CYCLO - BALLON

The Ballon circuit starts in the Plantagenet City, the historic heart of Le Mans, and offers a ride through the heart of the Mancelle countryside. Along the way, you'll discover the site of the old Antoigné foundries and Ballon castle.

The tour starts in the Plantagenet city, the historic heart of Le Mans. Take the road towards Coulaines, where you will pass by the church of Saint-Nicolas, a listed historic monument. When you arrive in Sainte Jamme sur Sarthe, you'll discover the former Antoigné foundries, which were a major centre of economic activity until its closure in 1986. The return journey through the Manche countryside will take you to Ballon Castle. Today, it takes the form of a keep surrounded by a wall and moats. It has a superb garden and a magnificent rose garden. On the optional loop: the priory at Vivoin, the cultural centre of the Sarthe, the Halles de René (1535) and the former priory at Mayanne in Dangeul.