8 Things to See in Le Mans in One Day – a Local’s Guide

Here are all the things to see in Le Mans in one day : what are the tourist attractions not to miss in Le Mans ?

A city of art and history, Le Mans has several pleasant surprises in store, both in the city center, notably the Plantagenêt district, and on the outskirts. So come with me and discover 8 things to see in Le Mans in one day with these tourist attractions!

 

 

 

 

 

Another beautiful place to stay is La Maison Saint Pierre. This hidden gem nestled at the foot of the cathedral is run by Chantal, a lover of old buildings who completely restored her beautiful home 20 years ago.

Today, this 12th-18th century mansion has regained its former charm, much to the delight of its guests… The bubbly owner will be delighted to tell you all the secrets of the building, which has welcomed many famous figures!

Its three pretty guest rooms offer breathtaking views of the cathedral’s bell tower or the Sarthe River. (€90 per night)

 

 

• How long to visit Le Mans and its surroundings?

You can visit Le Mans and enjoy the things to see in Le Mans in one day. Allow an extra day to explore  its surroundings. And if you have a weekend or more, you can also discover the most beautiful places in the Sarthe! Allow at least 2 hours to enjoy the Cité Plantagenêt, 1 hour for the Abbaye de l’Épau, 1 hour for the Visitation and 1 hour for the Distillery.

• What to bring back from Le Mans?

The rillettes du Mans are a must-try and live up to their reputation! You’ll find them at Cosme or Prunier, although all butchers make their own! You can even bring back some eau de vie de rillettes created at the Distillerie du Sonneur, a tasty and unusual souvenir! The distillery shop also sells other local products.

If you like sweet things, the Sarthe region is the birthplace of the little shortbread cookies that we love so much today… Head to La Sablésienne in Le Mans to discover them!

CITÉ PLANTAGENÊT : #1 THINGS TO SEE IN LE MANS

 

 

As you may have noticed in my previous article on the Sarthe, I was particularly surprised by the city of Le Mans: I literally fell in love with the Cité Plantagenêt. Named after the illustrious royal dynasty, the old town of Le Mans is a real gem that is not to be missed if you come to visit all the things to see in Le Mans!

 

As you arrive in Le Mans, you’ll see that the Cité Plantagenêt is particularly conducive to strolling… Its maze of old cobbled streets lined with Renaissance houses stretches over several levels, connected by stone staircases, some of which are hidden by vegetation.

You’ll probably spend your time looking up to admire the beautiful details that brighten up the facades. The colorful half-timbered houses and mansions with sculpted facades hide treasures behind their walls…

 

Right next to the cathedral, you can admire some superb façades, particularly in Rue Reine Bérengère. Stop in front of the Maison du Drapier (Cloth Merchant’s House) or the Maison des Deux Amis (House of the Two Friends) opposite! It dates back to 1420!

And don’t miss the Grand’rue, Rue du Bouquet and its hanging house, or the Maison du Pilier Rouge!

 

I never imagined such harmony in these streets, which stand out for their state of preservation. Strolling through the Cité Plantagenêt is a bit like a journey back in time… They have also been used as the setting for many films!

Practical information: Guided tour of the Cité Plantagenêt: book your tour with the Tourism and Heritage Department at the Maison du Pilier Rouge – €6 – website

     

 

#2 THINGS TO SEE IN  LE MANS : SAINT JULIEN CATHEDRAL

   

One of the gems of the Plantagenêt district is, of course, the superb Saint Julien Cathedral, which stands proudly among the old Renaissance houses. It is truly astonishing, combining several architectural styles from the 11th to the 15th centuries. The typically Romanesque nave stands alongside a beautiful Gothic choir. Even from the outside, it remains quite unusual!

 

I also loved its chapels with their colorful paintings and impressive dimensions, which give it a majestic feel. The choir is 34 meters high, making it one of the longest cathedrals in France!

Don’t hesitate to admire its exterior from the Place des Jacobins, the view is definitely worth the detour!

 

 

#3 THINGS TO SEE IN LE MANS : ITS GALLO-ROMAN WALLS

   

The Cité Plantagenêt would be incomplete without the superb Gallo-Roman walls that have stood guard since the 3rd century! There are one of my favorite things to see in Le Mans!

Today, they have lost none of their splendor and still surround almost the entire old town of Le Mans! It is even the best-preserved Roman wall, along with those in Rome and Constantinople—no less! A dozen towers and a gate still remain…

 

You can see it from almost anywhere in the city, especially from the Cours Louis Blanc on the banks of the Sarthe River. It is also decorated with beautiful two-tone geometric friezes that give it incredible charm!

     

 

#4 VISIT THE ARTISTIC SIDE OF LE MANS 

   

 

At the foot of the Plantagenêt district is La Visitation, a former prison converted into a lively and creative place. Restaurants, designer boutiques, and an art center coexist in a festive atmosphere.

I particularly recommend a visit to the boutique Au cœur des artistes, which showcases local designers, and the FIAA. The Fonds international d’art actuel (International Contemporary Art Fund) is housed in a beautiful, elegantly modernized historic building, which aims to be a center for living art.

Beautiful exhibitions (Vasarely in 2021!) are presented in an intimate setting, but the FIAA also has a library and workshops for adults and children.

Practical information: FIAA: open Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm to 6pm – €8 (reduced rate: €5, free for children under 7) – website

 

   

#5  THE ABBAYE DE L’ÉPAU ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF LE MANS

 

   

Now let’s head just a few kilometers from Le Mans to the Abbaye de l’Épau. This royal abbey is one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in France and one of the best things to see in Le Mans.

