Le Tronchet offers two distinct ways to explore the area: architectural and art history, and activities on foot or by bike. The local heritage includes the Château du Tronchet, Notre-Dame Church, a terracotta sculpture, a washhouse and privately owned hemp ovens. For outdoor activities, there are three hiking trails; the “Circuit autour de Ségrie” mountain biking route is also designated for Le Tronchet. When looking for accommodation, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: should your stay be primarily about history, or should it also leave time for trails through the landscape?
Château du Tronchet: architectural history and private ownership
The Château du Tronchet was built between 1777 and 1783 for the Marquis de Perrochel; the architect was Desprès of Le Mans. After being abandoned during the French Revolution, it was restored in 1834. Since 31 July 1997, the château has been protected as a historic monument. Its construction, abandonment during the Revolution and restoration can thus be seen as distinct phases in the château’s history. The château is privately owned. If you are considering a visit, check in advance whether access is possible.
Notre-Dame Church and protected art
Notre-Dame Church was built and altered in the 12th, 16th and 18th centuries. Its architectural history therefore spans several centuries. Protected features include an altarpiece, a tracery window and remnants of a funerary memorial. These details draw attention to different elements of the church interior: the altarpiece, the window design and a historical form of remembrance for the dead.
The sculptural group “Charité de saint Martin” is a terracotta work, probably dating from the Renaissance. As a movable cultural asset, it has been protected since 14 November 1974. Two time periods should be distinguished when dating it: the Renaissance is its probable period of creation, while 1974 is the date it was protected. Privately owned hemp ovens are also part of Le Tronchet’s inherited heritage.
Another detail in the local restoration history concerns a lavoir, or washhouse: when it was restored in Le Tronchet in 2000, its sheet-metal roof was replaced with a tiled one. Alongside the château, church and art objects, this change in roofing material offers another perspective on the area’s architectural heritage.
Hiking and cycling
There are three hiking trails in Le Tronchet. One specific cycling option is the 23 km “Circuit autour de Ségrie” mountain biking route, with 330 metres of elevation gain. The 2025 tourism guide lists it as a mountain biking circuit and indicates that it passes through Ségrie, Vernie and Le Tronchet. The distance and elevation gain give you an idea of the ride, while the three hiking trails offer a choice of routes on foot. You can compare the activities according to how you would like to spend the day, without treating the different figures as equivalent. Check current route conditions before setting out by bike.
A landscape perspective alongside the local history
The wooded ridges of the forests of Mézières, La Bazoge and Le Tronchet block the view to the south of this landscape unit. This brings a landscape perspective into the picture alongside the individual buildings. For planning purposes, the interests can be clearly separated: architectural history and protected features provide a cultural focus, while hiking and the designated mountain biking route offer other ways to plan your day. First decide what matters most for your stay, then check the relevant conditions for visiting or planning your route.
Discover more destinations: Avessé, Piacé, Vaas, Le Bailleul, Mamers, Aubigné-Racan, Beaumont-Pied-De-Boeuf, Loué
For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.
