Refine your search for walks in Sarthe
Sarthe walks
The meandering Sarthe
Tourist office
9.94 mi
+1,148 ft
-1,158 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois (Sarthe)
The meandering Sarthe route takes you through the Alpes Mancelles from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois via Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The Montaigu Ferryman
4.97 mi
+285 ft
-295 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois (Sarthe)
In the heart of the Alpes Mancelles, discover this hike in an exceptional natural setting: the Canyon des Toyères. Between Sarthe and Mayenne, discover landscapes where nature reigns supreme.
Through the gates and ramparts of Bourg-le-Roi
5.17 mi
+187 ft
-180 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Bourg-le-Roi (Sarthe)
This circular route links Chérisay and Bourg-le-Roi. It will introduce you to both natural heritage and rare architectural heritage.
Misère Valley and Narbonne Plateau Route
Visorando Member
3.56 mi
+423 ft
-404 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois (Sarthe)
From the banks of the Sarthe to the animal park on the Narbonne Plateau, this route offers all the charm of a mountain hike. Its steep paths, scree slopes, the small stream winding its way through the valley, the panoramic views... The Misère Valley, Haut-Fourché, Manoir de l'Linthe and the village of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois confirm this impression.
A visit to the church and two typical houses rounds off this route, 98% of which is on dirt tracks.
The Croix à Coquilles and the viaduct over the Vaudelle
4.71 mi
+374 ft
-374 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Georges-le-Gaultier (Sarthe)
This route will allow you to discover the commune of Saint-Georges-le-Gaultier, located in the canton of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles. You will discover nature and heritage: church, viaduct, archaic crosses, etc.
Lutin route
6.33 mi
+331 ft
-331 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Soulitré (Sarthe)
This route owes its name to the shape of its route, which evokes the silhouette of a leprechaun for dreamers. It offers a path between Jalais, a bocage plain on the Soulitré side, and the Huisne valley.
The Chéronne stream
Tourism professional8.57 mi
+531 ft
-528 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Tuffé (Sarthe)
The route through the countryside around Tuffé takes us to the Château de Chéronne and the church of Saint-Denis-des-Coudrais. The Chéronne, which feeds the Tuffé lake, crosses and recrosses the sunken paths several times.
This route is best enjoyed in good weather as the dirt tracks can be quite wet.
The vineyard route on the outskirts of Le Mans
5.40 mi
+240 ft
-246 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Rouillon (Sarthe)
Immerse yourself in picturesque countryside just a stone's throw from Le Mans. A varied route, almost entirely off-road (95% of the route), through rolling countryside dotted with hedgerows and beautiful views.
Blue markings.
The medieval paths of Sargé-lès-le-Mans
7.03 mi
+269 ft
-299 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Sargé-lès-le-Mans (Sarthe)
Walk along the sunken paths on the outskirts of Le Mans.
Along the Sarthe near Sablé-sur-Sarthe
5.72 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Sablé-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe)
If you are staying in Sablé-sur-Sarthe for a few days, take a morning to enjoy the scenery along the Sarthe river and discover the château, viaduct, locks and abbey.
Yvré-l'Évêque route and its "Nature Boulevard"
7.00 mi
+269 ft
-246 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Yvré-l'Évêque (Sarthe)
During this hike, you will have the opportunity to admire the Yvré countryside, its Roman bridge, the Gérence fountain and catch a glimpse of the beautiful Château de Vaux as you walk along the trails and part of the "Boulevard Nature".
Path through the forest and around the Grand Pond in Sillé-le-Guillaume.
4.88 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Sillé-le-Guillaume (Sarthe)
Short family hike, forest with its discovery trail, tour of the Grand Pond, the Étang Neuf, the Étang des Molières and perhaps enjoy the activities offered by the information point.
Circular nature trail around Lignières-la-Carelle
5.24 mi
+46 ft
-46 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Lignières-la-Carelle (Sarthe)
This beautiful walk is accessible to all and can be enjoyed with the family. You will be enchanted by its natural beauty as you follow the paths through the commune (90% dirt tracks and 10% tarmac). You can admire the Manoir de la Juisselerie and many other points of interest. It is not uncommon to encounter squirrels, foxes, deer and other animals.
Best done between April and October as it gets wet when it rains heavily.
Circular route from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois to Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei
9.86 mi
+1,257 ft
-1,253 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Léonard-des-Bois (Sarthe)
This hilly route between Saint-Léonard-des-Bois and Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei will introduce you to these two typical towns in the Alpes Mancelles, as well as unique landscapes and places.
