Get moving Hiking

As a nature destination par excellence, our region has no shortage of walking routes. Greenways or GR® 22, 36 and 235, from the Alpes Mancelles to the forests of Écouves, Perseigne and Multonne, via the paths around Alençon, there’s something for everyone!

Itineraries to suit all tastes

Nestling between the green hills of the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park and the tranquil rivers of the Sarthe, Alençon Tourisme’s destination offers the ideal setting for walking enthusiasts, combining nature, heritage and tranquillity. Whether you’re a Sunday walker, an experienced hiker or looking for a family outing, you’ll find a route to suit you!

Here are some ideas for walks you won’t want to miss:

The Écouves forest: immerse yourself in one of the largest state-owned forests in Normandy.
The Alpes Mancelles: admire unexpected landscapes of small mountains revealing the highest point in the Grand Ouest, Mont des Avaloirs.
Villages of character: discover the local heritage. Along the way, you’ll come across rural churches, manor houses, wash houses and one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Hiker arriving at La Roche-Mabile with a view of the church — ©The church at La Roche-Mabile|Alençon Tourisme, Pascal Beltrami

Smart buying Our hiking guide

THIS GUIDEBOOK CONTAINS :

A general map showing the location of the hiking trails and a zoom on the trails in the Massif d’Écouves trail station
14 leaflets illustrating the routes: 6 walking routes in the Massif d’Écouves trail station and 8 routes around several towns in the Alençon Urban Community.
A souvenirpostcard to send to friends and family

The little extras:

For each leaflet, explanatory texts on the history of a place or a character in connection with the route covered
“A little word from Fanny”, who gives a few tips and shares her experience of the different routes.

On sale in our shop

A couple of hikers and their children on the bridge at the Trotté mill in Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei — ©Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei

A word from Fanny

“I love hiking in the Alpes Mancelles. Starting out from Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, the Sarthe valley is a magnificent playground for a hike. In autumn, I like to set off from the village along the Gallic path and enjoy the views over this “Most Beautiful Village in France®” and the valley. The path takes me as far as Saint-Léonard-des-Bois and the Domaine du Gasseau before returning to the village via the Trotté mill.”

Spanning four départements, including Orne, the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park is a natural gem just outside Alençon. Deep forests, moorland, hedged farmland, peat bogs… the landscapes here are exceptionally rich. It’s also a haven for many protected species, such as the little owl and the great crested newt.
But the park is also a living place, where you can discover a typical rural heritage, picturesque villages and well-preserved skills. Signposted footpaths allow you to explore on foot, by bike or even on horseback. A must for lovers of nature and authenticity!

Cycling in the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park and Geopark — ©Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park and Geopark|PNR - Marc Lerouge

Alençon Tourism’s destination is perfect for cycling, with quiet country lanes, greenways, hilly but accessible landscapes and signposted routes. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced cyclist, there’s something for everyone!

Among the routes to try out:

– La Véloscénie, a 450km route from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, passes through Alençon.
– The Vélobuissonnière, a 250km route starting in Alençon, takes you all the way to the banks of the Loire.
– Loops allow you to discover the richness of the local heritage, with well-deserved gourmet breaks.

Alençon and the surrounding area are full of little wonders from the past.

The Château des Ducs in Alençon, witness to the town’s medieval history.
The old forges at Saint-Denis-sur-Sarthon, used to manufacture earthenware from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
The weavers’ houses in Damigny and the water mills scattered around the valleys tell the story of life in days gone by.

And of course, it’s impossible to miss Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, nicknamed the “painters’ village”, with its perched church and flower-filled lanes. At every turn, a stone, an architectural detail or a panorama tells a story.

Hiking often goes hand in hand with appetite-building and gourmet delights… and here, taste buds are not to be outdone!
Discover the typical local products: cider from the Desfrièches organic cider farm, PDO Domfront perry, cheeses(Les chèvres de Saint-Céneri or gruyère from Carrouges), chocolate sweets from our artisan chocolatiers(Le petit chocolatier, Chez Glatigny) and many more delights…

Take a stroll around the Alençon markets (Thursday and Saturday mornings) and meet the local producers.
A simple, sincere and tasty terroir, to be enjoyed without moderation!