Attractions and Places To See around Contilly - Top 20

The region offers several historical sites. You can visit Monthimer Castle, which features a 1600s house and a 1500s circular watchtower with machicolations. Another notable historical settlement is La Perrière, a charming village recognized with the Petites Cités de Caractère® label, known for its characterful buildings and the Éperon site offering panoramic views.

Yes, for breathtaking views, head to the Perseigne Viewpoint, located at the highest point of the Sarthe department within the Perseigne forest. Additionally, the Éperon site at La Perrière offers a magnificent vista of the Percheron countryside.

Contilly is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy cycling on the Greenway from La Mele-sur-Sarthe to Alencon, a flat, shaded path on a disused railway line. For running, there are routes like the 'Belvédère Tower loop from Louzes' or the 'Perseigne Viewpoint – Belvédère Tower loop from Aillières-Beauvoir'. Road cycling and gravel biking are also popular, with routes such as 'Vallée d'Enfer – Perseigne Viewpoint loop from Mamers' and 'On the greenway – Rémalard loop from La Perrière'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Gravel biking guides around Contilly.

Absolutely! La Perrière is a charming village that is considered family-friendly, perfect for strolling through its picturesque streets. The Greenway from La Mele-sur-Sarthe to Alencon is also ideal for family bike rides, being flat and shaded.

The Perseigne Viewpoint is situated within the extensive Perseigne forest, offering opportunities for forest walks and enjoying nature. This area is known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

Visitors appreciate the charming character of villages like La Perrière, with its colorful facades and historical significance. The Greenway from La Mele-sur-Sarthe to Alencon is highly praised for being a pleasant, flat, and shaded cycling path. The historical depth of sites like Monthimer Castle and the panoramic views from the Perseigne Viewpoint are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, the Greenway from La Mele-sur-Sarthe to Alencon is an excellent choice for beginners and casual cyclists. It's a disused railway line, making it absolutely flat with a firm gravel surface and plenty of shade, perfect for an easy ride.

You can visit the Catholic Church - St-Étienne de Neuchâtel, a local church that serves as a meeting point for walks to Perseigne. While details on its architecture are limited, it holds local significance.

Hiking trails around Contilly, particularly those in the Perseigne forest area, can vary. Routes like the 'Belvédère Tower loop from Louzes' are generally classified as moderate. The region is characterized by forests and countryside, so you can expect varied terrain, including some climbs, especially around viewpoints like Perseigne.

While not strictly 'hidden,' the village of La Perrière, with its Petites Cités de Caractère® label and the Éperon site, offers a distinctive charm that might feel like a discovery. The historical significance and unique circular watchtower of Monthimer Castle also make it a special place to visit, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

For runners, there are several options, mostly of moderate difficulty. Popular routes include the 'Belvédère Tower loop from Louzes' (11.1 km) and the 'Perseigne Viewpoint – Belvédère Tower loop from Louzes' (13.5 km). For a longer challenge, the 'Perseigne Viewpoint – Belvédère Tower loop from Aillières-Beauvoir' is a difficult 21.4 km route. More running trails can be found in the Running Trails around Contilly guide.