A 10.2-kilometre circular walking trail and a church with a history spanning three centuries give Surfonds two distinct points of interest. La Vallée de la Sourice passes the ruins of Bardouillière, which are designated as a viewpoint. Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption complements the walking experience with architectural history, a historic reredos and a memorial. This makes it easy to choose what interests you: the circular walk, church art or both.
Walking La Vallée de la Sourice
La Vallée de la Sourice is a 10.2 km circular walking trail in Surfonds. It starts at the car park of the multi-purpose hall and passes the ruins of Bardouillière. The ruins are designated as a viewpoint and give the route a named destination. Its length, circular format, starting point and viewpoint help you assess the walk as a distinct activity. Check the latest route information before setting out if your plans depend on it.
By contrast, the church can be explored through several different details rather than a distance: its construction period, materials, furnishings and memorial heritage. If you are weighing up an active or cultural focus in Surfonds, the route offers a clearly measurable distance; at Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, the focus is on historical context and individual artistic and memorial features.
Church and Remembrance
The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption dates from the 12th, 16th and 19th centuries and is built of stone and tuff. Its rectangular floor plan is believed to be a remnant of the original Romanesque church. This combines a building history spanning several periods with an explicitly tentative interpretation of its earliest form.
Inside is a stone reredos dating from 1661. The central oil painting dates from the 17th or 18th century and depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The dates point to different levels of precision: a single year is given for the reredos, while the painting is attributed to one of two centuries. Its subject offers a tangible way to engage with the church’s religious art.
The transept also contains a memorial to American soldiers who died in 1917. The architectural form, image of the Virgin Mary and memorial represent different aspects of the church: architecture, religious imagery and remembrance of American soldiers.
Nature and Local Produce
A connection with nature is also noted: part of the Natura 2000 site “Vallée du Narais, forêt de Bercé et ruisseau du Dinan” lies within Surfonds. These offer different points of interest to consider: a specific walking route and the portion of a designated protected area.
In Surfonds, a local organic collection point offers products from nearby producers. Orders are delivered there every Friday evening at the village hall. If you plan to include this delivery in your itinerary, confirm the current arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: La Chapelle Huon, Saint-Pierre-Du-Lorouer, Saint-Jean-du-Bois, Solesmes, Souvigné-Sur-Sarthe, Luché-Pringé, Mamers, Maresché.
For the main travel guide: Sarthe.