From one bank of the Sarthe to the other, passing by the Abbey of Solesmes
6.87 mi
+213 ft
-240 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Solesmes (Sarthe) (Sarthe)
The Sarthe gave its name to our department. This route between Sablé-sur-Sarthe and Solesmes will allow you to walk along the river on the towpath and offer you beautiful views.
The green lung of the Arch
6.63 mi
+98 ft
-98 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Yvré-l'Évêque (Sarthe)
With 350 hectares of forest, 60% of which is made up of conifers such as maritime pines and Scots pines, this trail located at the Arche de la Nature offers hikers a breath of fresh air.
Circular path in the Perseigne forest.
7.49 mi
+906 ft
-912 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet (Sarthe)
Circular route passing through the Belvédère de Perseigne, the highest point in this forest.
Path along the banks of the Loir towards Gallerande Castle and Pringé.
6.46 mi
+197 ft
-187 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Luché-Pringé (Sarthe)
This undeniably charming route (marked with brown rectangles) offers magnificent views along the Loir River, including the fortified mill of Mervé, the façade of Gallerande Castle, the village of Pringé with its church (frescoes), its manor house reflected in the lake below, and its wash house.
At the end of the route, the Church of St-Martin de Luché and the former Priory bring the walk to a close.
All these highlights make up for the sometimes slightly monotonous sections, which nevertheless offer some beautiful panoramic views.
The sunken lanes of Préval
Association / Club / Walk leader
3.08 mi
+105 ft
-105 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Préval (Sarthe)
Discover this peaceful village, its countryside and its hedgerows by following its sunken lanes, which offer beautiful panoramic views of the Même valley and the hills of the Perche.
Route du Bois des Isles
5.34 mi
+472 ft
-463 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from La Chapelle-Saint-Fray (Sarthe)
During this hike, you will discover some unusual crosses with curious shapes. Twenty or even thirty generations have gazed upon them.
La Coulanaise
6.64 mi
+200 ft
-200 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Coulans-sur-Gée (Sarthe)
This route, which starts in Coulans-sur-Gée, includes a significant proportion of small country roads, as well as old footpaths and wide, newly created scenic paths to complete the circular route.
Route des Croisettes starting from Coulaines
6.36 mi
+338 ft
-358 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Mans (Sarthe)
Located in the municipalities of Sargé, Coulaines and Le Mans, this route runs largely along dirt tracks, sometimes tarmac, lined with hedges, trees and shrubs offering generous shade.
Route des moulins de Neuville
5.37 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Neuville-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe)
This easy route, more than 80% of which is on paths, will allow you to discover all the charm of Neuville-sur-Sarthe and its surroundings, the banks of the Sarthe, its old restored mills, the Château de Monthéard, as well as the history linked to the Second World War through the presence at that time of an American airfield in the countryside.
Circular village loop through the valleys
4.23 mi
+85 ft
-69 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Voivres-lès-le-Mans (Sarthe)
A short hike that allows you to discover the built heritage, such as the church and the wash house, as well as the wetland vegetation.
Discovering the woods and ponds of Loudon
4.85 mi
+36 ft
-36 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Mars-la-Brière (Sarthe)
Parigné-Lévêque is a very large and heavily wooded commune: northern pines with sand dunes, and southern chestnut and birch trees. The route allows you to discover the charm of numerous woodlands, vast moors and ponds. The Loudon Stream is crossed in several places.
The banks of the Sarthe in Saint-Pavace
4.44 mi
+36 ft
-36 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pavace (Sarthe)
An easy hike that can be enjoyed by the whole family, including children.
Loudon Ponds and Wood
2.56 mi
+177 ft
-171 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Parigné-l'Évêque (Sarthe)
This circular walk allows you to discover a site not far from Le Mans that is rich in natural beauty. Ponds, peat bogs, wet and dry heathland, and marshy woods... all form a mosaic of landscapes that are home to species rare in the region: harriers, hobby falcons, goshawks, purple herons (among the birds); and royal ferns, marsh marigolds and sundews (among the plants).
Within the Cité Plantagenêt, protected by its walls
1.81 mi
+138 ft
-112 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Le Mans (Sarthe)
Since 2003, the "Old Mans" has been called "Cité Plantagenêt" after the Plantagenêt dynasty, the English royal family originally from Le Mans. The former provincial capital of Maine and Perche (from the 16th century to the Revolution), this stroll through the streets and alleys of Le Mans' historic district offers a pleasant walk in the natural setting of famous swashbuckling films (Cyrano de Bergerac, Le Bossu, The Man in the Iron Mask, Nicolas Le Floch, etc.).
