The best traffic-free bike rides around Pizieux

The place that gives its name to the surrounding forest. An abbey founded in 1145 by monks from the Abbey of Citeaux in search of silence and isolation. Now, only a ruined section remains, visible through the foliage from the road. Note that these ruins are located on the grounds of the oldest summer camp still in operation in France.

This 11th century medieval bridge is a beautiful place to contemplate Beaumont-sur-Sarthe for a short moment. In addition to the river, you can see the castle located on the heights of the town.

Saint-Rémy Church from the 11th and 16th centuries. Stained glass windows from the 20th century. Altarpiece of the Saint-Julien chapel from the 17th century.

Of Romanesque origin, the church of Louvigny has undergone many transformations over time. Among other things, the altars and the altarpiece were donated in the 18th century by Mr. François Thébault, a wealthy donor born in Louvigny. A commemorative plaque was erected in his memory in the sacristy of the church after it was found at the end of the 19th century by Father Chartrain, then parish priest, on the roof of his presbytery, in place of a tile. It is likely that it was thus protected from the pillaging of the Revolution. The steeple dates from the 19th century. It replaced a campanile. It was also in the 19th century that the stained glass windows, the Stations of the Cross and the baptismal font were installed. Generally made of stone, these are very original, since decorated in the Napoleon III style, the period of their manufacture, they are made of cast iron and undoubtedly a fine example of the industrial production of this time. The portal, typically Romanesque, is preceded by two steps in which an eight-pointed star and a cross are drawn. This is perhaps a summary of the life of Christ, from the Star of the Nativity to the Crucifixion. Several elements classified as Historic Monuments have been restored over the last few years, thanks to subsidies from the State and the Department of Sarthe, as well as the generosity of subscribers to the Fondation du Patrimoine. Thus, the remarkable tabernacle of the high altar in gilded wood. Painted in faux marble in the 18th century, it is one of the largest tabernacles preserved in Sarthe. The painting located just above, also superbly restored, and attributed to François Mongendre (1644-1690), represents Saint Germain d’Auxerre meeting Saint Geneviève as a child.

The Chapitrel is the name given to the entrance gate. The period door is in the Renaissance style. This construction had several functions: It was reserved for catechumens who were not allowed to enter the church and served as a warehouse for farmers who sold at the market on Sunday mornings. The saddleback tower dates from 1545. It is 28 m high. It is square and has four levels. Each floor is separated by an external Roussard belt called a "larmier" which overhangs quite widely, preventing water from running off. At the top of the roof are two granite crosses, each topped with a copper weather vane representing a crowned dragon's head.

Saint-Martin Chapel. It dates from the 12th or 13th century. It is made of granite, roussard sandstone and brick. This small chapel is lost in the middle of the fields. It is a simple rectangular nave which has a Romanesque window at its chevet.

small, gentle climb coming from Allieres Beauvoir

Fresh climb to the north of Sarthe