You are in the heart of the forest in Sarthe and all the hidden riches of nature are just waiting to be discovered. In Sarthe, the tree is king and you are the lucky observers.

Exceptional forests

Your walk in the forest in Sarthe starts now! Four national forests share the territory, the most exceptional being the national forest of Bercé . This exceptional forest is home to several oak forests, including the Clos forest, one of the most beautiful in France. It brings together hundreds of oak trees over 300 years old and whose height can reach 50 meters! Some of them of high quality were selected for the reconstruction of the apron of the spire of Notre-Dame de Paris.

The national forest of Perseigne will allow you to reach the highest point of the department from its belvedere at 340 m from where you can observe the surrounding nature.

The forest of Sillé-le-Guillaume will disorient you with its rocky promontories giving it the air of a mountain forest. La Petite Charnie completes this enchanting ensemble and is home to abundant flora and fauna.

Immersive experiences all year round

In September and October, the mating season resonates in our forests. Get a front-row seat to listen to the roar of the deer and admire the clashes of the males. The ONF offers activities in the forests of Perseigne and Bercé. On the program, concerts, orienteering, thematic hikes, tree planting, to raise awareness and discover our rich forest heritage. Sharpen your eye during a photography course in the forest and discover the inhabitants of this particular natural area: deer, roe deer, badgers, foxes, great spotted woodpeckers and wild boar will no longer hold any secrets for you. Your 5 senses will also be put to use at Carnuta, the house of man and the forest. This interactive and fun space is ideal for the whole family!

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Carnuta, a playful museum to understand

The House of Man and the Forest allows you to understand the forest world while having fun. 
Learn to identify animal footprints or recognize tree species. 
Learn to distinguish the sounds of wildlife, the yelp of the fox or the bark of the deer. 
A great time to spend with the family!

The Sarthe forests, a huge playground

Notice to adventurers, the forest is your new playground! Approach the tops of the trees on one of the many tree climbing courses available to you in the Sarthe forests. Tépacap on the outskirts of Le Mans, the zip lines in the forest in the heart of the Sillé-le-Guillaume massif or the tree climbing park of the Domaine du Gasseau in the Mancelles Alps, offer routes accessible from 3 years old and difficult routes for the more adventurous .

Athletes, explore the dozens of mountain bike routes and hiking trails sheltered under the thick canopy of our mountains. Marked out, these paths meander along streams, between century-old oaks and sunny glades. The Sarthe is also a land of trail running! Loops cross varied landscapes: from deciduous and coniferous forests to fields and ponds. A new breath awaits you!