The Calaisienne Loop

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The evolution of Saint-Calais is evident in its town planning, which developed in the Middle Ages on either side of the Anille. On the right bank, the former abbey site founded inthe 6th century is still visible in the two tall gables of the current resource centre. During the Revolution, it gave way to another administrative centre with imposing buildings and the straight streets typical ofthe 19th century. On the left bank, on the hillside between the river and the castle founded inthe 11th century to rival the powerful abbey, you can easily make out the medieval quarter, which was built around the axis of the Grande Rue on an irregular and densely packed grid of plots.

Details

n°97692869
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.62 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 318 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 305 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 522 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 305 ft
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Saint-Calais

Description of the walk

Start at Lake Saint-Calais.

(S/E) From the lake, walk past the car park and head towards the playground. Walk along the lake and then the Anille. Pass the campsite and then take the jetty on the right. Walk between the park and the swimming pool.

(1) Turn left onto Boulevard du Docteur Gignon, then immediately right. Join Allée Manoll.

(2) Continue along this lane, then turn left onto Rue du Guichet and take Rue des Quais Jean Jaurès on the right.

(3) Take Rue Amédée Savidan on the right. Walk past the market halls then turn left. Pass Place de l’Hôtel de Ville. At the crossroads, head straight ahead, pass in front of the hospital and continue along Avenue Charles de Gaulle. Pass L’Anille then turn right towards Parc Jean Moulin. Go round the stream on the right and ignore the paths on the left.

(4) Leave the park onto Avenue du Docteur Leroy and turn left. Take the first right, then head left onto the path. Take the avenue on the right and follow it along the cycle path.

(5) Cross the road to continue along this path. In the shopping area, go round the car park and join the D13 on the left. Take the grassy path running alongside this road on the right.

(6) At the junction of the two main roads, head straight across , taking care. Continue for 800 m, leaving the road on your right. Take the grassy path on the right a little further on, between the two fields, and turn left onto the small road.

(7) Pass La Petite Pâquellerie, then take the first path on the right. Continue straight ahead along the shaded path.

(8) When you reach the road, turn left, then at the junction carefully take the D402 opposite and immediately turn right onto the small path.

(9) Take the road to the left at the exit. Continue straight ahead, leave the road on your left and take the tarmac path opposite. Before the diversion, take the grassy path on the right for 300 m. At the road, do not cross and take the path to the left at a 180° turn. Walk back up alongside the road for 800 m.

(10) At the junction, turn right and then right again after the bridge. Walk along the verge then take the road to the right for 200 m. Pass the barrier and continue along the path to the right until you reach the tarmac track.

(11) Continue straight ahead. At the road, cross over and turn left, then turn right onto the path leading down to the lake. Return to the junction from the outward journey and continue to the right until you reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 328 ft - Lake Saint-Calais - Anille (rivière)
  2. 1 : mi 0.79 - alt. 325 ft - Rue du Docteur Gignon
  3. 2 : mi 0.99 - alt. 315 ft - Allée Manoll
  4. 3 : mi 1.12 - alt. 315 ft - Rue Amédée Savidan
  5. 4 : mi 1.78 - alt. 335 ft - Exit from the park
  6. 5 : mi 2.55 - alt. 436 ft - Route
  7. 6 : mi 3.21 - alt. 495 ft - Junction of the two departmental roads
  8. 7 : mi 4.3 - alt. 443 ft - La Petite Paquellerie
  9. 8 : mi 5.32 - alt. 495 ft - Route
  10. 9 : mi 6.57 - alt. 482 ft - Exit from the path
  11. 10 : mi 7.93 - alt. 420 ft - Departmental
  12. 11 : mi 9.11 - alt. 371 ft - Tarmac path
  13. S/E : mi 9.62 - alt. 328 ft - Lake Saint-Calais

Notes

  • Yellow markings.
  • 40% tarmac.
  • Connects with the Montaillé 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

  • Linden and yew trees joined together.
  • Notre-Dame Church (15th,16th and19th centuries), listed building.
  • Les Halles (19th century) Listed building
  • The Quays of the Anille.
  • The cultural centre (museum-library and historical archives).

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