Itineraries to print

ITINERARY BEST ON FRIDAY - SATURDAY - SUNDAY- HOLIDAYS- BANK HOLIDAY

BEWARE THE  PERCHE EATS AT LUNCH TIME !!! MOST OF THE PLACES ARE CLOSED FROM 12.00 TO 2-3PM

GREAT MARKET ON SATURDAY IN MORTAGNE AU PERCHE

ITINERARY : LA PERRIERE-BELLEME-PREAUX DU PERCHE-MORTAGNE AU PERCHE-ALENCON

GOOD TO KNOW THE ADV GUIDE : YOU HAVE MAP AND ALL THE OPENING AND CLOSING TIME

We invite you to discover this magnificent region of sumptuous mansions, deep forests, green valleys and breathtaking panoramas.

Leave Saint Paterne and head for Mamers, the capital of rillette. Admire the beautiful covered market and head for La Perrière. This pretty village is well worth a visit. Climb up to the church to admire the panoramic view from the spur. Be sure to take a look at the panorama behind the church and stroll around the village, where virtually every house is worth a visit.

You can have lunch or tea at the Maison d'Horbée (a broc, antique shop and restaurant that we love), the Relais d'Horbée, and then drop by the Monteloup antique shop, a place like no other.

If you're passing through, check out Jardin de Montperthuis, a "remarkable garden" open weekends from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Bellême

Be sure to check Google for opening hours. Small market on Thursdays in Bellême

Leaving La Perrière, drive through the Bellême forest to Bellême, where you'll find several antique shops, concept stores and galleries: Valérie Smienko, chez les Voisins, Gustave Feuillard, Studio 7 avril, Villa close, La guinguette de Bellême, le bazar de Bellême etc....)

Stroll around, discover, take your time and don't miss out on lunch or a snack at La Verticale wine bar, Les Gourmandises de Jeanine, or Tonton.

Préaux du Perche

Jardin François Leave Bellême in the direction of Nogent le Rotrou for a few kilometers until you reach the sign indicating : Préaux du Perche. After Préaux du Perche, follow the signs to Jardin François and discover a magnificent bucolic garden. This garden is surprising in its profusion and charm. Other gardens are also open to visitors, such as La Petite Rochelle in Rémalard.

Bring your ADV guide to check opening times. Most gardens are privately owned

Mortagne

Head for Boissy Maugis, then Mortagne if you have time. You'll find several antique shops, deco boutiques, galleries, tea rooms, and a very pretty town to visit.

Antiques: François Bry, Michel Besnard, an antique dealer and photographer, Maison Mérouvel, Brocante du Perche, cabinet de curieuses etc....

Restaurants:Les pieds dans l'eau, restaurant le tribunal, or passage de l'Hermitte.

From chateaux to villages around Saint Paterne

ALENCON : SUNDAY AND MONDAY ALENCON IS A SLEEPY TOWN ! SATURDAY MORNING YOU HAVE A VERY NICE MARKET AROUND THE CHURCH  NOTRE DAME IN THE CENTER

GOOD TO KNOW : LOOK FOR THE ADV GUIDE IN THE ENTRANCE  ,  YOU HAVE A  MAP OF THE AREA AND ALL THE OPENING AND CLOSING TIME.

FRANCE STOP FOR LUNCH! MOST PLACES ARE CLOSED FROM 12.00 TO 2 PM

Suggested itinerary : ALENCON -SAINT CENERI- St LEONARD DES BOIS - CARROUGES-SEES- RADON-ALENCON

Your steps will naturally lead you to the old town of Alençon, just two kilometers from here.

Start your visit at the tourist office, located in the Maison d'Ozé, next to Notre Dame church. This superb residence was the town house of the Lords of Saint Paterne. It is said that the two houses are linked by underground passageways that enabled Huguenots to escape during the Wars of Religion.

The basilica and the lace museum are well worth a visit, as is the house where Sainte Thérèse was born, which has just been restored to an exemplary standard.

The scenography is remarkable.

For lunch, depending on your appetite and mood, we recommend: La Suite, Chez Fano, l'atelier du cookie, la pizzeria San Remo....

A village 10 km southwest of Alençon, Saint-Céneri le Gerei is classified as "one of the most beautiful villages in France", and is well worth a visit.

This wonderful place is located in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles, a picturesque, hilly region that has a distinctly Normandy feel to it!

Be sure to take a look at the picturesque view behind the church. In the afternoon, you can visit a charming garden: Les Jardins de la Mansonniere, just outside Saint Céneri on the road to Saint Pierre des Nids.

