Discover Ancinnes: Trails, Forest and Heritage

Ancinnes offers two clearly defined themes to help you plan a stay: trails through villages and nature, and historic sights. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help guide your travel planning.

Circular Trails and a Natural Landmark

The Les 3 villages circular trail is 16.7 km long and passes through surrounding villages, varied landscapes and their history. At 7.9 km, Le Séquoia is significantly shorter and leads to a magnificent sequoia, considered a landmark of Ancinnes’ natural heritage. The trail lengths make it easy to compare their scope; their stated highlights also differ: villages and landscapes on one route, and the tree as a destination on the other.

There is a car park and a picnic area at the starting point of both trails. In the centre of Ancinnes, near the town hall, you will also find the Maison des Randonneurs. Its freely accessible garden has a covered area with tables and benches for picnics, a water supply and public toilets. The Maison is open year-round. This gives you two different places to take a break on your outing: the picnic area at the starting point and the garden in the town centre.

Forest, Lagoon and Pond

Part of the municipality of Ancinnes lies within the Forêt domaniale de Perseigne. There are opportunities for hiking, cycling, horse riding and horse-drawn carriage rides. The network includes more than 60 km of horse-riding trails, five mountain biking loops and numerous marked hiking trails. If you plan one of these activities, check local conditions before setting out.

The municipal apiary, Rucher d’Ancinnes, is located at the lagoon site. It has five beehives and two nucleus hives and contributes to the pollination of flowering plants, as well as raising awareness of biodiversity and a healthy environment. The apiary was established in 2022.

The municipal Étang de l’Oisellerie is open year-round and free of charge for outdoor activities, including walks, picnics and sports. Fishing has its own season: it is permitted from the first weekend in March until 1 November. Before going fishing, check local information about this period.

Church and Manoir de Couesme

The original parts of the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul of Ancinnes date from the 11th and 12th centuries. The church houses the Damiens organ, built in 1863 and now one of the few working organs remaining in the region. Its features include around fifteen stops, two manuals, a 13-note pedalboard and 850 pipes. Whether you have an opportunity to hear the organ during your stay may vary.

The Manoir de Couesme was built between the 14th and 16th centuries and retains architectural features from those periods. It was once the seat of the Seigneurie de Couesmes and has been listed as a historic monument since 15 February 2005. You can explore the exterior independently; guided tours are available on request. Check the visiting arrangements before your trip. The manor hosts a contemporary art exhibition every September; confirm the dates for the relevant year if you would like to plan your visit around it.

Discover more destinations: Le Mans, Château-Du-Loir, Chenu, Ballon, Surfonds, Brette-Les-Pins, Sablé-Sur-Sarthe, Rouperroux-le-Coquet.

For the main travel overview: Sarthe.