Saint-Léonard-Des-Bois brings together several themes for planning a trip: nature trails and habitats, wildlife observation, activities at Domaine du Gasseau and heritage. The town lies in the classified natural area of the Alpes Mancelles; the Vallée de Misère is a specific highlight within the nature theme.
Nature and hiking trails
The Vallée de Misère is one of the Espaces Naturels Sensibles in the Sarthe département. Its habitats include heathland, dry grassland and woodland, as well as species-rich pioneer vegetation with several species that are rare in the region. Visitors choosing nature-related activities for their stay can explore specific habitat types and the regional distinction of rare species.
There are three trails in Saint-Léonard-Des-Bois, freely accessible during the day and at night. The trail program may be updated by the tourist office, so check the latest information before setting out. The Vallée de Misère loop starts at a small chapel on Route de Fresnay, before the bridge in Saint-Léonard-Des-Bois. If the trail route or parking arrangements change, access information may also change; checking the latest information about the starting point may help. One route in Saint-Léonard-Des-Bois consists of two loops that together form a ten-kilometre circuit. The GR36 long-distance trail and its GR36A variant pass through the town; their routes may change, so check the latest route before planning a stage.
Different criteria can guide your route choice: free access during the day and at night, a specifically named starting point, a ten-kilometre circuit, or the route of a long-distance trail.
Wildlife and activities
The Parc animalier de Saint-Léonard-Des-Bois is located on Mont Narbonne. It is open daily year-round, free of charge and without access restrictions, except in the event of extraordinary closures. The animals include llamas, sika deer, fallow deer, mouflons, Ouessant sheep, Roux goats, pygmy goats, ponies and Cotentin donkeys. The mix of animals may change over time.
Domaine du Gasseau features a natural climbing site, an adventure park with a high ropes course and a disc golf course. There is also a barefoot trail; its seasonal opening may vary. The Domaine’s 1,500 m² garden is a place to discover plants. Domaine du Gasseau is on the La Vélobuissonnière route, providing cyclists with a specific point of reference for planning. As route-planning details may change, check the latest information before setting out.
Heritage
Saint-Léonard-Des-Bois holds the Petite Cité de Caractère® label. The Église Saint-Léonard houses a 17th-century sculptural group depicting the Dormition of the Virgin Mary; it has been protected as a Monument historique since 1905. This specific historic artwork complements the nature and activity themes of a stay.
Discover more destinations: Précigné, Saint-Ouen-De-Mimbré, Saint-Victeur, Courgenard, Chahaignes, Cures, Ruillé-Sur-Loir, Montreuil-Le-Henri.
For the regional travel overview: Sarthe.
