Discover Saint-Pierre-Des-Nids

When planning a stay in Saint-Pierre-des-Nids, there are several specific interests to consider: the landscape around the Canyon des Toyères, the former use of the Moulin de Trotté and a summer programme with set dates. There is also the seasonal crossing of the Sarthe and a garden visit by appointment. As you decide what to focus on during your trip, the views and outdoor activities, local history or a particular date may be the deciding factor. When choosing when to travel, the raft’s operating season and the specific market dates planned for 2026 are two distinct points of reference.

Canyon des Toyères: Views, Climbing and a Circular Route

The Toyères Belvedere offers an impressive view of a green canyon carved by the Sarthe. The view is the main attraction. The granite cliffs at the canyon are suitable for climbing, and a circular route offers a way to experience the area’s hilly landscapes. These give you several different options: admire the canyon as a landscape, focus on climbing the granite cliffs or consider the circular route as a way to explore the hilly countryside. These three aspects describe different, non-interchangeable ways of engaging with the landscape.

Le Bac à Chaînes: Seasonal Crossing of the Sarthe

At the hamlet of Le Val, the chain ferry Le Bac à Chaînes allows pedestrians to cross the Sarthe between Saint-Pierre-des-Nids and Saint-Léonard-des-Bois. From 1 May to 30 September, the crossing is accessible to people with reduced mobility, pedestrians and bicycles. Depending on navigation conditions, the chain ferry may be closed or removed temporarily. If Le Bac is important to your plans, check the conditions before your visit. This way, you can take both the stated seasonal period and possible restrictions into account.

Moulin de Trotté and a Garden Visit

The Moulin de Trotté appears to date from the 16th century. Farmers from the surrounding area came there to have wheat, rye, barley and buckwheat ground. The mill can be understood through two distinct features: its presumed age provides a historical reference point, while the four types of grain show exactly what was processed there. For travellers who want to understand the area’s history as well as enjoy its landscape, this combination offers a precise starting point.

The Jardin du Manoir du Plessis Bochard offers a different visit that requires advance planning: groups and individuals can visit the garden by prior arrangement. If you plan to visit the garden, arrange your visit in advance.

Night Markets in the 2026 Programme

A specific programme of night markets was planned for summer 2026. The markets were to take place every Friday from July to September, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The first date was set for 10 July and the last for 25 September. Tourists could buy local produce there. The dates cover a clearly defined period that was relevant to a summer trip in 2026. If you are planning a trip for a later year, check that year’s dates.

Discover more destinations: Louverné, Cossé-en-Champagne, Saint-Samson, Saint-Loup-Du-Dorat, Ambrières-Les-Vallées, Laval, Saint-Denis-De-Gastines, Juvigné.

For the regional travel overview: Mayenne.