Getting to know Sarthe

 

The Sarthe region needs very little introduction, say ‘Le Mans 24 hours’ and everyone will know where you are headed. Although the race is magnificent, the Sarthe has so much more to offer than speed and cars.

No visit should be without a trip to the museum devoted to this famous race, depicting its most glorious moments. You’ll be dazzled by metal from all over Europe and also America. My favourite is the 1958 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado. Worthy of any modern day VIP or celebrity, it’s full of gizmos including a bottle of Arpège perfume. Perfect for all aspiring divas!

There is more to Le Mans than cars and speed. In the impressive and often overlooked Cité Plantagenêt (Old City) you’ll experience a change of pace. The name hints at the region’s long connection with Britain. The French House of Plantagenet provided England with some of its famous kings between 1133 and 1485.
An urban jewel, the town’s historic heart features magnificent mansions and is circled by a remarkable 3rd century Roman wall, the best preserved in Europe.

 

Outside the city, you will experience another change of pace and all that is wonderful about the region.

There’s heritage like manors and châteaux, many of which are privately owned like the impressive château at Le Lude. It’s my ‘local’ and I never cease to be astonished by its beauty – it almost takes my breath away! It’s privately owned and you feel completely privileged when you are given a guided tour by the staff.

For those crazy about arts and crafts, there are lots to see and do. Take the astonishing pottery museum at Malicorne. It’s perfect for those who just want to observe or those who want to be hands on. You can learn about the history and look at the exhibits from traditional to contemporary or create your own master pieces! Elsewhere in the region, you can literally watch glass expanding before your eyes at the glass blower’s workshop in Poncé-sur-le-Loir, then marvel at the finished product. Don’t forget to visit the formal French and Italian gardens surrounding the 16th Century château.

 

Water is important in the region. The river Sarthe, which gives its name to the region, flows through a myriad of landscapes, including steep hills covered with Alpine plant life, hedgerows, dense forests and past many peaceful country villages. Things not to miss are the Solesmes Abbey, famous for its Gregorian chants and Sablé-sur-Sarthe dominated by its château.  The Loir river runs through picturesque countryside perfect for cycling, the villages nearby enjoy a particularly rich and varied architectural heritage.

There are some fantastic lakes, which are definitely worth a visit. Chill-out on the beach or just splash around. The lake at Marçon offers lots of leisure activities.  You can choose from mini-golf, pedaloes, tennis, sailing, rock climbing and archery or if you are super fit you can try all of them!

The wines from the Loir valley remain relatively undiscovered like the delicious white wine called “Jasnières”. Perfect for a picnic by the picturesque lake at Marçon, the Côteaux du Loir wines are definitely worth trying. To accompany them try the local specialty ‘rillettes’, a shredded pork pâté: perfect with crusty bread!

 

For ‘golfaholics’, the region’s microclimate lends itself to one of the favourite pastimes of the French and Brits alike: golf. There are at least four major clubs including the excellent course at Sablé-Solemnes. This 27-hole course is set in 350 acres of grounds and, for beginners, there is a 9-hole teaching course.

Whether you crave speed or prefer a more pedestrian pace, the Sarthe offers activities in step with your lifestyle, whether you want to change down a gear or rev it up!

http://www.tourisme-en-sarthe.com