Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, a small town full of character

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, a small town full of character

When you arrive in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, you'll appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the village's narrow streets. The remains of its castle, built on a rocky spur, bear witness to Fresnay-sur-Sarthe's importance in the Middle Ages. Dominating the ford of the river, its strategic position was chosen by the Counts of Maine to face the Norman invaders. Did you know that William the Conqueror laid siege to Château de Fresnay several times?
Today, you can admire the ramparts, the castle gate and its circular towers, the farmyard, the salt granary buildings, the church and its remarkable 16th-century wooden door in a totally Zen atmosphere.

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, a village of weavers

Since the Middle Ages, but especially from the 17th century onwards, Le Maine has been renowned for its textiles. This part of the region soon specialized in hemp cloth (hemp grown in the countryside). Numerous buildings in Fresnay bear witness to this flourishing era. Take a look at the weavers' market hall and houses in the Bourgneuf and Creusot districts. These homes can be recognized by the semi-buried cellar that housed the weaving loom, and the staircase that served the house upstairs.

Coteau des vignes

A sensitive natural area, the Coteau des Vignes offers a magnificent view over the town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. As in many places, Fresnay has long had vines, which disappeared in the 1920s with phylloxera. Since June 2013, Fresnay has had them back, much to the delight of winegrowers and visitors alike!

You can discover the vineyard hillside by following the educational trail, starting from the Fresnay town hall or from the parking lot at the top of the hillside.

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles

Located in the north-west of the Sarthe département, the Alpes Mancelles boast unique and unexpected landscapes. Between gentle hills, steep mountains, scree slopes, bocage and wild rivers, the Alpes Mancelles offer a bubble of nature ideal for outdoor activities.
By canoe, on horseback, by bike or simply on foot... the landscapes of the Alpes Mancelles are yours to discover. The more athletic will appreciate the deep valleys, the more tranquil the gentle hills. Thrill-seekers can also bungee-jump over 45 m high, take part in accrobranche courses or fly through the air...

How to visit Fresnay-sur-Sarthe?

The Alpes Mancelles Tourist Office offers guided tours of Fresnay, for groups only, all year round and subject to reservation (fee). In July and August, the Town Hall offers guided tours every Thursday afternoon for individuals (free). Visit the Fresnay-sur-Sarthe office of the Office de Tourisme des Alpes Mancelles to pick up the discovery tour leaflet, for a self-guided tour at your own pace.

New for 2021: video projection on the castle gate from Friday 09/07 to Friday 13/08 only on Wednesday evenings, Friday evenings and Saturday evenings (duration 15 minutes, at dusk - 3 "sessions" per evening). Please note: no show on August 6 and 7.