Tuffé Abbey Circular Walk

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Tuffé-Val-de-la-Chéronne is a new commune formed in 2016 from the merger of the communes of Tuffé and Saint-Hilaire-le-Lierru. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, as evidenced by the Grandes Brières dolmen, Tuffé began to develop in the Early Middle Ages with the founding of an abbey around 650. From the Middle Ages to the Revolution, the monastery of Tuffé was also a large seigneurial estate bearing the title of barony; its power sparked emulation and, at times, rivalry with the neighbouring lay lords of Chéronne. At the end of the 19th century, the railway gave the village a new lease of life; it encouraged the establishment of an industrial estate on which the town’s current economic vitality still partly rests.

Details

n°97220513
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.09 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 167 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 157 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 390 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 249 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Tuffé (72160)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 48.118804° / E 0.511707°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 1818SB
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Photos

Notre-Dame Abbey in Tuffé

Description of the walk

Start at the Chalet du Lac.

(S/E) From the chalet, head towards Rue du Plan d’Eau. Follow this street to the left, then, at the end, turn right onto Rue de la Gare.

(1) At the junction, cross Place de la Gare and turn left onto Rue de la Fonderie, which you should follow to the right.

(2) At a place called Conchibois, continue straight on along the path running alongside the tourist railway line.

(3) At the road, turn left then right.

(4) At La Gasserie, continue left then keep left again when you reach the Fork in the road towards Maulny. When you reach the D33, turn left (take care).

(5) Take the path on the right into the woods until you reach the D29.

(6) Follow it to the right then left at Moulin Jean. At the next junction, keep left again. Pass through the village of Saint-Hilaire-le-Lierru and join the D97.

(7) Follow it to the left and, on leaving the village, turn right, then left onto the path leading to the hamlet of Ragueneau.

(8) Head down the road to the left towards Tuffé. Cross the village via the D33, continuing straight on to the church. Pass under the abbey’s porch.

(9) Walk past the former Notre-Dame Abbey and head to the car park via the lake embankment (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 289 ft - Chalet du Lac
  2. 1 : mi 0.47 - alt. 285 ft - Gare de Tuffé-Ville
  3. 2 : mi 0.89 - alt. 285 ft - Conchibois
  4. 3 : mi 1.47 - alt. 259 ft - Route
  5. 4 : mi 1.99 - alt. 282 ft - La Gasserie
  6. 5 : mi 2.76 - alt. 351 ft - Path to the Moulin Jean
  7. 6 : mi 4.04 - alt. 272 ft - D29 road
  8. 7 : mi 4.95 - alt. 295 ft - D97 road
  9. 8 : mi 6 - alt. 381 ft - Raguenau
  10. 9 : mi 6.51 - alt. 282 ft - Abbaye Notre-Dame (Tuffé)
  11. S/E : mi 7.09 - alt. 289 ft - Chalet du Lac

Notes

  • Blue markings
  • 39% tarmac

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

  • Former Tuffé railway station
  • Former Gasserie Farm
  • The Jean Mill
  • Saint-Hilaire Church
  • Wash house
  • Saint-Pierre Church
  • Former Notre-Dame Abbey

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