La Ferté-Bernard lies between two branches of the Huisne, and numerous canals run through the town. Historic buildings, city walks and a nature reserve offer different ways to spend your stay. When planning your visit, you can decide whether you would like to focus mainly on the architectural heritage, the town’s development or the nature around the Ajeux pond.

Historic buildings from different centuries

The Église Notre-Dame des Marais has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840. The Porte Saint-Julien dates from the 14th century and is a remnant of La Ferté-Bernard’s medieval fortifications. Architectural features and sections of the enclosure wall remain from the former castle; they were listed as historic monuments by decree on 13 May 1992. The former castle also includes an old chapel and its oratory, dating from the first half of the 15th century.

The Chapelle Saint-Lyphard was built in the 12th century by the lords Bernard of La Ferté. The town acquired it in 1980 and restored it for use as an exhibition venue. The Halles Denis Béalet also date from the 15th century. Together, these buildings offer insight into different periods of the town’s history, from its medieval fortifications to later historic buildings.

City walks and a look at the town’s development

For a focus on the old town, the Parcours-découverte through the historic centre introduces notable buildings. A digital audio-guided tour is also available via Wivisites. The Parcours-découverte « de faubourgs en quartiers » takes a different approach: this yellow-marked walk through the town is 8.35 kilometres long, with an estimated walking time of around two hours. It leads from the old suburbs to neighbourhoods and facilities that illustrate the town’s development since the second half of the 20th century. Check the signs on site.

A guided ride on the tourist train also offers a way to explore the cultural heritage. The route runs between the Église Notre-Dame-des-Marais and the medieval town gate. The service may be seasonal or available to groups; check in advance whether a ride is available during your visit. This lets you choose between an audio-guided tour, a walking route focused on urban development and a guided ride, without treating the different options as a single programme.

Nature, markets and events

The Espace Naturel Sensible des Ajeux is known for its remarkable biodiversity. A path goes all the way around the pond, offering a chance to discover the area’s wildlife and plant life. This trail is seasonal and temporary; check whether it is accessible before your visit. Part of the natural area is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Conditions may vary depending on the section of the path and the season.

La Ferté-Bernard hosts three weekly markets. A farmers’ market is held on Place du Général de Gaulle; check the market days when planning your visit. Les 3 Jours traditionally takes place on the first weekend of September and combines an exhibition with an agricultural show. At the exhibitions and competitions, you can see various farm animals up close; the animal programme may vary from one edition to another. Nearly 200 participants showcase their skills and products at the exhibition, including local craftspeople and producers. This number, too, may vary from one edition to the next.

If you would like one of these activities to be a highlight of your stay, check the relevant dates and seasonal availability before booking. For a visit with more of a cultural focus, the old-town walks, historic buildings and guided train ride offer other options.

Discover more destinations: Courcelles-la-Forêt, Bouloire, Rouessé-Vassé, Berfay, Aubigné-Racan, Écommoy, La Bruere Sur Loir, Pontvallain.

For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.