Discover Arnage

Arnage offers a range of options for your stay: culture and architectural history, waterside activities, outdoor trails, as well as markets and events. If you’re looking for a hotel in Arnage, first consider which of these interests will shape your trip. This will help you make the most of the local offerings when planning your stay.

Culture and architectural history in Arnage

The L’Éolienne cultural centre has several event and cultural spaces. The performance hall has 500 seats and standing room for 1,200 people. The centre also includes a 100-seat café-theatre, the approximately 230 m² Avenue exhibition space, a two-storey media library and a bar. L’Éolienne is accessible by public transport, car and train.

The performance hall is accessible to people with reduced mobility and has an induction loop for hearing-aid users. If you rely on this equipment, confirm its availability before the performance you plan to attend. L’Éolienne also hosts the BD Mania comics festival every two years; dates vary.

The Church of Saint-Gilles also has a long history: it dates back to the 12th century. Romanesque openings, putlog holes and herringbone masonry provide clues to its construction history. The church also contains a funerary inscription for Jacques Monceaux, a royal notary who died on 2 February 1644. The inscription and architectural features offer different points of interest if you’re curious about the town’s history.

Water, trails and outdoor activities

The La Gèmerie lake covers 15 hectares. Sailing, swimming, diving and fishing take place there year-round. The bathing area is supervised during the two summer months and is accessible to people with disabilities. Supervision is therefore seasonal; check the conditions before your visit.

For a longer route, an 11.5-kilometre hiking and mountain-biking trail leads from La Gèmerie to the Chaoué woods in Allonnes. The Boulevard Nature offers a different scale, with 52 kilometres open to the public. The route is accessible to pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists, roller skaters and horse riders. Arnage has also created a safe connection between the town centre and the neighbourhood on Route des Loges as part of the Boulevard Nature. As open routes and access arrangements may change, check the latest information before setting out.

Fishing and walking are the main activities at La Gautrie pond. If you’re interested in boating, you can plan a trip on the Sarthe towards La Suze-sur-Sarthe or Le Mans, departing from the Sea’U Experience Location base. Routes and operating periods may change. At its watersports base on the Esplanade du Port d’Arnage, Sea’U Experience Location offers seasonal rentals of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Jetboats 300 and Ecokarts. Ask which rentals are actually available for your chosen dates.

The La Gèmerie site is served by SETRAM bus route 21, with a stop at Gèmerie. This makes it possible to plan a visit using public transport; check the latest route and stop information before departure.

Markets and recurring events

The annual Carnaval de la Sorcière features a public parade with local carnival groups. The Fête du Printemps is also held annually, in April: its programme includes a spring market at the port, with regional craftspeople, producers and local products. Specific event dates and programme details vary.

The weekly market is another regular local fixture: every Saturday morning, a market featuring local producers and stalls from various shops is held at Place des AFN. If you’re planning your visit around the market, check the date and the current mix of stalls locally.

The municipal Simone de Beauvoir media library offers free use of its open-access documents; a registration is required to borrow items. Services and opening hours may change, so it’s worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Germain-D'arcé, Beaumont-Pied-De-Boeuf, Sablé-Sur-Sarthe, Moncé-en-Belin, Marolles Les Braults, Chenu, La Chapelle-Aux-Choux, La Bazoge.

For the wider travel overview: Sarthe.