Bellême: Ville Close, Churches and Hiking Trails

Bellême combines a fortified historic site, Romanesque architecture, a weekly market and outdoor activities. The town is located in the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. There are several ways to plan your trip: you can focus on architectural history, plan your stay around the Thursday market, or include hiking and golf. If you are looking for a hotel in Bellême, this overview can help you match the town’s attractions to your travel plans.

Ville Close: fortifications and surviving structures

The Ville Close of Bellême was a fortified site with an enclosure almost 800 metres long. Part of the moat from the former fortress remains. The Porche de Bellême, a passageway between two towers of the Ville Close, has also been preserved. These details distinguish the extent of the site from individual structural elements such as the moat and the Porche.

Chapel and church: different architectural histories

The Chapelle Notre-Dame du Vieux Château, also known as Saint-Santin, is described as the oldest Romanesque building in the Perche region. It is privately owned and can only be visited by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance with the local tourist office; visitor arrangements may change.

At the Church of Saint-Sauveur, different building phases take centre stage: the Neoclassical church was rebuilt from 1648 on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque building dating from the 11th century. This original building was erected by the first lords of Bellême. The church is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except during services. Check opening hours before your visit, as visitor arrangements may change.

Saint-Santin is noted for its designation as a Romanesque building; at Saint-Sauveur, the Neoclassical reconstruction on Romanesque foundations is an important part of its architectural history.

Thursday market in Bellême

Bellême’s weekly market takes place every Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm in Place de la République. The market has been held on Thursdays for several centuries near the Church of Saint-Sauveur. This places the current market day within a long local market tradition. Check the market hours before travelling.

Hiking trails and views in the Perche region

The hiking trails offer different experiences. La Herse is a walking trail that starts at Place de la République in Bellême and is 10.5 kilometres long. Check the route details before setting off. L’Éperon is also designated as a walking route and offers a panorama of the Perche countryside and the Forêt de Bellême. La Herse has a specific route length that can help with planning, while L’Éperon is characterised by views of the countryside and forest.

The historic site of Croix Feue Reine offers a viewpoint over Bellême and the forest. The different vantage points add variety to hiking plans: the L’Éperon route offers a panorama of the Perche countryside and forest, while Croix Feue Reine is described as a viewpoint over Bellême and the forest.

Another activity: golf

Golf de Bellême offers an 18-hole course. As the course layout may change, check the latest information before your visit. Hiking and golf are two separate ways to plan time outdoors, while the architecture, market and viewpoints highlight other aspects of Bellême.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Ouen-de-Sécherouvre, Courgeon, Saint-Cornier-Des-Landes, Putanges-Epont-Ecrepin, Canapville, Saint-Bômer-Les-Forges, Parfondeval, Saint-Nicolas-Des-Bois

For the broader travel overview: Orne.