The starting point of the 24 Hours of Le Mans from Montfort-le-Gesnois

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The present-day commune, formed by the merger of two former major market towns, stretches out parallel to the Huisne valley across uneven terrain. The old Pont de Gennes is at the lowest point (60 m), whilst the highest point (100 m) is at Montfort-le-Rotrou. The former is a crossroads village situated at the mouth of an old crossing point over the Huisne. The latter, situated on a strategic defensive site, is a linear settlement built under the protection of the castle. The two were joined by a gradual urban expansion in the 19th century. The walk takes you past the starting point of the first major motor race organised by the Automobile Club de France (ACF) in 1906, the forerunner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Details

n°97209476
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.15 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 230 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 230 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 423 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 194 ft
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Photos

Roman Bridge

Description of the walk

Start at the Roman Bridge in Gennes. Park in the car park on the left bank of the Huine, near a playground.

(S/E) On leaving the car park, cross the road and enter Square Hémery. Continue straight on along Route de la Marine, keeping the Huine on your right.

(1) Turn left under a railway bridge to enter the Pécardière business park. Continue straight on to the end of the street. Then first turn right then left to take a path into a small wood. After about a hundred metres, turn left. Go straight on until you reach a road (D20ter).

(2) Cross the road and enter the Parc des Sittelles. At the T-junction immediately ahead, turn right and follow the path alongside a skate park. Pass the aquatic centre on your right and stay on the path until you reach a junction at the entrance to a pedestrian tunnel.

(3) Go through the tunnel to pass under the D233.

(4) On the other side, take the path on the right. At the junction, turn left and continue straight on along a road and then a tarmac path. Pass a riding centre on your right.

(5) At the junction at the hamlet of La Petite Bécane, turn left. At the next junction (elevation 121), go straight on along a track and pass the hamlet of La Bouverie on your left.

(6) At the next junction, take the track on the left and pass the hamlet of Les Adriers on your right. Continue along a path and head downhill (north) towards the Parc des Sittelles.

(7) At a fork, turn left. Shortly afterwards, as you approach the D233, turn left.

(4) Go through the tunnel under the D323 again.

(3) At the exit, head to the right. After about 200 m, turn left and follow the go-kart route on your right. Go straight on and pass under a high-voltage power line.

(8) Join the D20ter and follow it to the right. You will come out onto the D20; follow it to the left and pass under the railway line. Continue straight ahead and you will soon see the start car park on your right (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 194 ft - Car park on the left bank - Pont romain de Gennes
  2. 1 : mi 0.59 - alt. 197 ft - Passage under a railway bridge - Huine (
  3. 2 : mi 1.25 - alt. 210 ft - Crossing the D20ter
  4. 3 : mi 1.52 - alt. 223 ft - Pedestrian tunnel – North side
  5. 4 : mi 1.57 - alt. 220 ft - Pedestrian tunnel – South side
  6. 5 : mi 2.67 - alt. 354 ft - Crossroads
  7. 6 : mi 3.17 - alt. 420 ft - Crossroads - La Bécane
  8. 7 : mi 3.93 - alt. 240 ft - Junction
  9. 8 : mi 4.81 - alt. 203 ft - D20ter road
  10. S/E : mi 5.15 - alt. 194 ft - Car park on the left bank - Pont romain de Gennes

Notes

Purple markings.

Approximately 14% tarmac. Picnic table and toilets at the start of the route.

Map and full route description available in the Perche Sarthois Hiking Guide (50 routes). On sale at Perche Sarthois tourist offices for €10.

Worth a visit

Roman Bridge

Watermill

Parc des Sittelles (2): starting point of the first ACF Grand Prix in 1906, the forerunner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

La Bouverie

Sittelles Sensitive Natural Area.

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