A gentle escape in Mayenne, between secret gardens and forgotten villages
Here's a journey that begins with a smile. The one that gardens draw when they reveal their colors, villages when they tell their stories, craftsmen when they pass on their gestures. In Mayenne, four days is enough to understand that adventure isn't always where you expect it to be. Sometimes it's hidden in the simplicity of a picnic by the water or the rustle of leaves in a tree house.
You'll love
Get lost among rhododendrons and azaleas in remarkable gardens
Watching the ballet of dragonflies on the Bizeuls peat bog
Learn the ancient art of basketry in an intimate workshop
Fall asleep in a perched cabin lulled by the murmur of the forest
Day 1 : Colombiers-du-Plessis and Chailland, a symphony of gardens
Your journey begins at the Jardins des Renaudies in Colombiers-du-Plessis. In this 3.5-hectare English-style park, more than 3,000 varieties of plant take turns with the seasons. Rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas create a spectacle that changes with every visit.
Continue on to Chailland, a Petite Cité de Caractère nestled in the Ernée valley. Behind the neo-Gothic church, a path leads to the Rocher de la Vierge and terraced gardens. The streets reveal traces of the town's rich industrial past: old forges, workers' housing and the old Fenderie bridge. And don't miss the rose garden which, from May to October, perfumes the air with its subtle fragrances.
For this first night, let yourself be tempted by the unusual at Domaine des Vaulx in La Baconnière. Perched between 6 and 15 meters high, three cabins with spa await you to sleep under the stars. Or prefer the authentic charm of Logis du Champ du Meslier in Chailland, in a family home steeped in history, or the country atmosphere of Vallon des 5 Roses in Saint-Hilaire du Maine, a Tiny House on a farm where cows, goats and sheep will greet you on waking.
Day 2 : Saint-Pierre-des-Landes and Ernée, between secret peat bogs and rediscovered heritage
Head for the Jardin de la Pellerine, which has been awarded the "Jardin Remarquable" label. Spread over 2.5 hectares, Sylvie and Alain Douinot have created a romantic universe of rare finesse. From the pond to the pergola, every nook and cranny reveals a new, skilfully orchestrated palette of colors.
For a thirst-quenching break, stop off at La Grange à Bières in Saint-Pierre-des-Landes. On the large terrace or in the garden dotted with umbrellas, enjoy a craft beer accompanied by a local terrine.
In the afternoon, explore the Tourbière des Bizeuls in Ernée, now a regional nature reserve. Dive into the heart of this unique ecosystem, where newts, lizards and colorful dragonflies mingle in an incessant ballet.
Finish off at La Fonderie in Ernée, the former foundry of artist Louis Derbré. The soul of the place is still very much alive, with the counter-mold of the famous monumental sculpture of the Prophet enthroned in the heart of the workshop. Enjoy a drink before dining at La Belle Époque, in a carefully staged brocante setting.
Day 3 : Fontaine-Daniel, the village where time stands still
Discover Fontaine-Daniel, a dreamy village with an enchanting charm. Shady square, ancient abbey, bucolic pond and mill... These harmonious buildings are bathed in the serenity of the nearby Bois de Salair.
Fontaine-Daniel is the birthplace of Toiles de Mayenne, the benchmark for fabric for two centuries. The showroom displays furnishing fabrics and made-to-measure creations from this Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label brand. Push open the door of the grocery cooperative, the beating heart of the village, where you'll find local organic produce, a bistro corner and a bookshop.
For lunch, opt for La Forge - housed in a former forge - or the crêperie Le Petit Monde. Then follow the paths along the pond, where the calm is disturbed only by birdsong and the rustle of the water.
Day 4 : d'Adouillée in Montflours, hands in wicker and handmade bubbles
This final day invites you to discover the region's know-how. Start with a horseback ride to Roc au Loup in Andouillé, in the heart of 100 hectares of meadows in the Ernée valley, then continue to La CabanaJude in Montflours for a basket-making workshop. In a peaceful setting, learn the basics of weaving and leave with your own creation.
For craft beer enthusiasts, opt instead for a brewing course at Brasserie L'Arborescence in Saint-Georges-Buttavent. In just one day, you'll discover all the secrets of organic beers, from theory to practice. Four weeks later, you'll return to pick up your 6 bottles, testimony to your visit to Mayenne. Four weeks later, you'll receive your bottles at home, delicious souvenirs of your escapade in Mayenne.
