A journey through time and art around Sainte-Suzanne and Jublains
Immerse yourself in the heart of Mayenne at the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire de Coëvrons-Mayenne for a unique experience to share with friends or as a couple. Time seems to stand still, with the promise of wonderful encounters with artisans. This stay combines culture, nature, activities and creativity for an escapade rich in emotions and inspiring encounters.
You'll love
Dive into history, from prehistory to Gallo-Roman times
Meet passionate, creative craftspeople
Discover a variety of unspoilt natural landscapes
Share moments of complicity as a duo in creative workshops
Day 1 : The medieval town of Sainte-Suzanne, a jewel of Mayenne heritage
Morning: Discover the medieval town, its architecture and heritage
Start your stay with a stroll through Sainte-Suzanne, Petite Cité de Caractère® nestled on a rocky promontory and also one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France®. Let yourself be charmed by its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and imposing ramparts. Don't miss a visit to the Château de Sainte-Suzanne, built in the 11th century and now home to the Centre d'interprétation de l'architecture et du patrimoine. Here, you'll discover the fascinating history of the region through a rich scenography. And from the ramparts, take time to admire the view over the hills and bocage of the Coëvrons.
Afternoon: Walk to the Tertre Ganne viewpoint and visit to the paper mill
After lunch in one of the village's charming bistros, such as Caf & Couette, take time to admire the exceptional panorama of the Sainte-Suzanne fortress from the Tertre Ganne viewpoint. Here, you can observe the meandering Erve, the river that borders Sainte-Suzanne, and the surrounding green hills. Continue your day with a visit to the paper mill, a unique site in Pays de la Loire. Here, you'll discover ancient papermaking techniques, and can even leave with your own handmade sheet of paper.
Evening: A stroll through the artisan boutiques and a gourmet dinner
Spend the rest of the day discovering the artisan and designer boutiques for which Sainte-Suzanne is famous. Let yourself be tempted by the handmade chocolates of the BIM chocolate factory, the scented soaps of the Senteurs et Charme d'Antan soap factory, or the wood-turned objects of Art'elier, not forgetting the artistic and cultural third place l'Artisan Gribouilleur, a welcoming space teeming with activities.
For your overnight stay in Sainte-Suzanne, let yourself be tempted by the charming chambre d'hôte Côté jardin, or a historic experience at Domaine de la Ferté Clairbois, a recreation of an ancient 13th-century fortified farmhouse.
Day 2 : In the footsteps of the Gallo-Romans and arts and crafts in Jublains
Morning: Discovery of the Gallo-Roman city of Jublains
En route to Jublains, a major archaeological site that will plunge you into the heart of the Gallo-Roman era. Before wandering through the narrow streets of this ancient city, where the remains of a theater, a temple and a fortified enclosure still stand, explore the Musée archéologique de Jublains (Jublains Archaeological Museum), which displays the objects and remains discovered during the excavations.
Afternoon: Meet the artisans at the Forum des métiers d'art
After lunch in one of Jublains' restaurants, head to the Forum des métiers d'art, where you can meet passionate craftspeople and discover their skills. Try your hand at tufting, an ancestral weaving technique, or indulge in a jewelry-making workshop.
Evening: Nature walk in the Bois du Tay
Take advantage of the long summer evenings to discover the Bois du Tay in Hambers, a 135-hectare natural area where you can walk the hiking trails and discover the Arboretum, or have fun with electric scooters or laser forest.
End your day with a picnic in the heart of nature, or in one of the restaurants lining the Bois du Tay. Why not try the authentic French cuisine of Chez christelle et Nico, place de l'église, in La Chapelle-au-Riboul.
Day 3 : Creative experiences and relaxing moments at the water's edge
Morning: creations in a ceramists' workshop
For this third day, give free rein to your creativity by taking part in a woodworking or artistic creations workshop at the Maison Atelier de Viviane et Nicolas, in Bais, or in the company of Anne Corre, sculptor-ceramist at the Accord ceramics workshop in La Chapelle du Chêne.
In the warm atmosphere of these two workshops, you can learn the techniques of sculpting, turning, drawing or engraving, and leave with your own creation.
Afternoon: Relaxation and water sports at the Gué de Selle leisure park
After a picnic at the Gué de Selle leisure park in Mézangers, a multitude of water sports and outdoor activities are on offer. Try your hand at pedal-boating, canoeing or paddle-boarding, or try your hand at windsurfing. You can also relax on the beach.
Evening: Gastronomic cuisine and overnight in unusual accommodation
End your day with a romantic dinner by the pond, at the Relais du Gué de Selle, one of the region's gourmet restaurants, where you can savor refined, inventive cuisine, prepared using local, seasonal produce.
Finally, let yourself be lulled by the gentleness of the surrounding nature and try the unusual experience of an overnight stay in 'La Cabane perchée' or in a cozy room in this restored former farmhouse of the Relais du Gué de Selle.
Day 4 : Vallée des grottes de Saulges, a journey through the ages
Morning: Discover the Musée de Préhistoire and the Saulges caves
On this final day, discover the Saulges Caves Valley, an exceptional natural and archaeological site. Visit the Museum of Prehistory, where you'll be immersed in the history of mankind, from the first humans to the Gallo-Roman era. Then delve into the bowels of the earth, exploring two of the caves, Grotte Margot and Grotte de Rochefort, the only ones with cave paintings and engravings north of the Loire.
Afternoon: Moulin de Thévalles in Saulges and a stroll through the Petite Cité de Caractère® of Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve
After lunch in one of the valley's restaurants, such as La Taverne des grottes or l'Ermitage, let us guide you to the Moulin de Thévalles, the only water mill open to visitors in Mayenne. Listed as a historic monument, it features an exceptional 1850 mechanism on four levels.
Then take time to stroll through the narrow streets of Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve's Petite Cité de Caractère®. Let yourself be seduced by the old houses, Romanesque church and washhouses that bear witness to the rich past of this charming village.
Evening: Farm products at Mohair du Maine in La Bazouge-de-Chemeré
Before you think about leaving, make a detour to the Mohair du Maine farm to take home one of the mohair products knitted on the farm: knitting yarns, socks, plaids, sweaters... Emmanuelle Guiho, the enthusiastic goat breeder, offers guided tours of her farm (by appointment, Monday to Saturday).