8 Great Reasons to Visit the Sarthe Valley

Less than two hours from Paris and Nantes, between Le Mans and Angers

Point de vue du jardin publique de Sablé — ©
2 filles regardent le point de vue du jardin publique de Sablé
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Pascal Beltrami

Looking for a relaxing weekend break in France without travelling hundreds of miles? The Sarthe Valley offers a refreshing alternative to busy cities and crowded tourist destinations.

Located less than two hours from Paris and Nantes, and close to Le Mans and Angers, the Sarthe Valley combines beautiful countryside, authentic heritage, charming villages and the French art of living – the perfect destination for a short break or a longer getaway.

Getting here is easy:

By car: via the A11 or A81 motorways from Paris, Nantes, Angers or Le Mans.
By train: high-speed TGV services stop at Sablé-sur-Sarthe.

Mis à jour le 3 September 2026

1. A destination closer than you think

The Sarthe Valley is the perfect place to escape without travelling far. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, a peaceful holiday in the French countryside or a change of scenery, you will find nature, heritage and authentic experiences right on your doorstep.

2. Charming villages with a rich heritage

One of the great treasures of the Sarthe Valley is its collection of charming and historic villages, where heritage can be discovered around every corner, along riverside paths and through beautiful landscapes.

✨ Asnières-sur-Vègre and Parcé-sur-Sarthe, both awarded the Petites Cités de Caractère® label, are two true gems of the region.

Asnières-sur-Vègre, listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, captivates visitors with its medieval atmosphere, Romanesque Saint-Hilaire Church, historic houses and beautiful riverside setting.
Parcé-sur-Sarthe, a former river port, charms visitors with its riverside heritage, historic houses and peaceful atmosphere.

Beyond these two remarkable villages, the Sarthe Valley is home to many other beautiful places waiting to be explored: Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Brûlon, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, Loué, Chantenay-Villedieu, Poillé-sur-Vègre, Fontenay-sur-Vègre and Crannes-en-Champagne…

Each village has its own identity, history and hidden treasures.

Charming Little villages

3. Hiking and cycling: enjoy the peace and quiet of nature

The Sarthe Valley is a paradise for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Follow riverside paths, explore peaceful countryside or combine outdoor activities with fascinating heritage discoveries.

🥾 Our Sarthe Valley Hiking Guide features 37 signposted walking trails, with detailed information on points of interest, duration and difficulty levels.

🚴 Cyclists can follow La Vélobuissonnière®, a scenic cycling route that crosses the Sarthe Valley. The route includes peaceful greenways connecting several towns and villages, making it ideal for a cycling trip with family or friends.

Here, life moves at a slower pace. And that makes all the difference.

4. Explore the Sarthe Valley from the water

The Sarthe River runs through the heart of the region and is one of the best ways to discover the destination. Peaceful, green and unspoilt, it offers a completely different perspective on the Sarthe Valley.

In Sablé-sur-Sarthe, you can enjoy a unique boating holiday with Anjou Navigation, which offers self-drive houseboats that require no boating licence.

For a weekend or a full week, take the helm and explore the Sarthe River at your own pace. Cruise through peaceful landscapes, discover charming villages and stop wherever the journey takes you.

For a shorter experience, Le Sablésien offers several river cruises:

1.5-hour sightseeing and aperitif cruises;
lunch cruises lasting 3, 5 or 7 hours. A relaxing and unforgettable way to experience the Sarthe River.

5. Taste the best of local food and specialities

A great holiday is also about great food!

The Sarthe Valley is home to passionate local producers and delicious regional specialities.

Don’t miss:

The famous Sablé biscuit
The iconic Petit Sablé is the signature biscuit of Sablé-sur-Sarthe. Local biscuit makers such as Maison Drans and La Sablésienne continue this traditional expertise.

La Sablésienne also has a museum dedicated to the history of the famous biscuit, where visitors can discover how it is made – with tasting included, of course!

Local produce
Visit La Cabane des Producteurs in Mareil-en-Champagne to fill your basket with local products, including farm produce, cheese, charcuterie and fruit juices.

6. Discover exceptional craftsmanship: Malicorne ceramics

The Sarthe Valley is proud of its rich artistic and craft heritage, particularly its world of ceramics and faience.

In Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, awarded the Ville et Métiers d’Art label, the history of faience dates back to the 18th century. Today, talented artisans continue this unique tradition.

Visit the historic Faïencerie d’Art de Malicorne and Faïencerie Bourg-Joly, where clay and glazes are still transformed into beautiful works of art, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creativity.
You can also visit the Museum of Faience and Ceramics, which tells the story of this remarkable artistic heritage and the techniques behind it.

A must-see cultural experience for lovers of arts, crafts and handmade ceramics.

Artists and Craftspeople of Malicorne

7. Outdoor activities and nature experiences

Enjoying the great outdoors comes naturally in the Sarthe Valley.

The region offers several leisure centres and lakes where you can relax in the sunshine or enjoy a wide range of activities:

canoeing, paddleboarding and pedal boats;
swimming areas;
picnic spots and shaded areas for relaxing;
family activities and landscaped beaches.

Whether you are looking for adventure or simply want to enjoy a peaceful moment on the water, there is something for everyone.

8. Charming and unusual places to stay

Why not use your weekend break as an opportunity to stay somewhere truly memorable?

In the Sarthe Valley, you can:

experience life in a French château;
spend the night in a historic manor house;
stay in a charming and welcoming bed and breakfast;
or choose unusual accommodation for a completely different experience.

The perfect way to turn a simple weekend into an unforgettable French getaway.

Where to sleep ?

Ready to discover the Sarthe Valley?

Charming villages, peaceful rivers, outdoor adventures, local food, exceptional craftsmanship and unique places to stay… The Sarthe Valley is full of unexpected experiences.

Whether you are planning a weekend break, a family holiday, a cycling adventure or a peaceful escape into the French countryside, there are plenty of reasons to put the Sarthe Valley on your travel list.