Assé-Le-Boisne: Discover Heritage and Nature

Assé-le-Boisne brings together a rich historical heritage and a landscape shaped by valleys, meadows, and natural areas. Two themes can help you plan your trip: the town’s architectural and seigneurial history, and the natural and cultural landscape around the commune. There is also a range of regional products. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Historical landmarks from several periods

The Motte Féodale dates from the late 11th century. It is the surviving part of the Château d’Assé, which was destroyed around 1425. The priory dates back to 1098, and the church dates from the 13th century. Together, these early landmarks stand alongside a later turning point in the castle’s history: its destruction. A motte is a medieval castle mound.

The Manoir de l’Echenay is protected as a historic monument; its main construction phases date from the 15th and 16th centuries. These phases complement the older medieval landmarks with a later period. An artistic detail can be found in the main altar’s altarpiece: its three-sided tabernacle has four twisted columns and gilded terracotta statuettes. The Vestige de litre features two coats of arms of the de Brie-Serrant family, the lords of Assé. Thus, alongside architectural history, the town’s themes include artistic furnishings and seigneurial history. The Chapelle de la Madeleine is also part of the architectural heritage.

Landscape and natural areas

Assé-le-Boisne is located in the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine. Around the commune, the Sarthe and smaller waterways shape rugged landscapes with deeply incised, densely wooded valleys. Meadows and fields with only a light bocage character are also part of the landscape.

The Coteau des Vignes natural area extends across Assé-le-Boisne and Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. Footpaths and information panels give visitors the chance to discover the area’s natural and cultural heritage. The Coteau offers an unobstructed view of the old town centre of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe.

The Butte de Folleton offers a different focus. It covers 3.41 hectares in Assé-le-Boisne and features xerothermic calcareous grassland—dry, warm, nutrient-poor grassland. Its flora is notable in the Sarthe département; the regionally protected common pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) has also been recorded at the Butte. While the Coteau combines paths, information panels, and a view of Fresnay with natural and cultural heritage, the Butte is distinguished by its grassland flora.

A range of regional products

Organic farmhouse cider and apple juice from the Alpes Mancelles are available in Assé-le-Boisne. The Cidre fermier des Alpes Mancelles offering includes free tastings by appointment. Arrange an appointment before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Ouen-en-Belin, Malicorne-Sur-Sarthe, Chenu, La Suze-Sur-Sarthe, Louplande, Challes, La Bruere Sur Loir, Jupilles.

Go to the main travel overview: Sarthe.