Mamers combines church and architectural history with regional food culture and paths by the water. If you are considering the town as a travel destination, you can weigh these different attractions against each other when planning your trip: historic buildings, an annual spring competition, or outdoor activities on routes of varying lengths and with different themes. This makes it possible to tailor your stay to the reason for your trip.
Churches, buildings and changing exhibitions
The churches of Saint Nicolas and Notre-Dame offer different insights into the history of the town. Saint Nicolas has building phases dating from the 12th, 14th and 15th centuries; its portal dates from the 17th century. Notre-Dame contains a Renaissance depiction of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a pulpit from the 17th century, and choir stalls with backrests from the 18th century. The buildings’ history therefore spans several centuries, while the furnishings at Notre-Dame offer further specific points of interest for a look inside the church.
The Halles at Place Carnot also tell the story of Mamers’ architectural development: they are a 19th-century grain market hall. The Italian-style theater, which is still in operation, is housed in a former grain market hall. It was built in 1851 and converted into a cinema in 1936. The histories of the two buildings highlight different aspects: the grain market hall at Place Carnot on the one hand, and a theater with a former life as a cinema on the other.
An unusual detail of craftsmanship and engineering is the Tour Eiffel de Mamers. The scale model, built to a scale of 1:100, was made in 1889 by a plumber who had worked on the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Couvent de la Visitation, built in 1630 and associated with the Davoust family, is also part of the town’s historical heritage. These places complement the churches and market halls with further themes, from craftsmanship to a family connection.
For a contemporary cultural experience, the Office de Tourisme Maine Saosnois hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year at its premises in Mamers under the title “Un mois, une Expo.” The exhibitions are temporary; if you would like to include them in your plans, check the current topic before your visit.
Rillettes tradition and a spring event
In Mamers, Rillettes Sarthoises is more than just a culinary topic: the Confrérie des Chevaliers des Rillettes Sarthoises was founded here in 1968 to promote the product and raise awareness of it as part of the local gastronomic heritage. The brotherhood also holds the “Concours National des Meilleures Rillettes” every spring. This makes the event a different kind of travel attraction from a sightseeing topic available year-round: if you want to plan your trip around the competition, check the exact date for the year you have in mind in advance.
Paths and activities by the water
Two routes of different lengths and character offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The Voie Verte Maine Saosnois follows a 12.2-kilometer former railway line between Mamers and Les MĂ©es. It can be used on foot and by bicycle and is accessible to wheelchair users; check local surface conditions before setting out.
The “Mamers au fil de l’eau” circular route is approximately five kilometers long and can also be explored on foot or by bicycle. It offers insights into the town’s relationship with the Dive through water-related features, including bridges, locks, a washhouse, ponds, fountains and a mill. In terms of the stated distances, this circular route is considerably shorter than the Voie Verte; its theme also focuses attention on water in and around the town. Check route information before setting out.
The Base de loisirs de Mamers is within walking distance of the town center. The three-hectare recreation area has two bodies of water and offers swimming, fishing, mini golf, horseback riding and hiking. These activities vary considerably; check the current operating conditions for individual facilities. If you would like to combine exercise, water and other leisure activities during your stay, you can make the Base a separate focus of your plans.
Cultural history, food culture and outdoor activities all offer concrete ways to decide whether Mamers is right for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Beaumont-Sur-Sarthe, Tresson, Neufchâtel-En-Saosnois, Poille Sur Vegre, Auvers-le-Hamon, Moncé-en-Belin, Cré, Lavernat.
For the regional travel overview: Sarthe.
