Weekend in Perche Sarthois: our favorites
On the border of Perche Ornais and Sarthe, Perche Sarthois conceals hilly landscapes, medieval towns and generous gastronomy that seem timeless. From La Sellerie de la Goupillère, in Tuffé Val de la Chéronne, you are in the heart of this preserved territory. Our favorites for a successful weekend. (Reading: 4 min)
The Perche Sarthois is one of those areas that can be discovered slowly, following a country road or a forest path. Wedged between Normandy and the Pays de la Loire, this unspoiled corner of Sarthe lacks the hustle and bustle of the major tourist destinations, which is precisely what makes it so charming.
From La Sellerie de la Goupillère, in Tuffé Val de la Chéronne, you are in the heart of Perche Sarthois. The medieval towns, the water mills of the Huisne valley, the local markets and the restaurants which celebrate the Sarthois region are within reach of the wheel. Here are our favorites for a weekend in the region.
La Ferté-Bernard, town of art and history
15 km from La Goupillère, La Ferté-Bernard is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Sarthe. Its historic center, with its half-timbered houses and 16th century market halls, is classified as a city of art and history. The Notre-Dame-des-Marais collegiate church, with its remarkably preserved Renaissance stained glass windows, is a must-see. The Saturday morning market has been an institution there for centuries: Sarthe rillettes, farmhouse cheeses, Perche poultry, the stalls are full of local flavors.
The Huisne valley, between river and bocage
The Huisne, which has its source in the Perche Ornais and joins the Sarthe at Le Mans, crosses the territory with its winding and peaceful course. The Huisne valley offers landscapes of wet meadows, orchards and preserved bocage that can be enjoyed on foot or by bike. Several marked trails run along the river from Tuffé Val de la Chéronne to Connerré. In spring, marsh irises bloom on the banks, and gray herons and kingfishers are regularly seen.
Gastronomy: the Sarthois terroir in all simplicity
Sarthe is a land of good food. Rillettes – not to be confused with the industrial version – are available here in their most rustic and generous version: shredded pork meat preserved for a long time in its fat. Rillaud, white pudding from Vendôme and farm poultry from Sarthe appear on the menu of many restaurants in Tuffé and La Ferté-Bernard. Several local producers sell directly from the farm within a 10 km radius of the estate.
The town of Tuffé: a preserved village
Tuffé Val de la Chéronne, whose town center retains a Romanesque church from the 11th century and a remarkable medieval market hall, is an ideal starting point for exploring the Perche Sarthois. The bimonthly market (Wednesday and Saturday morning) has brought together local producers and residents for generations. Just 2.5 km from La Goupillère, it is accessible on foot via a pleasant country lane.
When to leave?
The best time to visit Perche Sarthois is from spring to autumn. May and June offer flowery meadows and rivers at their best. September and October are ideal for forest colors and mushroom markets. In winter, the Goupillère area takes on the appearance of a cozy refuge, with a crackling fireplace and frosty landscapes, another way to discover the deep Sarthe.