Route du Bois de l'Hommeau
6.01 mi
+59 ft
-59 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Parcé-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe)
An easy route that allows you to discover a rich and varied heritage while walking along the Sarthe river.
Montmirail Castle and its countryside
6.17 mi
+295 ft
-312 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Montmirail (Sarthe) (Sarthe)
This hike allows you to discover Montmirail, a "small town of character", and its green countryside through woods and sunken paths.
Panoramic views over the Prairies d'Avezé
6.80 mi
+377 ft
-384 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Avezé (Sarthe) (Sarthe)
This route, which alternates between sunken lanes, forest paths and flat sections, will take you to the hill overlooking the Huisne Valley to the west. Along the way, several panoramic views allow you to admire the meadows of Avezé, a veritable hay barn that has provided for generations of farmers.
Parks and heritage of Saint-Saturnin
4.41 mi
+131 ft
-135 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Saturnin (Sarthe) (Sarthe)
A very pleasant route, mainly along paths or greenways, often lined with attractive modern properties, with interesting discoveries along the way relating to the area's industrial, technological and rural heritage. Sights to see: the Sarthe steam tramway station, the church and its cemetery, the old well, ponds and lake, the kiosk with an old Bollée windmill mechanism, the calvary and the hemp kiln.
Castles and countryside near Bazouges-sur-le-Loir.
7.15 mi
+210 ft
-210 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bazouges-sur-le-Loir (Sarthe)
Bazouges Castle and the countryside: stroll through fields, orchards and woodland along quiet country lanes or dirt tracks.
The Vègre
9.40 mi
+482 ft
-456 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Loué (Sarthe)
This route, which forms a double circular route along the Vègre, will take you past a variety of biodiversity and heritage sites.
The Trognes Route in Boëssé-le-Sec
7.82 mi
+495 ft
-492 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Boëssé-le-Sec (Sarthe)
This route through valleys and bocage will allow you to explore the countryside around Boëssé le Sec. You’ll discover a beautiful avenue of pollarded trees.
The loop around the Gèmerie leisure centre starting from Chaoué
5.89 mi
+72 ft
-72 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Le Mans (Sarthe)
A short walk along the Sarthe, returning after skirting the Gèmerie lake (leisure centre).
Exploring Perseigne
6.82 mi
+331 ft
-335 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Rigomer-des-Bois (Sarthe)
Discover the charm of the Perseigne National Forest on the edge of the "Maine Normand".
The Holly Route in Mulsanne
4.09 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Mulsanne (Sarthe)
At the foot of the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans route, a pleasant stroll beneath Scots pines and maritime pines where the squirrel reigns supreme.
Exploring the trails of Pruillé-le-Chétif
4.86 mi
+200 ft
-197 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Pruillé-le-Chétif (Sarthe)
Set in lush green surroundings, 8 km north-west of Le Mans, the village of Pruillé-le-Chétif is particularly popular for its wooded countryside. This circular route will allow you to explore the village centre (12th-century church), the famous Botanical Trail, complemented by other sections of remarkable footpaths within the commune: sunken lanes, old marl pits, protected hedgerows, pollarded trees, etc.
The village of Beaufay and the Butte de Montplaisir
13.33 mi
+459 ft
-446 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Beaufay (Sarthe)
A good twenty kilometres of peaceful walking through the countryside along sunken lanes, with almost 100% of the route on footpaths (less than 1.5 km of tarmac!!!) in the Beaufay countryside.
The Auvours hill in Yvré-l'Evêque
5.30 mi
+541 ft
-525 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Yvré-l'Évêque (Sarthe)
An easy walk, 50% of which follows a path around the Auvours hill, which witnessed the War of 1870, where a tragic battle claimed 617 lives on 10 and 11 January 1871. Many mementoes of this war are housed in the church at Yvre, where one chapel is dedicated to the Papal Zouaves.
The thousand-year-old yew tree at Jauzé
4.57 mi
+66 ft
-66 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Terrehault (Sarthe)
From Terrehault, follow the dirt tracks lined with pollarded trees to the village of Jauzé and its thousand-year-old yew tree.
The Tour of Le Mans North
8.37 mi
+276 ft
-305 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Le Mans (Sarthe)
Discover the Boulevard Nature, nestled between the countryside and the shopping area.
Around Étival-lès-le-Mans
4.41 mi
+135 ft
-135 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Étival-lès-le-Mans (Sarthe)
A pleasant walk where you can explore shaded paths and the Bois de la Cornuère. This is a diverse woodland, consisting mainly of deciduous trees, notably beautiful oaks. A few large umbrella pines dot this lovely landscape. A picnic table awaits you shortly after leaving the woods.
