La Petite Reine, des Alpes Mancelles au Saosnois

Along picturesque villages, this bike ride in the countryside will lead you from the Alpes Mancelles to the state forest of Perseigne. Saddle up in Alençon, a city renowned for the delicate art of Alençon lace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the Place de la Magdeleine where the Basilica of Notre Dame d'Alençon and the Maison d'Ozé are located, follow the small streets that will lead you to the heart of the Normandy bocage. You will then follow the quiet roads of the Alpes Mancelles. Classified as a natural site for their picturesque character, they are characterized by a rugged relief and the cliffs overhanging the Sarthe river are not without reminding the mountain landscapes. If some of the slopes give you a hard time, take advantage of a stop in one of the "Petites Cités de Caractère" (Small Cities of Character) that this territory has. Then continue your journey towards Beaumont-sur-Sarthe until you reach Chérancé. Here begins the Saosnois greenway, 17 km of safe walking in the middle of nature. When you arrive in Mamers, take the time to discover the rich heritage of the town and to taste the famous rillettes made by the local craftsmen. A bit of strength will do you good before walking the small roads that will lead you to the heart of the Forêt domaniale de Perseigne, the highest point of the Sarthe with its belvedere. On the way to Alençon, a pilgrimage to the "La Belle Echappée" bicycle museum is a must before concluding your escapade! Cycling loop marked out in both directions - follow La Vélobuissonnière (V44) between Alençon and Beaumont-sur-Sarthe passing through Fresnay-sur-Sarthe (western part of the loop) - follow La Sarthe à vélo between Beaumont-sur-Sarthe and Alençon through Mamers (eastern part of the loop).