Juvigny-Sous-Andaine between hiking trails and cultural heritage

Juvigny-Sous-Andaine combines hiking trails with distinctive reminders of the town’s history. To plan your trip, consider the different trail lengths, the landscape around Bonvouloir and the town’s cultural sites. Regional cuisine and an equestrian show add their own highlights.

Hiking trails and landscape

Four official hiking trails in Juvigny-sous-Andaine are listed as 13 km, 8.2 km, 5.2 km and 5.1 km long. Another option is circular route 42, which passes through bocage countryside to the Tour de Bonvouloir and its educational trail. There, an orchard, wild pear trees, cultivated pear trees and hedgerows are among the landscape features described.

The Bonvouloir grounds are near the GR22 long-distance hiking trail and are the starting point for several walks. On hiking trail J2, a view of the Étang du Moulin Neuf and its waterwheel opens up at a crossroads. The route then leads through a wooded area and along a stream. Juvigny therefore offers a range of landscape experiences: a circular route through bocage countryside with an educational trail, and a path described in terms of its pond, waterwheel, woodland and stream.

The Tour de Bonvouloir and its history

The Tour de Bonvouloir consists of two connected towers and is the last surviving remnant of the former Château de Bonvouloir. Guyon Essirard, steward to the Duke of Alençon, had the tower built in 1485. The tower complex has been classified as a Monument historique since 1926. These details provide a historical context for your visit, while the structure itself remains easy to picture, with its two connected towers.

The views are another special feature of the area: from the Tour’s observation platform, you can see up to 30 kilometres across the Andaine Forest, Orne and Mayenne. Several hiking trails start on the grounds, and circular route 42 leads specifically to the Tour and its educational trail. If you would like to include both history and scenery in your trip, Bonvouloir offers a tangible way to do so.

Chapel and local folklore

The Chapelle Sainte-Geneviève was rebuilt in 1939 by Honoré Derouet, a priest and artist from Juvigny. He decorated it with symbols inspired by nature. The chapel is freely accessible, but the interior cannot be entered. You can view it through a grille. This access information is useful to bear in mind when planning to visit the chapel during your stay.

Another cultural trace leads to the Dolmen Le Lit de la Gione. It is associated with the legend of the evil fairy La Gione, who is said to have lived there. The story remains a legend and complements the historic buildings with local folklore. Together with the Chapelle and the Tour de Bonvouloir, it highlights different forms of cultural heritage: a religious building, a medieval tower and a dolmen steeped in legend.

Regional cuisine and shows

At the foot of the tower, the Crêperie de la Tour de Bonvouloir serves savoury galettes, sweet crêpes, and local ciders and poirés. As menus can change, it is worth checking the current selection before your visit. La Michaudière’s restaurant is housed in a former hay barn and serves cuisine featuring the flavours of local produce. Both offer a culinary connection to the area, but describe different dining options.

La Michaudière also presents the show “De la Terre à la Scène” at the Ferme du Cheval de Trait in Juvigny-sous-Andaine. Around forty horses take part in performances featuring Hungarian Post, carriage driving, dressage and vaulting. The equestrian show provides a distinct attraction alongside hiking and cultural heritage. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide which of these interests will shape your stay, then compare the available options.

Discover more destinations

Ceton, Magny-Le-Désert, Ceaucé, Saint-Pierre-D'entremont, Saint-Aubin-Des-Grois, La Ferté-Macé, Neuvy-Au-Houlme, Fontenai-Sur-Orne

For the main travel overview: Orne.