A 2.7-kilometre tree observation trail and a 14.0-kilometre PR circular route offer two different scales of walking in Ruaudin. They are complemented by a very large wooded area and the town’s motorsport history. When choosing accommodation, consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on nature trails, local heritage or the area’s motorsport connections.
Discover the Forest and Trails
The commune has a very large wooded area. Numerous walking trails wind through the forest, allowing walkers to discover the local flora and fauna. This gives nature observation a clear place among the possible themes for a stay in Ruaudin.
The municipal offering includes four walking trails totalling 32.7 km. One specific route is the Circuit des Bondes, a circular route designated as a Sentier de Promenade et de Randonnée (PR). It is 14.0 km long and takes three hours. These figures describe different scales: 32.7 km is the combined length of the four municipal trails, while the distance and duration for the Circuit des Bondes apply to that route.
A shorter route is the Rando’Clim trail in the Le Petit Plessis area: it is 2.7 km long and opened on 1 April 2023. Twelve stations draw attention to the trees along the trail. Rando’Clim also invites hikers, walkers and other trail users to observe the effects of climate change in the region and expand their knowledge of trees. The route thus combines exercise with a specific subject for observation.
Local History and Motorsport
The church of Saint-Pierre dates from the 17th and 19th centuries and the beginning of the 20th century. Its notable features include magnificent stained-glass windows. The washhouse (lavoir) also reflects the importance of water in local life; volunteers restored it in 1986. Both places add a cultural focus to a visit, alongside the trails and wooded landscape.
Part of the Mulsanne Straight lies within the commune of Ruaudin and has shaped the town’s history. Since 2015, Ruaudin has been part of the celebrations during Le Mans 24 Hours week thanks to the Les R’Hunaudières event. Motorsport enthusiasts will find a specific local connection here, beyond the walking options. Check the dates of any events you plan to attend before travelling.
Ruaudin’s heritage can also be explored during a Heritage Day held in September. If you would like to include this event in your travel plans, check the exact dates in advance.
Accommodation and Planning
Ruaudin is served by Setram with a bus-tram connection that is particularly popular with young people. As public transport services can change, check the current timetable before travelling.
When comparing walking options, you can consider the combined length of the four municipal trails, the shorter Rando’Clim route and the stated duration of the Circuit des Bondes. This makes it possible to plan your trip around the themes you actually want to experience.
Discover more destinations: Crissé, Mulsanne, Épineu-le-Chevreuil, Saint-Mars-Sous-Ballon, Notre-Dame-Du-Pé, Villaines-la-Carelle, Allonnes, Jupilles.
For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.
