The best MTB trails around Messei

These are the last stone and brick calcination kilns in Normandy. They were part of the La Ferrière-aux-Etangs iron mine, which was in operation until 1938.

This is not a former crossroads, but the old Le Chatellier railway station. This station was used for loading iron ore from the St Clair mines.

If you are looking for a place that combines nature, history and legend, you can visit the mound of Sainte Anne and the legend of the Dragon, a site perched near Domfront-en-Poiraie in Normandy. According to legend, around the year 1052, a fierce dragon lived in a pit called The Dragon Pit and terrorized the region. The lord of Domfront, William II Talvas, had to sacrifice a young victim every day to appease the beast. One day, his daughter Mabile was chosen by fate and was about to be devoured by the dragon. But a mysterious old man appeared on a rock overlooking the pit and made the sign of the cross, ordering the monster to disappear forever. The dragon flew away and fell into another pit called La Fosse-Tertière, where it died. You can discover this fascinating history by following a loop trail that connects Tertre Sainte-Anne and Tertre Chapon, where you will find information panels. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and the medieval town of Domfront from the top of the hill.

A male tree and a female tree with trunks 11m in circumference.

A wooded natural site with a stone quarry. Many activities are possible around this site but the best way to discover it is, by far, to explore it on foot. Viewpoints and picnic areas will allow you to enjoy this highlight.

A very nice part of the Vélo Francette between Flers and Domfront. This shady path runs along the Varenne and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Do not miss the visit of the Forges on your way! Free entry.

Around the year 1052 near this place called "The Dragon Pit" legend reports that at the time of William II Talvas, lord of Domfront and successor to Robert de Bellême, there lived a ferocious dragon who sowed terror in the region. Teutates, an old soothsayer living as a hermit in the Andaines Forest, not far from it, suggested to the lord to bring each day a young victim aged ten to twenty years old, chosen at random from among the population, in order to appease the anger of the dragon. Only one day, chance fell upon William II Talvas since his daughter, Mabile, was chosen by fate. The unfortunate child therefore had to prepare for the sacrifice. Fortunately, this one had the protection of the heavens. At the very moment when the procession reached the summit of Tertre Sainte Anne, the appearance of a tall old man on the rock dominating the “Dragon Pit” interrupted the sad ascent. The old man, using prayers, made a large sign of the cross demanding the monster to disappear forever. The dragon, roaring, emerged from the Pit and launched itself into the air. However, his heavy wings could no longer support him, so he fell into the Varenne, where his fall dug a bottomless chasm called "La Fosse-Tertière".