The woods of Beauvais
7.14 mi
+548 ft
-538 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Avezé (Sarthe) (Sarthe)
A lovely walk along sunken paths, through woodland and across the gentle hills of the Perche. Panoramic views of the Huisne and Maroisse valleys.
The Orée de Bercé-Belinois Route
6.22 mi
+66 ft
-66 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Moncé-en-Belin (Sarthe)
During this walk, you will encounter different periods of history, from the 12th century right up to the Second World War.
Chemin de la Maussidé
7.23 mi
+217 ft
-200 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Malicorne-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe)
This route will take you through the Malicorne countryside, then introduce you to the architectural heritage of this small town. Owned by local lords, the mills of Malicorne passed into the hands of Jean Loyseau around 1747, who founded the first earthenware factory.
The Parc de la Cigogne and the University of Maine from Rouillon
5.00 mi
+164 ft
-164 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Rouillon (Sarthe)
This unmarked route, along roads and footpaths, will take you through the countryside near the town as well as the Cité Universitaire du Maine.
Saint-Aubin-des-Coudrais and its hills
7.66 mi
+456 ft
-427 ft
3h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Aubin-des-Coudrais (Sarthe)
Set off to explore the hills and valleys of the Saint-Aubin countryside and its varied landscapes: woods, meadows and cultivated fields.
Around Pruillé-le-Chétif, Yellow route
6.82 mi
+184 ft
-177 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Pruillé-le-Chétif (Sarthe)
Located 8 km west of Le Mans, this walk through lush greenery, nestled between woods and marl pits, will allow you to discover a bocage landscape criss-crossed by sunken lanes. This yellow-marked trail is the longest of the marked trails in the municipality; it follows the unmissable fuchsia-marked botanical trail (3.5 km), as well as sections of another blue-marked trail.
More walks in Sarthe
Select an area below:
- Allonnes (Sarthe)
- Alpes Mancelles
- Ancinnes
- Arnage
- Auvers-le-Hamon
- Avezé (Sarthe)
- Bazouges-sur-le-Loir
- Beaufay
- Beillé
- Bessé-sur-Braye
- Boëssé-le-Sec
- Bonnétable
- Bouloire
- Bourg-le-Roi
- Brûlon
- Chantenay-Villedieu
- Cherreau
- Conflans-sur-Anille
- Connerré
- Coudrecieux
- Coulans-sur-Gée
- Courdemanche (Sarthe)
- Courgenard
- Dehault
- Dollon
- Duneau
- Étival-lès-le-Mans
- Évaillé
- Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
- Gesnes-le-Gandelin
- Juigné-sur-Sarthe
- La Chapelle-Huon
- La Chapelle-Saint-Fray
- La Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet
- Le Breil-sur-Mérize
- Le Luart
- Le Mans
- Lignières-la-Carelle
- Lombron
- Loué
- Luché-Pringé
- Maisoncelles (Sarthe)
- Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
- Moncé-en-Belin
- Montaillé
- Montfort-le-Gesnois
- Montmirail (Sarthe)
- Mulsanne
- Neuville-sur-Sarthe
- Nuillé-le-Jalais
- Parcé-sur-Sarthe
- Parigné-l'Évêque
- Préval
- Pruillé-le-Chétif
- Rouillon
- Ruaudin
- Sablé-sur-Sarthe
- Saint-Aubin-des-Coudrais
- Saint-Calais
- Saint-Célerin
- Saint-Christophe-du-Jambet
- Saint-Denis-des-Coudrais
- Saint-Georges-du-Rosay
- Saint-Georges-le-Gaultier
- Saint-Jean-des-Échelles
- Saint-Léonard-des-Bois
- Saint-Maixent
- Saint-Mars-d'Outillé
- Saint-Mars-de-Locquenay
- Saint-Mars-la-Brière
- Saint-Pavace
- Saint-Rigomer-des-Bois
- Saint-Saturnin (Sarthe)
- Saint-Ulphace
- Sainte-Osmane
- Sargé-lès-le-Mans
- Savigné-l'Évêque
- Sillé-le-Guillaume
- Sillé-le-Philippe
- Solesmes (Sarthe)
- Sougé-le-Ganelon
- Soulitré
- Souvigné-sur-Même
- Surfonds
- Terrehault
- Thorigné-sur-Dué
- Torcé-en-Vallée
- Tresson
- Tuffé
- Vancé
- Vibraye
- Villaines-la-Gonais
- Voivres-lès-le-Mans
- Volnay (Sarthe)
- Yvré-l'Évêque