The Venice of the West: 4 days in the heart of Perche Sarthois

La Ferté-Bernard welcomes you with its air of provincial Venice. Start your visit with a guided tour of the old town (information at the tourist office). This medieval and Renaissance town boasts a rich heritage: the majestic Notre-Dame des Marais church and its 35 exceptional stained glass windows, the Porte Saint-Julien, the town's emblem with its imposing towers, and the old halles where the echoes of the merchants of yesteryear can still be heard.

Then take a trip on an electric boat on the Huisne. License-free, easy to drive and silent, these boats take you on a tour of La Ferté-Bernard from the river. You'll glide under bridges, past little laundries that only sailors can see, and understand why it's called the "Venice of the West". Legend even has it that the town has 365 bridges and footbridges. Perhaps you'll catch a glimpse of La Velue, the legendary creature that is said to scull in the arms of the Huisne...

In the afternoon, head for Cherré-Au for a visit and tasting at the Huppes goat farm. On this organic farm, discover the art of goat cheese-making: from ripened crottin to tomme, yoghurt and spreadable cheese. The goats graze the surrounding meadows, and everything here exudes the authenticity of the Percheron region.

For lunch or dinner, you can choose between several atmospheres. Madame Moustache's tearoom offers a vintage atmosphere, where you can enjoy lunch, taste and hunt for old-fashioned furniture. Le Bistrot des Puces offers platters of charcuterie and local cheeses around a craft beer. For a more refined experience, Le Dauphin offers creative cuisine in a 16th-century mansion at the foot of the Porte Saint-Julien.

For overnight stays, the region offers a host of authentic accommodations to extend the experience. Opt for the Chalet de la Mainferme in Dehault, nestled in a natural environment with its private one-hectare pond, perfect for lovers of fishing and tranquillity. The Château de Montmirail B&B welcomes you to a historic setting with panoramic views over the Perche Sarthois region. More unusual, the Gîte des Ganches in Saint-Maixent offers atypical accommodation (pod, kota, barrel). Last but not least, the campsites at La Ferté-Bernard and Tuffé offer lush, green waterside settings.

This morning, venture out in a kayak between Avezé and La Ferté-Bernard to explore the wild meanders of the Huisne. Glide along in easy-to-handle 2/3-seater kayaks. You'll discover the charm of the wooded banks, perhaps catch a glimpse of a kingfisher skimming along, and feel the gentle caress of the current as it carries you along.

In the afternoon, continue with a discovery hike from La Ferté-Bernard to theAjeux nature reserve. This site is home to one of the richest ornithological observatories in the region. Admire the ballet of migratory birds from the observation posts: 226 species have been recorded here! Herons, waders, seagulls and gulls enjoy the peace and quiet of this unspoilt setting.

Round off your nature day with a visit to the Ferme de la Haie de Villaines-la-Gonais deer farm. Depending on the season, climb aboard the safari truck to explore the 40 hectares of deer and hinds, or experience the emotion of autumnal bellowing during an evening of listening, punctuated by a tasting of deer products.

This third day takes you back in time. Join Beillé to board the Transvap steam train. On the old "ligne des Ducs", this historic locomotive takes you on an 18-kilometer tourist trail to Bonnétable. The low-speed journey takes in the rolling Perche countryside, forests and the former Beillé depot, now a train museum.

In Tuffé, visitSaint-Vincent Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, its remains include the priory dwelling, the dovecote and, above all, the themed gardens. Farmyard, secret gardens, catalpa room... A dozen garden worlds tell the story of man's evolution with cultivated nature, creating a poetic and temporal stroll.

For the more active, extend the railway experience with the Val de Chéronne velorail. Between Tuffé and Prévelles, these pedal-powered railway mounts offer a unique way to explore the Sarthe countryside over an 8.8-kilometer round trip.

This last day takes you to the summits of the Perche Sarthois. There are two options to suit you. The more athletic will mount their bikes for a 55-kilometer loop between La Ferté-Bernard and Montmirail, passing through the villages of Cherreau, Cormes, Saint-Ulphace and Gréez-sur-Roc. For a more contemplative approach, opt for the Montmirail discovery hike (10 kilometers), which takes you directly to the heart of the medieval town along the paths of the Percheron bocage.

Each commune reveals its own treasures: Saint-Symphorien church and Pelice abbey in Cherreau, Jean Jousse Neolithic space in Gréez-sur-Roc, etc.

The arrival at Montmirail marks the apotheosis of your journey. This "Petite Cité de Caractère " fully justifies its name of "Mons Mirabilis" (admirable mountain). Climb up to the 15th-century medieval château for a guided tour of the underground weapon rooms and dungeons, before enjoying a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside from the park.

The village itself is well worth a stroll: alternating red brick, tuffeau and lime plaster architecture, 16th- and 17th-century bourgeois houses, and theMaurice-Loutreuil space dedicated to the Fauvist painter born in Montmirail.

Conclude your Perche escapade with a stop at the Brasserie Artisanale de Montmirail. At this micro-brewery in the heart of the medieval village, taste beers brewed on site, accompanied by carefully selected delicatessen products. The perfect epilogue to four days of discoveries.