La Perrière stands on a rocky spur at the edge of the Bellême Forest. Its landscape and architectural history offer two different perspectives: at the Site de l’Éperon, panoramic views stretch across the Sarthe department, while historic buildings tell the story of earlier periods of construction and protection. Visitors planning a stay can combine these themes with a stroll, a longer circular trail or a heritage game.

Forest edge and trails around La Perrière

The Site de l’Éperon is at the western end of La Perrière. A footpath runs there along the so-called “coniche,” and remarkable panoramas open up across the Sarthe department. The viewpoint and path are specific highlights for anyone wishing to include the landscape in their trip. The village’s position on the rocky spur and the Bellême Forest at its edge create a different impression from the historic buildings in the village.

For a longer hike, the 11-kilometre Le Chêne de l’École circular trail starts in La Perrière. It is a clearly defined option alongside the footpath at the Site de l’Éperon: here, the trail’s length is specified, while the path along the “coniche” and the panoramas are the main attractions there. You can choose according to whether you prefer a circular trail with a stated distance or a route at the viewpoint, without combining the two paths into a single route.

La Perrière can be reached by bicycle, on foot and by car. As route conditions may change, check them before you travel. Another way to discover the area is the Rando Jeu Bellême, La Perrière et Ceton. This family-friendly heritage game takes participants through the village streets, where they answer questions and solve riddles. It also passes through La Perrière. This offers different ways to explore: a hike with a stated distance, a footpath along the “coniche,” and a game that explores local heritage through questions and riddles.

Architectural history and protection in the village

The Logis de l’Évêque is a 17th-century town house. Its main façade dates from the 16th century and incorporates materials from an earlier building erected between 1319 and 1356. Several periods therefore come together in this building: the earlier origins of the materials used, the 16th-century façade and the 17th-century town house. The Logis de l’Évêque has been partially protected as a Monument historique since 6 January 1995.

Notre-Dame du Rosaire also preserves a connection to La Perrière’s former fortress: the church served as its chapel, although the fortress no longer exists. Its bell tower rests on the foundations of a castle tower. These details link the church to the fortress’s history, while the tower of Château de Monthimer offers a separate point of interest. Located outside the village centre, it dates from the 16th century and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1975.

Another period in the village’s protection history is also worth noting. La Perrière has been protected since 1979 by a Zone de protection du patrimoine architectural, urbain et paysager (ZPPAUP), which was converted into an Aire de mise en valeur de l’architecture et du patrimoine (AVAP) in 2016. This designation applies to the village; the protections mentioned for the Logis de l’Évêque and the Monthimer tower each apply to an individual building. Anyone interested in architectural history should distinguish between these different scales: the periods represented in a building, its individual protection designation and the protection of the village.

Art and events throughout the year

The l’Art à la Perrière festival takes place at Pentecost and showcases works by contemporary artists. As the programme may vary, check the specific event dates before travelling. Another event with a set time of year is the Fête du Rosaire, held on the first Sunday in October and featuring a large flea market in the streets of La Perrière. Details of this festival may also vary from year to year, so check the date if you would like to plan your stay around it.

La Perrière offers different ways to explore, depending on your interests: enjoy the panoramas at the Site de l’Éperon, follow the 11-kilometre circular trail, solve the riddles in the heritage game, or discover historic buildings and their protection history. The events mentioned above add to these options at certain times of the year.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Boucé, Réveillon, Ceton, Champeaux-Sur-Sarthe, Saint-Germain-De-La-Coudre, Champsecret, Tessé-Froulay, Essay

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