Discover Condeau: Forest, History and the Huisne

The area offers several specific ways to explore it. The Bois de Condeau is an extensive forest with clearly defined access restrictions. Along the Huisne, a route through the valley and seasonal canoe and kayak trips offer a different perspective. The Church of Saint Denis and the Château de Villeray provide historical highlights.

Bois de Condeau: Forest and Marked Trails

The Bois de Condeau covers 460 hectares on a flint-and-clay hill reaching approximately 215 metres. The soil is relatively dry and acidic. The forest consists of oak and beech, with sessile oak clearly predominant. Sweet chestnut is also important in some northern areas. These details give a concrete picture of the terrain and the different tree species in the forest.

The Bois de Condeau is privately owned. Walkers should follow marked hiking trails 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31; the forest and its access tracks are closed to the public. Stick to the designated trails when walking, and check route conditions before setting out.

The Huisne: Route and Canoe or Kayak Trips

The “Villeray, au fil de l'Huisne” route runs through the Huisne valley, passing through the village of Condeau and the hamlet of Villeray. Along this section, the Huisne flows gently through meadows and woodland and is deep enough for canoeing or kayaking. The route therefore focuses both on the valley and on the places of Condeau and Villeray. Check conditions before setting off.

The Club de Canoë-Kayak Percheron de Nogent-le-Rotrou offers canoe and kayak trips on the Huisne from Condeau or Condé-sur-Huisne to Nogent-le-Rotrou. The service is seasonal, so check current availability if you would like to include a trip in your plans. The riverside landscape and the trips on offer provide a distinct focus alongside the trails in the Bois de Condeau.

The Church of Saint Denis and Its Protected Objects

The Church of Saint Denis in Condeau has a Romanesque apse that is used as a sacristy. Its four-storey bell tower has a small staircase turret attached to the side, with a chapel at its base. Together, these features offer several details to look out for when viewing the church. Check access to the church before visiting.

The church houses the painting “La Transfiguration du Christ,” a copy after Raphael. In 1971, it was classified as a historic monument among movable objects. The church also contains a statue of Saint Denis, which was registered as a protected object on 14 December 1972. The two objects therefore have different protection classifications and dates.

Château de Villeray and Cycling Route

In the 11th century, the Château de Villeray was a fortress under the rule of the Talvas, the lords of Bellême. As an outpost, it occupied a strategic position overlooking the Huisne. Today, the château is partly protected as a historic monument. The Motte castrale de Villeray in Condeau, also known as Sablons-sur-Huisne, comprises two fortified sites built by the lords of Bellême on the right bank of the Huisne. The sites may not be open to the public; check access before visiting.

For cyclists, “La roue tourne” is an easy 22.6-kilometre circular route on roads that are 100% paved. It uses a section of the Voie verte Condé–Alençon, which is part of the Véloscénie. This loop specifies its distance and surface, while the “Villeray, au fil de l'Huisne” route focuses on the valley, village and hamlet. These different details make it possible to distinguish between the routes. Check route conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Banvou, Corbon, Tessé-Froulay, Le Renouard, Champsecret, Saint-Ouen-de-Sécherouvre, Goulet, Gandelain

For the wider travel overview: Orne.