Restaurants and cafés in St Ceneri: l'auberge de la vallée, l'auberge des peintres, la Taverne Giroise, l'Echoppe Gourmande

Galerie d'art d'Amélie Romet a little outside the village

3 km away is Saint Leonard des Bois, and above all Domaine du Gasseau, with its accrobranches and horse-riding activities for children, and a lovely place to have lunch, the Maison du Gasseau.

Then head for Carrouges : one of the most beautiful châteaux in the Orne. We recommend a visit to this brick fortress-like château. The interior, recently restored, reflects the art of living of an important château over the centuries, within the same family. Then not far from the château you can visit a cidre farm, Desfrieches at Sainte Marguerie de Carrouges. They make delicious calavdos, cider and pommeau and will welcome you.

On your way back, don't miss a visit to Sées Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman Gothic art. Director Luc Besson  shot part of his film Joan of Arc here, and there's a very nice antique shop just across the street. You can return to Alençon through the magnificent Ecouves forest. You'll pass by the Croix de Médavy where you'll see a tank from the Leclerc division, a souvenir of the 2nd DB, which made Alençon the first town to be liberated by the French army on August 12, 1944.

If  you have still time, make your way along the D438 towards Alençon and stop off at this amazing, gigantic 19th-century farmhouse filled with antiques, tiles, fireplaces, bookcases ...... ESPRIT ANTIQUE ( 5 km north of Alençon, on your right if you're coming from Sées ). This place is original and unique, and well worth a visit.

A gourmet and cultural day in the heart of Normandy, the "Pays d'Auge"

GOOD TO KNOW : LOOK FOR THE ADV GUIDE IN THE ENTRANCE  ,  YOU HAVE A  MAP OF THE AREA AND ALL THE OPENING AND CLOSING TIME , AND DAYS.

FRANCE STOP FOR LUNCH! MOST PLACES ARE CLOSED FROM 12.00 TO 2 PM

You can choose to combine gastronomy with tourism. Why not take time to visit the Pays d'Auge region.
From  Saint Paterne, take the motoway A28 in direction of Caen Rouen, and, leave at exit N°16. Follow the directions of Pin du Haras and then Haras du Pin. Haras du Pin, is the national stud farm, known as “the Versailles for horses”, visit the estate and stables. Carry on towards Argentan as far as the village of Bourg Saint Léonard, where you can visit a beautifully furnished, typical 18th century château. Then make your way Mont Ormel. It was on this very spot that the allies won the Battle of Normandy and where the Battle of the Poche de Falaise took place. A Memorial gives visitors a detailed explanation of this decisive battle in the history of France.

After Mont Ormel, continue for 8 km before taking a right towards Camembert. You are now in the heart of the postcard Normandy with cows, apple trees, green grass and of course… Camembert. You can skip the museum of camembert but a visit in this tiny village where the  worldwide famous cheese was invited is woth a visit.
While you are there, visit one of the many farms that produce calvados and pommeau. One of our favorite is owned by Monsieur Ollivier in Crouttes, Ferme de la Galotière, who always gives a warm welcome to visitors on his breathtaking 17th century farm.

You can then visit the gardens of the Saint Michel Priory, whose rose garden was designed by Louis Benech, (check in the ADV the time and season closing and opening)

Or you can discover the charms of one of our favorite châteaux, château de Vendeuvre. Take the direction of Falaise and then the D511 (May 1st to September 30th, everyday from 11.00 to 6pm – October and Sunday and bank holidays open from 2.00pm to 6.00pm – From October 20th to November 2nd open from 2 pm to 6pm, close for the winter November 2nd)
The castle of Vendeuvre was built in 1750. This Historic building was transmitted from father to son and is still occupied by the same family. Attributed to architect J.F. Blondel, this chateau is the perfect illustration of a leisure residence and has managed to preserve its decoration and furniture of origin.
Each part approaches a topic of the everyday life, presented by automats.
In the greenhouse of the château, the Museum of Miniature Furniture presents more than 700 small pieces of furniture and thousands of small Lilliputians objects. This internationally reknown collection was created by the Countess of Vendeuvre who received, at age seven, a marvellous miniature 18th century bureau in marquetry. It was the starting point of this splendid collection illustrating, on a reduced scale, the decorative arts from the 16th century to 1930.
You will discover three gardens around the castle : a garden in the french style, a utility garden, and the famous "Surprise" water gardens
 

Coming back by Falaise, make sure you take a look at the château where William the Conqueror grew up. For our English friends,  chateau de Falaise is definitely part of your English history. And then come back directly to Saint Paterne in order to enjoy your dinner !

