Désertines combines a specifically named hiking trail with several distinct reminders of the town’s history. The Circuit pédestre – La Grande Haie represents the bocage landscape of Mayenne; the menhir, stele, Église Saint Pierre and Château de la Haye offer other historical points of interest. When planning a stay, you can focus on hiking, heritage or a mix of both.

Hiking in the bocage landscape

The 4.5 km Circuit pédestre – La Grande Haie is considered a typical example of the bocage landscape of Mayenne. For planning purposes, the route provides a specific distance; its classification as a bocage landscape identifies its scenic character. The two details serve different purposes: the distance describes the length of the route, while the landscape reference characterises it. If you would like hiking to be a focus in addition to the historical landmarks, this is a clearly identified option.

Château de la Haye

Château de la Haye is a former manor house (Gentilhommière). The year 1762 is carved in granite on the lintel above the entrance; the main building was once surrounded by moats. These details present different aspects: its classification as a manor house, a precisely located date and the former layout of the grounds. The year is inscribed on the lintel, while the moats describe a historic feature of the main building.

Menhir, stele and Église Saint Pierre

The menhir at Place de l’Église has been classified as a Monument historique since 24 November 1924. The Stèle de Désertines stands in the village square. It is a Christianised megalithic monument and was formerly attached to the nave of the previous church. The menhir and the stele can be distinguished by different historical features: the menhir has a protected status associated with a specific date; the stele is notable for its Christianisation and its former architectural connection to the church.

Église Saint Pierre also brings together different historical periods. The present church stands on the foundations of an earlier church founded by Saint Pavace. Inside is a 17th-century baptismal font from the earlier church, bearing the coat of arms of the Fontaine-Daniel Abbey. This makes it possible to distinguish the history of the church site from the provenance of an individual furnishing. The coat of arms adds a specifically identified heraldic connection to the history of the object.

Practical information for your stay

There is a DISTRI-PAIN/DISTRI-FRAIS vending outlet at 9 rue de Normandie. Bread and fresh produce are available there all day. For organic Entrammes cheese, the 2024 Haute-Mayenne tourism guide listed Emmanuel Pavis in Les Forges as a farm shop. If you are considering a visit, contact the producer beforehand to confirm opening hours. This dates the information about the farm shop and makes confirming its opening hours part of your planning.

Discover more destinations: Champfrémont, Hambers, Ménil, Erbrée, Larchamp, Loigné-Sur-Mayenne, Château-Gontier, Saint-Thomas-de-Courceriers

For the main travel overview: Mayenne.