La ronde des vallées et forêts

Over a few days, here is a cycling escape that will not leave you indifferent. Along the forest massifs and the picturesque valleys, you will discover some of the most emblematic natural and cultural sites of the Sarthe! From the cathedral of Le Mans, don't miss the discovery of the Plantagenet City on foot. A jewel! Then join the banks of the Sarthe to take, along the river, the Vélobuissonnière in the south direction. At the Pont des Tabacs, turn left on "La Sarthe à Vélo" and pass in front of the TGV station. A few blocks later, you will reach Newton Drive and ride along the soft path that follows the banks of the Huisne. Founded by Berengaria of Navarre, wife of Richard the Lionheart, the Royal Abbey of Epau, one of the most beautiful examples of Cistercian architecture in France, marks your passage from the city to the countryside. Then cross the Arche de la Nature, a vast 500-hectare natural area, before driving through the Pays du Mans on small roads towards the exceptional state forest of Bercé and its hundred-year-old oaks. In Montval-sur-Loir, you will ride on the Loir Valley by bike. Tufa houses, the railway roundhouse of Montabon and Rotrou's mill in Vaas follow one another all along your route. When you arrive in Le Lude, a small town of character, push the doors of the imposing castle before taking the greenway that will lead you to La Flèche and its famous zoo. On the way, the Guinguette "Ô Bord du Loir" will be the occasion for a well deserved break In La Flèche, ride again on La Vélobuissonnière towards Le Mans. Small quiet roads will lead you to the Sarthe valley and its picturesque villages including the earthenware city of Malicorne. After a stop at the Spaycific zoo of Spay, the Boulevard Nature will allow you to reach Le Mans in all peace and quiet on a green way along the river. Cycling loop marked out in both directions - follow La Sarthe à vélo between Le Mans and Montval-sur-Loir through the Bercé national forest (eastern part of the loop). - follow La Vallée du Loir à vélo (V47) between Montval-sur-Lir and La Flèche passing by Le Lude (southern part of the loop). - follow La Vélobuissonnière (V44) between La Flèche and Le Mans passing by Malicorne-sur-Sarthe (western part of the loop).