Discover Vibraye

Vibraye offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: trails with specific distance information, a biodiversity circuit and cultural attractions. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these highlights separately. For the trails, the starting point and distance matter depending on the route; the nature theme focuses on biodiversity and how it is presented. Cultural attractions range from historic architecture to events at Le Quai des Arts. This will help you decide in advance whether you are more interested in longer routes, nature or a cultural programme.

Routes and starting points

The GR 235 long-distance trail runs for 11.5 kilometres through Vibraye, between Melleray and Berfay. For the Circuit du Minerai loop, the stated distance depends on the starting point: if you start at the barriers at the upper end of the road to Sainte-Anne, it is 11 kilometres long; from the church square, it is 14 kilometres. Before setting off, check your chosen starting point and the stated distance.

The routes differ in more than just distance: the GR 235 connects the two places named above, while the chosen starting-point option is what determines the Circuit du Minerai. Comparing them therefore involves both the route type and the starting point. The two distances for the circuit correspond to different starting points and should not be understood as a single distance.

Forest and biodiversity

An area of 300 hectares of the Vibraye forest is designated as a Natura 2000 site. The Circuit Biodiversité Patrimoine loop features ten species stations where you can discover the diversity of local fauna and flora. It was created to showcase the biodiversity of the municipality of Vibraye.

The two nature-related details describe different aspects: the Natura 2000 designation applies to 300 hectares of forest, while the ten stations are part of the circuit’s themed layout. At La Vigne, an orientation board provides a specific reference point for finding your way around the area.

Architectural history and culture

The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 19th century. Sainte-Anne Chapel is located at the edge of the forest. According to tradition, it dates from the 17th century; it is not open to visitors. The dates therefore have different statuses: for the chapel, the dating is explicitly based on tradition.

Le Quai des Arts has an event hall with 154 seats that is accessible to people with reduced mobility, as well as an exhibition area. The programme includes theatre, music, dance, storytelling, conferences and painting. As individual programme details may change, it is advisable to check what is currently on offer before visiting.

The fitness trail in Vibraye is located next to the Le Quai des Arts event hall. This places a walking route and a cultural venue in a clearly defined spatial relationship, while catering to different interests.

Discover more destinations: Montreuil-le-Chétif, Notre-Dame-Du-Pé, Bouloire, Mézières-Sous-Lavardin, Vallon-sur-Gée, La Fontaine-Saint-Martin, Beaumont-Sur-Sarthe, La Bosse.

For the main travel overview: Sarthe.