La Ferté-Bernard: Heritage, Canals and Markets

La Ferté-Bernard lies between two branches of the Huisne, and numerous canals run through the town. When planning your stay, you can focus on different things: historic buildings, walks through the town or nature watching by the pond. The following sites and walking routes reveal different sides of the town.

Churches, City Gate and Historic Buildings

The Église Notre-Dame des Marais has been classified as a Monument historique since 1840. The Porte Saint-Julien, a remnant of La Ferté-Bernard’s medieval fortifications, dates from the 14th century. Preserved architectural features of the former castle and its surrounding enclosure were listed as historic monuments by decree on 13 May 1992. The former castle includes an old chapel and its oratory, both dating from the first half of the 15th century. The Halles Denis Béalet also date from the 15th century.

The Chapelle Saint-Lyphard was built in the 12th century by the Bernard lords of La Ferté. In 1980, the town acquired the chapel and restored it for use as an exhibition venue. La Ferté-Bernard thus brings together buildings from different periods: from the medieval Porte Saint-Julien to the chapel and oratory of the former castle and the Halles Denis Béalet.

Walking Routes through the Old Town and the Developing City

The discovery trail through the historic centre introduces characteristic buildings in the old town; a digital audio-guided tour is available through Wivisites. The « de faubourgs en quartiers » discovery trail offers a different focus. It shows the town from its old suburbs to the neighbourhoods and facilities that illustrate its development since the second half of the 20th century. This urban walking route is marked in yellow and is 8.35 kilometres long. Allow about two hours of walking time and check the route markings on site.

A guided ride on the tourist train also introduces the heritage between the Église Notre-Dame-des-Marais and the medieval city gate. This sets the ride apart from the walking routes: it connects two notable sites as part of a guided experience. The service may be seasonal or intended for groups. Before your trip, check whether a ride is available at the time of your visit.

Nature and the Pond Trail

The Espace Naturel Sensible des Ajeux is an area of remarkable biodiversity. A path runs all the way around the pond, offering the chance to discover its wildlife and plant life. The pond trail is seasonal and available at certain times; check access before your visit. The area is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. Conditions may vary depending on the section of the path and the season.

Markets and Les 3 Jours

La Ferté-Bernard holds three markets a week. A farmers’ market takes place at Place du Général de Gaulle. As market times can change, check the latest dates and times before planning your visit around them.

Les 3 Jours traditionally takes place on the first weekend in September and combines an exhibition with an agricultural show. Exhibitions and competitions offer the chance to see various farm animals up close; the animal programme may vary from one edition to another. Almost 200 participants showcase their skills and products at the exhibition, including local craftspeople and producers. This figure may also vary from one edition to the next. If you would like to plan your trip around Les 3 Jours, check the exact event dates.

Discover more destinations: Parigné-Le-Pôlin, Avezé, Bazouges-sur-le-Loir, Saint-Michel-De-Chavaignes, Saint-Germain-D'arcé, Nuillé-Le-Jalais, Crissé, Vivoin.

For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.