The best running trails around Yvré-L'Évêque
4.7
(34)
1,600
runners
45
runs
Jogging around Yvré-L'Évêque offers diverse routes through typical French countryside, characterized by green fields, small forests, and gentle hills. The region's landscape is shaped by the vast Arche de la Nature park, which features rivers, lakes, and woodlands. The Huisne River is a notable natural element, and nearby Loudon Ponds add peat bogs and wet heaths to the varied terrain.
Best jogging routes around Yvré-L'Évêque
- The most popular jogging route is Épau Abbey – Arche de la Nature loop from Yvré-l'Évêque, a 8.1 miles (13.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 22 minutes to complete, passing through the natural park and by the historic abbey.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Arche de la Nature – Prairie House loop from Abbaye Royale de l'Épau, a moderate 6.9 miles (11.2 km) path. This route offers extensive views within the Arche de la Nature and around the Royal Abbey.
- Local runners also love the La Mare aux Poissons Rouges loop from Abbaye Royale de l'Épau, a 3.1 miles (5.0 km) trail leading through varied landscapes including the Étang and La Mare aux Poissons Rouges, often completed in about 35 minutes.
- Jogging around Yvré-L'Évêque is defined by green fields, small forests, and gentle hills, with routes often incorporating elements of the Arche de la Nature and the Huisne River. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy paths to more challenging running trails.
- The routes in Yvré-L'Évêque are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 2500 runners have used komoot to explore Yvré-L'Évêque's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(4)
89
runners
12.3km
01:17
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(18)
41
runners
4.93km
00:35
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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41
runners
19.2km
02:16
150m
150m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
runners
12.0km
01:19
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
36
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Founded in 1229 by Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, it constitutes one of the most beautiful Cistercian jewels in France. It was acquired by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. The Royal Abbey of Épau constitutes one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France. In 1229, Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, decided to found this abbey at the gates of Le Mans, where she was buried a year later. During the Revolution, the abbey, almost deserted by monks since the 18th century, was sold as national property to an industrialist. Then transformed into an agricultural operation, the abbey experienced many vicissitudes before its purchase by the Department of Sarthe in 1959. A vast restoration program, still in progress, is giving it a second wind, making the abbey one of the most important places cultural heritage of Sarthe. The abbey also hosts the sessions of the departmental assembly of which it has been the seat since the 1970s. Since July 1, 2016, its management has been entrusted to the Sarthe Cultural Center whose mission is to offer it a new dimension, in order to strengthen its cultural role in the region. Recently, the research of Father Michel Niaussat, a Cistercian monk writer, has shed light on the royal character of the building. L'Épau Abbey then became Royal Abbey of l'Épau in March 2017. Alongside this cultural and tourist growth, another flagship project which will guide the development of the abbey in the coming years: the transformation of the park into permacultural garden. It must then be remembered that times of prayer and work were equivalent in the Cistercian rule. This agricultural dimension is at the heart of the departmental project, the ultimate objective of which is to restore as faithfully as possible the original principles of the place. The abbey, which has preserved almost all of its buildings, is located at the gates of Le Mans. It is inserted in a 13 ha enclosed park delimited by a surrounding wall.
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VISITS Free individual visits Individual guided tours Average duration of the individual visit: 1:30h Groups welcome from 10 people Free group visits Guided group tours Guided group tours on request Educational group visits Average duration of the group visit: 1:30h Point of interest visible without visit Languages available Spoken: French, English Panels: French, English Audio: English, French ACTIVITIES Specific thematic animation Workshop for adults Children's workshop Conferences Temporary exhibitions Sound and light
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PRICES Individual price adult: €5.50 Individual price reduced: €4.00 Job seeker, student, RSA, person in disability situation, Cezam card, CE Individual price child: €3.00 10-17 years old Free: €0.00 Under 10 years old and accompanying person
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L'Arche de la Nature is a vast natural park of 450 hectares located on the outskirts of Le Mans. Trails, rivers, lakes and forests to discover during your run.
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Founded in 1229, the Royal Abbey of Epau is a fine example of Cistercian architecture. Its interior is worth visiting, with its vaulted ceilings and arched windows. The thick stone walls give an idea of the history of the place.
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L'Arche de la Nature is a vast natural park of 450 hectares located on the outskirts of Le Mans. Trails, rivers, lakes and forests to discover.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Yvré-L'Évêque?
There are over 50 running routes around Yvré-L'Évêque, catering to various fitness levels. These trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 40 reviews.
Are there easy jogging routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Yvré-L'Évêque offers 6 easy jogging routes, perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxed run. These paths often feature gentle terrain within the picturesque countryside.
Can I find circular running routes in Yvré-L'Évêque?
Many of the running routes in Yvré-L'Évêque are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Épau Abbey – Arche de la Nature loop from Abbaye Royale de l'Épau is a popular 9.5 km circular trail that takes you through the natural park and past the historic abbey.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the running trails around Yvré-L'Évêque?
The running trails in Yvré-L'Évêque offer diverse scenery, from typical French countryside with green fields and gentle hills to the expansive woodlands, rivers, and lakes within the Arche de la Nature. You might also encounter historical elements like a Roman bridge or the Gérence Fountain on routes such as the 'Boulevard Nature'.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the jogging routes?
Absolutely. Many routes incorporate significant landmarks. You can run past the historic L'Épau Abbey, explore the natural beauty of the Arche de la Nature with its Prairie House and Water House, or discover the unique landscape of the Loudon Ponds. The 'Boulevard Nature' circuit also offers views of the Château de Vaux.
What is the best time of year to go jogging in Yvré-L'Évêque?
Yvré-L'Évêque enjoys a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters, making it suitable for jogging year-round. Spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors, while summer mornings or evenings are ideal to avoid the midday heat.
Are there any longer or more challenging running routes for experienced runners?
Yes, for experienced runners seeking a challenge, there are 8 difficult routes available. A notable option is the Arche de la Nature – Épau Abbey loop from Abbaye Royale de l'Épau, a demanding 15.5 km path offering extensive views within the natural park and around the Royal Abbey.
What do other runners enjoy most about the trails in Yvré-L'Évêque?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the peaceful atmosphere of the Arche de la Nature, and the well-maintained paths that allow for enjoyable runs through both natural and historical settings.
Are there running routes that explore the Arche de la Nature?
Many routes delve into the vast Arche de la Nature. For instance, the Arche de la Nature – Prairie House loop from Abbaye Royale de l'Épau is a moderate 11.2 km route that takes you directly through this expansive natural park, allowing you to experience its diverse ecosystems.
Can I find routes that start near the Royal Abbey of Epau?
The Royal Abbey of Epau is a popular starting point for several running and hiking routes. The Étang – La Mare aux Poissons Rouges loop from Abbaye Royale de l'Épau, a 9.9 km moderate trail, is one such option that begins near the abbey and leads through varied landscapes.
Are there any routes that offer a mix of natural and urban views?
Yes, Yvré-L'Évêque offers urban hiking circuits, typically 6 to 8 kilometers in length, which highlight remarkable historical sites and offer scenic viewpoints, blending the natural countryside with glimpses of the commune's heritage. The Épau Abbey loop from Yvré-l'Évêque, a 13 km route, provides a good balance of natural paths and proximity to historical sites.
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