La Perrière: Rocky Spur, Local History and Panoramas

Landscape and trails

La Perrière sits on a rocky spur at the edge of the Bellême Forest. At the western end of the village is the Site de l’Éperon, which offers remarkable panoramas across the Sarthe département. A footpath runs along the so-called “coniche.” The views and the path give the natural landscape two distinct facets: a wide panorama across the Sarthe and a route along the “coniche.”

For a different way to explore, the Le Chêne de l’École circular trail starts in La Perrière. It is 11 kilometres long. The footpath at the Site de l’Éperon and the circular trail are different options: consider whether to include the path at the Éperon or a circular route in your plans. You can reach La Perrière by bicycle, on foot or by car. As route details may change, check the current route before setting off.

Layers of local history

The Logis de l’Evêque reflects a building history spanning several centuries. It is a 17th-century urban hôtel; its main façade dates from the 16th century. Materials from an earlier building, constructed between 1319 and 1356, were reused for the façade. The timeline thus runs from the earlier building, through the façade, to the 17th-century hôtel. The Logis has been partially protected as a Monument historique since 6 January 1995.

The Notre-Dame du Rosaire church was the former chapel of La Perrière’s now-vanished fortress. Its bell tower rests on the foundations of a castle tower. Both details point to the fortress’s history: one through the church’s former function, the other through the foundations beneath the bell tower.

Outside the village centre stands the 16th-century tower of the Château de Monthimer. It has been listed as a Monument historique since 1975. La Perrière itself also has its own history of protection: since 1979, the village has been protected by a Zone de protection du patrimoine architectural, urbain et paysager (ZPPAUP). In 2016, this was converted into an Aire de mise en valeur de l’architecture et du patrimoine (AVAP).

Games and event dates

Rando Jeu Bellême, La Perrière et Ceton is a heritage-themed game suitable for families. It takes participants through the village streets, where they answer questions and solve puzzles. La Perrière is also part of the game route. It offers a way to explore the village’s cultural heritage together through a game, rather than exclusively through its buildings.

The l’Art à la Perrière festival takes place at Pentecost and showcases work by contemporary artists. The programme may vary each year, so check the current dates and programme details for the edition you plan to attend.

The Fête du Rosaire takes place on the first Sunday in October and includes a large flea market in the streets of La Perrière. Details of this event may also vary from year to year. At Pentecost, the festival focuses on contemporary art; on the first Sunday in October, the flea market offers a different focus. If an event is a deciding factor in your trip, check the details for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Aubin-d'Appenai, Montreuil-La-Cambe, Moutiers-Au-Perche, Rânes, Marcei, Longny-au-Perche, Ménil-Vin, Saint-Pierre-D'entremont.

For the wider travel overview: Orne.