Mulsanne: Hiking, Motorsport and History

A stay in Mulsanne can focus on hiking, nature watching, historic sites or motorsport. The Circuit du P’tit Chien is a circular hike with a specified distance; opportunities to watch from the Virage de Mulsanne, by contrast, depend on the various race events. The gathering of historic and prestige vehicles also has its own date before the 24 Heures du Mans. These distinctions can help you plan your interests and travel dates.

Hiking and nature

The yellow-waymarked Circuit du P’tit Chien circular trail is 17.2 kilometres long. More than 70 percent of its route follows varied forest paths. The distance provides a specific reference point for planning your outing, while the high proportion of woodland also shapes its character. If you would like to include hiking in your stay, this is a clearly identified circular route.

Mulsanne has 720 hectares of woodland. Visitors can watch birds at the LPO refuge. A recreation area at the Lavoir de la Madeleine gives walkers a place to take a break or have a picnic. These nature and outdoor options offer different experiences: a circular hike, birdwatching or a break outdoors.

Historic sites and their stories

The Château des Hunaudières in Mulsanne has been listed as a historic monument since 22 March 1966. The protection covers the façades and roofs as well as the interior rooms and their decorations. The protected scope of this building therefore includes not only its exterior elements but also its decorated interior rooms.

Mulsanne’s original church was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century. Accounts differ about its dedication: depending on the source, it was dedicated either to Notre-Dame or to Sainte Madeleine. This alternative account is part of the church’s history and should be retained when interpreting it.

A second washhouse in Rue de l’Église can only be seen from the path. It illustrates the historic gathering places of women in past centuries. When planning your visit, distinguish this washhouse from the Lavoir de la Madeleine: the latter has a recreation area for breaks and picnics, while the second washhouse is described in terms of its historical interpretation and its visibility from the path.

The Monument Canadien commemorates the crash of an Allied aircraft on 23 May 1944. Together with the château, church and washhouse, it highlights a range of historical themes: architecture, church tradition, former gathering places for women and the commemoration of a specific event.

Motorsport at the Virage de Mulsanne

At race events, visitors can watch overtaking manoeuvres and braking at night from the Virage de Mulsanne. Viewing opportunities depend on the event, so plan your visit around the relevant race date and check the event details in advance.

Another event at the Virage is the gathering of historic and prestige vehicles organised by the Association Virage de Mulsanne. It takes place every Friday before the 24 Heures du Mans. If this gathering is important to your trip, check the date with the organiser in advance.

Getting there by bus

Bus route 24 connects Antarès/MMArena with Mulsanne in both directions. Route numbers and services may change, so check the latest information before travelling. This makes the bus connection a useful starting point for planning your journey without relying on outdated details.

Discover more destinations: Coulombiers, Sainte-Osmane, Marolles Les Braults, Beaumont-Sur-Sarthe, Crissé, Cures, Semur-en-Vallon, Cré.

See the regional travel guide: Sarthe.