In 1229, Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, decided to found the abbey where she would be buried the following year. Its history and different spaces reminded me of the magnificent monastery of Brou, in the Ain. The abbey then welcomed many monks until the 18th century, before being converted during the Revolution and later bought and renovated by the department of Sarthe.

 

You can discover some beautiful, minimalist rooms typical of the Cistercian style, from the warming room to the dormitory and the pretty chapter house. The abbey church houses exhibitions and the recumbent statue of Queen Berengaria. You can finish your visit in the abbey grounds.

Practical information: Abbaye de l’Épau: €5.50 (reduced rate: €4) – opening hours vary, please check the abbey website

     

 

#6 VISIT LE MANS AND TRY THE LOCAL SPECIALITIES

   

 

We all know about the unmissable rillettes of Le Mans, but have you heard of rillette brandy? Originally, rillettes were served to railway workers on the Paris-Brest line, who gradually brought them back to Paris, where they also became a hit!

Today, new creations are revamping rillettes, such as the eau-de-vie created by the Distillerie du Sonneur! Since 2019, the distillery has been growing its fruit in organic orchards in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles and was founded with an eco-responsible approach, particularly promoting agroforestry.

 

Its goal? To modernize eau-de-vie by setting up shop in the center of Le Mans and creating a beautiful, poetic, and creative atmosphere. You can visit the production workshop (and its beautiful copper still) and the shop, located in a former ballroom. The distillation process is very interesting and has been designed to avoid the burning sensation that often characterizes eau-de-vie.

You will find many local specialties at the Distillerie du Sonneur shop. But for those with a sweet tooth, head to the La Sablésienne shop in Le Mans. Because yes, the shortbread cookies we all know and love are originally from the Sarthe region!

Practical information: Distillerie du Sonneur: open Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 7pm – tour: €6 (includes two tastings) or €18 (five tastings + local appetizers), at 3pm in summer (and Saturdays outside the summer period) – see details on the distillery’s website

 

 

#7 HEAD TO THE BEACH AT SILLÉ-LE-GUILLAUME

   

If you want to know other things to see in Le Mans and its surroundings, here is a nice spot I recommend ! The Pays du Mans is located in the center of France, but it does indeed have a beach! Head to Sillé-le-Guillaume beach, affectionately nicknamed “Coco-plage” by the locals!

This pretty beach is located on the edge of a charming natural lake in the heart of the forest. The setting is truly bucolic and peaceful… The people of Le Mans know what they’re doing and have made it their summer getaway spot!

It’s also a very pleasant place to relax or enjoy the many activities available at the leisure center. Sailing, pedal boats, swimming, zip-lining… You’ll be spoiled for choice!

And if you want to enjoy a forest bath, I recommend walking or cycling around the lake!

     

 

#8 FALL IN LOVE WITH THE HERITAGE OF THE LE MANS REGION

   

 

• Le Château de sillé

A stone’s throw from Coco-Plage is the Château de Sillé. Located in the heart of the village, it is hidden from view by the surrounding houses. Rebuilt in the 19th century, it boasts magnificent exterior towers!

You can visit one of the towers and discover the castle’s permanent and temporary collections. Part of the castle is dedicated to Arsène-Marie Le Feuvre, a native of the town who was a painter and decorator during the Belle Epoque. He is notably the “father” of the Cadum baby!

And don’t forget to climb to the top of the tower to admire its magnificent 15th-century roof structure, from where you will also have a beautiful view of the town and its surroundings.

Practical information: Château de Sillé-le-Guillaume: open in April, May, June, and September from Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and in July and August: every day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – admission: €4 (reduced rate: €2) – website

 

• The Antoigné foundry

Located in Sainte-Jamme-sur-Sarthe, the former Antoigné foundry is one of the finest examples of the industrial heritage of Le Mans. Until the 1980s, it manufactured many objects of all sizes, such as radiators and stoves.

Today, it is run by an association of former foundry workers who are passionate about their craft and offer demonstrations for young and old! You can watch a tin medal being cast and even take part!

 

This is a lovely example of tradition being passed on, which I found very moving, as you can sense how proud the former workers are of their skills, which have now disappeared! It’s hard to imagine that several thousand people once worked here at the Chappée company.

It’s also worth noting that you can explore the village on an interpretive trail featuring the voices of former workers, whose testimonials add to the experience…

Practical information: Fonderie d’Antoigné: open on the first Sunday of the month and Saturdays in July and August – information on the foundry’s website

 

• The hamlet of Verniette

And if you love heritage and old buildings, don’t hesitate to take a detour to the hamlet of Verniette! The old buildings in the hamlet seem frozen in time and some could even be used as beautiful film sets!

Don’t miss the village’s pretty chapel, which is also worth a visit! Inside, you can see some beautiful frescoes dating from the 12th to 14th centuries.

 

   

 

Here are other spots to see in Le Mans region !

 

See also: Holidays on the Sarthe river

This blogpost follows an invitation from Sarthe Tourisme in 2021 and then from Pays du Mans in 2022. However, I remain entirely free to express my own opinions and am completely sincere in my recommendations!

A huge thank you to Patricia and Maxime for their valuable advice, which enabled me to discover Le Mans and its surroundings, as well as to all the service providers who gave me such a warm welcome and shared their passion with me!