La Ferté-Macé: Nature, Culture and Regional Routes

La Ferté-Macé offers a variety of options to consider when planning your trip: a waterside leisure area, gardens and trails, museums, historic churches and a weekly market. When looking for a hotel, you can consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The following places and practical details will help you plan.

Nature, Gardens and Outdoor Activities

The Base de Loisirs brings together activities on and around the water. These include horse riding, Swin Golf, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rides in Rosalies and a skate park. Some activities may be seasonal. The body of water covers 28 hectares; three protected islands provide refuge for numerous species and help preserve biodiversity. A landscaped footpath runs around the water, making it suitable for walks and warm-up exercises. This gives you the chance to enjoy both physical activities and a glimpse of the natural environment in one place.

The trails also offer a range of experiences. The “La Vélo’Bocage” greenway runs through La Ferté-Macé and connects Briouze with Bagnoles de l’Orne Normandie. The 22-kilometre route follows a former railway line that has been adapted for pedestrians and cyclists. Check trail conditions before setting out. La Ferté-Macé is also part of the Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park and UNESCO Global Geopark.

Garden enthusiasts will find two different sites. Parc Barré Saint is a public garden with a children’s play area, a kiosk and a garden surrounded by roses. At Jardin Bleuenn, more than 500 varieties of plants and shrubs grow in an area of just under 1,000 square metres. The garden is open to the public by appointment and offers opportunities for discovery, exchange and learning. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance.

Museums and Historic Sites

The Musée Municipal was founded in 1901. Its collection includes paintings and sculptures, displayed in the corridors and various rooms of the Hôtel de Ville. Admission is free, but visits are by request during the town hall’s opening hours. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance. The Musée du Jouet has been awarded the “Musée de France” designation and is located in the former Bains-Douches. Its collection of antique games and toys spans the mid-19th to the mid-20th century.

When visiting the churches, it is important to distinguish between Notre-Dame and the adjoining Romanesque church. Notre-Dame can be visited without a guide all year round; this does not mean that admission is free. The neighbouring Romanesque church dates from the 11th century and is protected as a historic monument. Only its choir has survived, and it can be visited as part of a guided tour with commentary. If you would like to see this part, check the tour dates.

The Circuit Marcel Pierre connects a starting point at the town hall with a destination in Parc Barré Saint, in front of the Mémorial de la Paix. Along the way, you will find works by the local artist and information panels with QR codes. The route therefore leads from a central starting point to a garden and combines the walk with public art.

Market, Regional Cuisine and Getting There

The weekly market takes place in the town centre every Thursday morning. Local producers and regional artisans come together there to offer fresh, seasonal, high-quality products. The selection may vary depending on the vendors and the season, so check the market day before your trip. A local culinary speciality is Tripes à la mode fertoise, which has a national reputation and is served on a hazelwood skewer.

La Ferté-Macé can be reached by train via the Paris–Granville line, with connections through Briouze and Argentan stations followed by a bus. Train and bus services should be checked before travelling, so plan your transfer using the latest timetables.

Discover more destinations: Le Renouard, Le Theil, Colonard-Corubert, Bellou-En-Houlme, Tessé-Froulay, Bazoches-Sur-Hoëne, Banvou, Champsecret.

See the regional travel overview: Orne.