Introduction
Sarthe is located in the Pays-de-la-Loire region in the north-west of mainland France, and is principally famous for the 24-hour Le Mans Motor Race held annually in the Prefecture (capital) of Le Mans. The river that lends its name to the department flows south to join the Loire Valley, and affords the area picturesque scenery.
History
The department was formed on 4th March, 1790, during the French Revolution. Sarthe and the neighbouring department of Mayenne originally formed the traditional Maine province, but were separated into two departments during the Revolution.
Le Mans has a history stretching back to Roman times when it was known as Civitas Cenomanorum (City of the Cenomani – a Gallic people) and contains some of best preserved Roman walls in Europe. It also contains many 15th century buildings along its narrow cobbled streets.
More recently, the region was the scene for the rise of the Dukes of Normandy, and subsequent control of the region of Maine served as the basis for William the Conqueror's invasion of England.
Major Cities
- Allonnes
- Aubigné-Racan
- La Flèche
- Le Mans
- Mamers
- Sablé
Weather
Sarthe, like much of Northern France, enjoys a maritime climate, with milder winters and rainfall spread throughout the year. The summers are a little warmer than those in Britain.
Average temperature in Sarthe| Period | Celsius (Low-High) | Fahrenheit (Low-High) |
|---|
| January-March | 3-10 | 37-50 |
| April-June | 9-19 | 48-66 |
| July-September | 13-24 | 55-75 |
| October-December | 6-12 | 43-54 |
Tourist attractions
The principal tourist attraction in Sarthe is the '24 Heures du Mans' motor race. Held annually in June since 1923, the event challenges teams of three drivers to race - as the name suggests - for 24 hours continuously, and takes place around the famous 'Circuit de la Sarthe'. Many local roads are used in the race and are closed to the public during this time.
Le Mans boasts remnants of the old city – 'Cité Plantagenêt' – which are well preserved and open to the public. These include part of the old Roman city wall and Roman baths close to the Sarthe River, which flows through the centre of Le Mans. Cathedrale St Julien is an imposing sight, and its stained glass windows depict each century since its construction in the 15th century. There is also a weekly market that takes place outside the Cathedral every Sunday.
Outside the Prefecture there are many châteaux to visit, from the superb Château de Bazouges-sur-le-Loir near Flèche in the west, to the Gothic-styled Château de Courtanvaux in the east. To the north there is the Donjon de Ballon: where visitors will find the keep of an old fortress that overlooks the traditional region of Maine, dating back to the 12th century.
Family entertainment
The Loire Valley is a great place for families with children due to the diverse array of activities on offer. From kayaking and canoeing, to cycling and forest trekking, there is enough here to keep outdoorsy families entertained. There is also an extensive water-sports centre on a made-made lake at Marçon, which also offers sailing, horseback riding and archery.
Museums, galleries and culture
The main cultural attractions in Sarthe are the exquisite châteaux located through the department and the old city of Le Mans, but there are also attractive villages with their own history to discover. The Festival of Music in Epau takes place each year in May, and consists of a series of classical concerts. The Europe Jazz Festival is hosted jointly with three other departments in spring each year, and stages a tour of jazz concerts across the region.
The Military Academy in Flèche is one of many museums worth visiting in the department. These include the Museum of Natural History, housing 160,000 specimens as well as geological and botanical exhibits, and the famous Motor Museum, with exhibits detailing the history of the Le Mans 24h Motor Race.
Wine tasting
Wine connoisseurs can head south to the L'homme Wine Museum. Here you can sample the local wines of the region - Jasnieres and Coteaux-du-Loir – in wine tasting sessions, as well as learning about how wines are produced and traditional barrel-making practices.
Shopping
The main shopping area for the department is located in Le Mans, where there is a decent selection of shops similar to that found in any modern French city.
Walking
There are more than 113,000 hectares of woodland covering the Sarthe region, with 5,000 km of marked trails ideal for the enthusiastic hiker. For the less ambitious walker, there is a fine collection of gardens located across the department. These include those at the Chateau de Ballon, Chateau du Grand-Luce, and most notably the large Jardin Extraordinaire de la Maltiere, with over 6,000 square meters of ornate gardens.
Golf
There is a golf course located near Sable-Solesmes, with a choice of three 9-holes courses for various abilities, situated on a 150 hectare site. More information can be found here.
Food and drink
Le Mans is the only major city in the department and so this is the best place to head to wine and dine. There is a decent selection of restaurants and a good assortment of bars. For the local touch, try a culinary specialty of Le Mans – rillettes – a type of paté made from shredded pork. Restaurant and bar prices are reasonable considering the relative proximity to Paris.
Ease of access
Paris is little over an hour away from Le Mans by high speed train, and has links to all major European cities. Hence, it is quick and easy to travel by rail to Sarthe from most European locations. There is also an airport located 6.5km to the south of Le Mans. The location of Sarthe in the north means it is easily accessible by car from the UK, either via ferry or Channel Tunnel, and there are also car hire services located in the region.
Value for money
Prices for local attractions such as the museums and châteaux are low, and given the range of outdoor activities, a holiday in the region can be very affordable. However, prices do rise inside the city of Le Mans, where hotels are around £50-£100 a night and restaurants can be pricey.
Prices are likely to rise during the Le Mans 24h race period in line with the massive influx of visitors to the city, so if you are visiting at this time it is important to book well ahead to avoid the rush and save money. There are cheaper options available however, such as camping in the surrounding areas, so it is possible to see the department on a range of budgets. Hiring a car is essential for those wanting to visit the châteaux and enjoy the various outdoor activities available in the region.
Summary
Sarthe is largely ignored by tourists other than motor enthusiasts, but the area holds enough charm and certainly enough activities to satisfy those who like the great outdoors. Le Mans is a city worth visiting for the history alone, and comes alive during the 24h motor race. The Sarthe department can satisfy both families and all-out adventurers, as well as wine connoisseurs and racing enthusiasts, and this range of activities alone, coupled with its natural beauty and heritage, means it comes well recommended.
