Discover Juigné-sur-Sarthe: River Paths and Heritage

Juigné-sur-Sarthe offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: historic religious buildings, routes steeped in river and mining history, and a landscaped area at the Port de Juigné. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, these themes may help you choose where to go: are you interested in local history, a stay by the river, or trails with scenic and historical features?

A church, a chapel, and a distinctive story behind a name

The Église Saint-Martin was built in the 12th century. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Nid was built in 1936 by the Juigné sculptor Raymond Dubois. The two buildings therefore come from very different periods and offer different points of interest for exploring Juigné-sur-Sarthe’s cultural heritage.

The name Notre-Dame-du-Nid also has its own story: Raymond Dubois turned a darker knot in a piece of Roman-era boxwood into a nest. The name is therefore connected to the sculptor’s work and an unusual detail in the wood. Alongside the chapel’s construction date, visitors interested in design will find a specific story about how it got its name.

Riverside area at the Port de Juigné

The river stop at the Port de Juigné has a slipway and a pontoon with water and electricity connections for mooring recreational boats. The landscaped area there includes panoramic views of the river, picnic spots, and play equipment for children. The same location therefore offers both facilities for boats and places to take a break outdoors.

If you are planning a visit to this area, bear in mind that information about the facilities may change, and check the current situation beforehand. The river view at the port is also a different viewpoint from the view over the village at Croix Sainte Anne.

Trails with different points of interest

The Tour des Carrières trail follows the towpath along the Sarthe to the former Jarossay gravel pit, which has since been filled in. It then follows paths and local roads up to the plateau above the river. The route description thus gives a clear sequence: from the towpath, past the former gravel extraction site, and up to the plateau; the gravel pit itself has since been filled in.

The Tour des Galibots is connected with a different history: its route follows the paths once taken by young mining apprentices on their way to the mine workings. On the way back, the trail follows the towpath and offers a view of the Abbaye de Solesmes. The abbey is a viewpoint along the route, while the apprentices’ paths provide its historical connection.

To choose between the two trails, you can consider these differences: the Tour des Carrières focuses on the former gravel pit and the onward route to the plateau; the Tour des Galibots connects the route with the history of mining apprentices and a view of the abbey. Another option is the lime kilns of Juigné-sur-Sarthe, which can be reached by footpath.

For panoramic views over the village, Croix Sainte Anne is a separate viewpoint. This makes it possible to distinguish between the view from the riverside area at the Port de Juigné and the view over the village, without treating them as a single viewpoint.

At Ferme des Roussets, a horse-drawn carriage tour is available by prior reservation. As availability must be confirmed before planning, you should inquire about the tour well in advance.

Discover more destinations: Pruillé-l'Éguillé, Bessé-Sur-Braye, Chaufour-Notre-Dame, Bazouges-sur-le-Loir, Dissay-Sous-Courcillon, Bourg-le-Roi, La Milesse, Chahaignes.

For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.