Take a walk or relax near a lake, discover the valleys crossed by rivers or go fishing in a pond, the Sarthe promises bucolic landscapes at the water’s edge.

Walk around a lake

And if you take advantage of your holidays in the Sarthe to relax near a lake? A stretch of fresh water in the heart of nature is ideal for a rural getaway. Stroll around a lake or laze on a beach, it’s time to disconnect.

Forêt de Sillé

Lake Sillé-le-Guillaume

To the north of the Sarthe, in the middle of the forest of Sillé-le-Guillaume stretches a 32-hectare lake with its leisure center and the beach of Sillé, better known as Coco Plage by the people of Sarthe. The Tour du Lac offers a beautiful walk of just over 4 km in the heart of lush greenery.

The Monnerie lakes

In the town of La Flèche, discover the Monnerie lakes. If one is reserved for fishing and the other for swimming, the third, known as the lake of birds, is home to a protected natural area. It is reached by a route reserved only for pedestrians and cyclists, punctuated by promontories to observe water birds. 

Varennes lake

To the south of Sarthe, Lac des Varennes in Marçon offers a huge 50 hectare body of water and a leisure area where you can indulge in the joys of water sports. Take advantage of a swim on the beach or a picnic on the grass to relax by the water.

Explore the rivers of the Sarthe

Stroll along the towpaths, boat cruise or canoe-kayak descent, discover the rivers of the Sarthe and their picturesque villages.

The Sarthe and Vègre valleys

In the heart of the Rivières de l’Ouest® , let yourself be tempted by an adventure in a houseboat without a license or a boat cruise in the Sarthe valley. Along the water and the locks, discover the charm of the landscapes of the Sarthe, from mills to mansions.

Take the cycle routes of La Sarthe à Vélo or La Vélobuissonnière to explore the surrounding sites and villages such as Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Solesmes, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe or La Suze-sur-Sarthe. A little further north, its tributary the Vègre digs a valley with shady banks.

The Huisne Valley

The backbone of the Perche, the Huisne is a poetic little river that meanders through the groves. A tributary of the Sarthe, it has its source in the heights of the Perche. From Newton Park in Le Mans, take the greenway along the banks of the Huisne which leads to the wide open spaces of the Arche de la Nature, an ideal place for family outings.

The Loir Valley

From Poncé-sur-le-Loir to the gates of Angers, the Loir Valley crosses picturesque villages between vineyards and orchards. Located 40 km north of La Loire, the Loir is an intimate river that has inspired poets and writers such as Ronsard and Balzac. Although the river is not navigable for boats, it reserves some stretches for canoeing. You can also enjoy short boat or pedalo rides.

The bodies of water and fishing ponds in the Sarthe

Many bodies of water allow you to indulge in leisure fishing in the Sarthe. “Family”, “discovery”, “passion” or PRM courses allow everyone to tease carp, trout, pike, perch or gudgeon.

All fishing spots

The lake of the Moulin de l’Abbaye

Located on the edge of the Petite Charnie forest, the lake of the Moulin de l’Abbaye de Chemiré-en-Charnie covers 8 hectares.

Today it is an essential site for carp fishing and predator fishing.

Fishing in the Alpes Mancelles

Near the Alpes Mancelles, in Vernie, discover the fishing pond and its small lake of one hectare. In Saint-Germain-sur-Sarthe, the Etang de Carrouge offers an expanse of three hectares in a calm and wooded environment. Fans of “no kill” fly fishing can follow the route from Les Toyères to Saint Léonard-du-Bois.

The lake of the castle of Fort des Salles

Located 30 km south of Le Mans in Mayet, this body of water created on the sources of Gandelin has many fishing stations. The site is ideal for a family fishing trip.

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