On the way to Mont Saint Michel (a step into Brittany)

GOOD TO KNOW : IT WILL TAKE YOU 2 HOURS TO GO TO MONT SAINT MICHEL

Go first to Alençon and then take the direction of Rennes until a small town called Pré en Pail. At the exit take right, the N176 in direction of Mont Saint Michel until Couterne and then turn right in direction of Bagnoles de L'Orne. A few kilometers later, take the direction of Tessé la Madeleine, and admire on the way the beautiful little brick château. It still belongs to the Marquis de Frotté, one of his ancestors was the chief of the famous " chouannerie " during the French revolution. Fabulousl by its proportions, this small château is one of the master pieces of Norman architecture.
You can go straight to Mont st Michel or visit Bagnoles de l’Orne.
Continue your road to Tessé la Madeleine, turn left in direction of the little church, where you can park. There, you must make a stop, just in front of the church at Boulangerie Lenoir in order to taste one of the most fabulous macarrons that we know ! ! They are worth the stop. Then go back to Bagnoles de l'Orne : this very funny little town is a typical spa town from the 19th century. Oldfashioned, this town is a good example of the Anglo Norman architecture that you can also find also in Deauville or Cabourg .
Leave the lake on your right, pass the casino and take the direction of the forêt d'Andaine. You can make a gastronomic stop at the famous Manoir du Lys (one star michelin), where all the Quinton Family will do their best to make you happy ( tell them that you are coming from Saint Paterne !)
Drive along the golf course, have a look on your right at the early 20th century house on the left " the Gué aux Biches ", and continue your road through the forest until the " Carrefour d'Andaine ".
Turn left in direction of Domfront.
Due to its strategic position, this medieval city was during centuries one of the most important donjon in France. The old city is full of small details telling us this prestigious history.
Leaving Domfront in direction of Mont Saint Michel, you will drive in front of one of the masterpieces of Romanesque art in Normandy : the little chapel of Notre Dame sur l'Eau.
You will drive then through a county called the " domfrontais " which is listed as a " site remarquable du goût " , an area where the local produce is particularly tasty : specially the pear cider ( the poiré ) and the famous calvados.
At the exit of Domfront you will be able to taste some in one of the local cellars, " Comte Louis de Lauriston (he is my uncle). The calvados from Domfront is known for having 30% of pear in it, which results in a calvados not as strong as the other ones.
Driving towards Mont Saint Michel you will drive through Saint Hilaire du Harcouet which was bombed tremendously during the Second World War.
You will arrive then in the bay of Mont Saint Michel. In order to have a fabulous view you should go to the German cemetery at the far end. The view from there is really great .
Arriving to the Mont Saint Michel . Climb to the abbaye through the 2nd porch next to the fire departement, you will be the only one and you wont be bothered by all the tacky shops ! !
If you have time or if you like sea food you might want to 'step into' Brittany and taste a fabulous seafood platter in the town of Cancale. If you go there take the road towards Saint Malo, then when you arrive in Cancale take the touristic road towards the port. The view from there is fabulous .
In Cancale if you just want oysters go to the end of the pier, where you will find some ladies selling dozens of oysters for few euros.Or you can make a stop in one of the restaurants on the harbour. 

D day beaches

GOOD TO KNOW : WE HAVE A MAP OF THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY, AND ALSO A FEW TRAVEL GUIDES ON NORMANDY. ASK FOR THEM

CAEN : IS ONE HOUR WAY FROM SAINT PATERNE, AND D-DAY BEACHES &HOUR AND HALF AWAY

As you leave Saint Paterne, take the A 28 towards Rouen –Caen and the the A88 towards Caen. Arriving in Caen follow the ring road called Peripherique, and take 1st the direction of Cherbourg.Stay on the périphérique until Exit n°7. Then follow the direction for the Memorial.
This fabulous museum is worth the trip by itself and we really encourage you to visit it.
The Memorial of Caen remains the only museum to give an overview of History from 1918 to our days. From the beginning, the Memorial has been dedicated to the causes and consequences of the Second World War, and today the perspective widens.
Thanks to 2500 m² of new exhibit areas, the visitor will be able to carry on with his trip through one of the most striking events of the second half of the century : the Cold War. At the end, the visitor will finish his trip through History in a place devoted to peace, an ideal place for thinking and meditating.
Innovative in its presentation, the Memorial of Caen combines History with a resolutely modern concept.

Or you can decide to go directly to the American Cemetery, which is extremely moving and has also a great museum to visit. It closes quite early around 4.30pm

Before you can have a stop in Bayeux, visit the charming little town and the world famous Bayeux Tapistry.

Arromanches , with its artificial port is worth a detour, there is a little museum which explains the purpose and the engineering of the port.