Berfay can be planned around two distinct themes: the heritage of the 1906 Grand Prix and hiking trails connected to the Boutry Valley and Vibraye Forest. Saint-Pierre Church, with construction phases spanning several centuries, is another point of interest. If you are considering a stay, you can first decide whether cultural history or a particular route should be your main focus.
Traces of the 1906 Grand Prix
Espace Grégoire is at the heart of the town’s motorsport heritage: in Berfay, a totem and a commemorative plaque recall the 1906 Grand Prix. Another connection is the cultural route marking the first Automobile Club de France Grand Prix of 1906, which passes through Berfay at kilometre 51. The year links the two references, but they take different forms: Espace Grégoire is a memorial installation, while kilometre 51 places Berfay along the cultural route.
Saint-Pierre Church and the washhouse
Saint-Pierre Church is one of Berfay’s sights. Its earliest construction phase dates to the 11th or 12th century, with further phases in the 16th and 19th centuries. Several periods are therefore represented in the church. Those interested in architectural history can focus on this succession of periods rather than associating Saint-Pierre with just one era. A spring-fed washhouse is also among the sights. It offers a different point of interest from the church: the washhouse is defined by its spring, while Saint-Pierre is distinguished by the succession of its construction phases.
Hiking from and through Berfay
There are two routes to distinguish for hiking. The GR235 long-distance trail runs from Vibraye to Saint-Calais via Berfay. Follow the current trail markers on site. By contrast, the “Le Vallon du Boutry” route starts in Berfay and runs between the Boutry Valley and Vibraye Forest. The difference comes down to how you plan your walk: the GR235 focuses on the towns along the route, while the Vallon route is oriented around its starting point in Berfay and its landscape between valley and forest.
The Boutry Valley, settlement and forestry
Berfay lies in the Boutry Valley. The Boutry stream, nearby Vibraye Forest and the iron-rich subsoil encouraged Gallo-Roman settlement in the area. Together, these three factors connect water, forest and soil with the early history of settlement and give the landscape a historical context alongside its hiking appeal. Vibraye Forest is also a landscape feature of the “Le Vallon du Boutry” route and part of the historical context of Gallo-Roman settlement. For a long time, village livelihoods in Berfay, apart from agriculture, were linked to forestry. Thus, both the landscape and work are part of the town’s historical perspective.
Discover more destinations: Mont-Saint-Jean, Ruillé-Sur-Loir, Louplande, La Bruere Sur Loir, Saint-Saturnin, Maigné, Saint-Georges-le-Gaultier, Loué.
For the main travel overview: Sarthe.
