follow signs n°7 (dark blue) - Possible variant between Cogners and Bessé-sur-Braye: follow the unnumbered bicycle signs. - Connected to circuits n°8 and n°10 The complete "Le Perche Sarthois à vélo" guide is available for 3? from tourist offices and bookshops in the Sarthe region.