The day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Le Mans Cathedral (Saint-Julien)
Departure for a city known for its famous 24 Hours of Le Mans car race: Le MansBut beyond the circuits, the city of Le Mans is brimming with history and remarkable architectural heritage. Among its treasures, Saint-Julien Cathedral proudly overlooks the city. Just like Notre-Dame de Chartres, it houses a superb collection of medieval stained glasswhich are among the most beautiful in France.
On Cardinal Grente SquareYou will be struck by the imposing silhouette of the cathedral, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, and by the harmony of its architecture, blending Romanesque and Angevin Gothic styles. Its location is far from insignificant: the cathedral stands on an ancient sacred site. menhir over 4,5 meters high This is still evident in the Place Saint-Michel. Step inside the cathedral and let yourself be swept away by the richness of medieval religious art. Among the treasures of the place, don't miss the sublime paintings in the Chapel of the Virgin, rediscovered in 1842. On the vaults, forty-seven musical angels, painted at the end of the 14th century, display their instruments in a dazzling display of color and grace.
Look up to admire the stained-glass windows: restored after the Second World War, they illuminate the building with vibrant hues. In the nave, you will discover the Ascension, a unique stained-glass window. Created at the end of the 11th century, it is the oldest one still in place in a church in FranceIts clean lines and vibrant colors make it a work of rare power. Before leaving the cathedral, admire the rose window in the north transept and the stained-glass window depicting Saint Julian.
Continue your exploration by getting lost in the cobbled streets of the Plantagenet CityThe historic district of Le Mans. Behind its half-timbered houses, private mansions, and Gallo-Roman ramparts, lies a whole section of the medieval past who awaits you...
Day 2: Day trip to the castles of Le Lude and Poncé
Explore two castles in the Sarthe region, starting with the castle of Le Lude, the first of Castles of Loire north of the Valley of the Kings!
Located at crossroads of Anjou, Maine and TouraineThe Château du Lude magnificently illustrates the architectural evolution from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Remains of the first medieval fortress still exist, with its imposing towers, its dry moat and its vaulted underground passages.
In the 15th century, the Château du Lude was embellished under the influence of the italian renaissance The south facade features large windows, replacing the old arrow slits. In the 17th century, the French Renaissance brings symmetry and sobriety to the main courtyard, heralding classicism.
Inside, the diversity of architectural styles is reflected in the decor: from the old vaulted kitchens to the Louis XVI salons, the Renaissance gallery, and the Italian-style studiolo—a painting gallery truly unique in France. Finally, end your visit with a stroll through the terraced gardens. Classified as a Remarkable Garden, with flowerbeds, topiary, ponds, rose gardens and vegetable garden.
After visiting the Château du Lude, head to Loir en Vallée, on the border between Sarthe and Loir-et-Cher, to discover another Renaissance gem of the Loir Valley: the castle of PoncéBuilt in the 16th century, this château is nestled in a verdant setting. Its white tufa stone façade is instantly captivating, while a few medieval vestiges, such as the bases of the round towers, recall its ancient past, dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The Château de Poncé evokes its prestigious neighbors in the Loire Valley, such as Chambord or Azay-le-RideauAdmire, in particular, the monumental staircase with its six vaults and 136 richly decorated coffers. In the gardens, stroll under the 16th-century arbor, wander through the pleasure maze, and then finish with the Italian garden, a 20th-century creation.
Day 3: Visit to Châteaudun Castle
Setting sails for Châteaudun and its castle, former fief of Jehan de Dunois, Joan of Arc's companion-in-arms. Nicknamed the first Loire Valley castle When arriving from Paris, this monument impresses with its majestic silhouette, perched 60 meters above the Loir River. Initially built as a impregnable fortressit was transformed into a sumptuous princely residence by Dunois himself. The Châteaudun castle mixes medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architectureFollow in the footsteps of Dunois and his heirs who left their mark on the castle, particularly through the Dunois and Longueville wings. Among the castle's must-sees:
- The imposing 12th-century round tower, one of the best-preserved keeps in France
- The two staircases with loggias
- The Sainte-Chapelle, built at the turn of the 15th century
- In the Longueville wing, the superb Old Testament Tapestry, a set of seven 17th-century tapestries
The castle also houses an exceptional collection of approximately 70 Flemish and French tapestries Dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, at the foot of the keep, you'll be captivated by the medieval garden, where traditional cooking and medicine intertwine, as well as the hanging garden. A beautiful way to end the day!
Day 4: On the way to the castle of the Counts of Perche
Two steps from Perche Regional Natural Park, end your great weekend on the road to castles between Mayenne, Sarthe and Eure-et-Loir through the discovery of Castle of the Counts of Perche, in the heart of Nogent-le-Rotrou. This emblematic castle, with its 11th century keep and its enclosure protected by seven circular towers, proudly embodies the history of the Perche.
Also visit Nogent-le-rotrou, the capital of Perche Don't miss the charming Pâty district. For the more energetic, climb the 155 "Saint-Jean" steps, built by the monks of the collegiate church. If you're there on a Saturday, enjoy the market in Place Saint-Pol: a friendly atmosphere where you'll find delicious local produce in a typical country market setting.
