Discover Vion: Routes, Church and Boxwood Park

Vion offers visitors several points of interest: a park with a distinctive layout, two discovery routes, religious buildings and a seasonal selection of apples. The Boxwood Park recreates the layout of the Holy Sites of Jerusalem. Together with the neo-Gothic Church of Saint Aubin and the Basilique Notre Dame du Chêne, religious and architectural themes feature across several of these destinations. The two routes also offer different starting points and stated durations. If you are planning a stay in Vion, you can structure your time around the specific sights and the intended mode of transport.

Discovery routes: same distance, different details

Both routes are listed as 9.4 km long; their starting points and time estimates can help you choose. The Circuit vert starts at the car park on Rue des Sapins in Vion. It is estimated to take around three hours on foot or around one hour by bicycle. It leads to the Church of Saint Aubin and also offers the opportunity to visit the La Forge de l'âme workshop, a craft business specialising in cutlery-making. As well as the route itself, this gives the circuit two specific cultural destinations. The times are explicitly given separately for walking and cycling. Plan accordingly based on your preferred mode of transport; trail conditions may change.

The Circuit bleu is also 9.4 km long and is an easy route for walkers and cyclists. The stated duration is around two hours. It starts directly in front of the Basilique Notre Dame du Chêne. The same distance therefore comes with different planning details: for the Circuit vert, times are broken down by mode of transport, while the Circuit bleu is listed as taking around two hours.

Church, basilica and boxwood park

The Church of Saint Aubin is neo-Gothic and is notable for its paintings, stained-glass windows and modillions. The Circuit vert leads to the church. Its style and these details offer several ways to explore it: the term “neo-Gothic” describes its architectural classification, while the paintings, stained-glass windows and modillions are specific features. Access to the church may vary. Check access arrangements before your visit.

The Basilique Notre Dame du Chêne is a Marian pilgrimage site and a diocesan spiritual centre. Its religious role distinguishes it from the architectural features of the Church of Saint Aubin. The Circuit bleu also starts directly in front of the basilica. Visitor arrangements may change; check the conditions if you are planning a visit.

At the Boxwood Park, the grounds themselves are the main attraction: the layout recreates the Holy Sites of Jerusalem. This makes the park a cultural and religious destination in Vion, with a different focus from the two routes and the churches. For planning purposes, you can distinguish between a landscaped park, buildings and a longer route, rather than treating all the destinations as equivalent stops.

Seasonal apple varieties

Another local highlight is Les Saveurs Du Leard in Vion. More than ten apple varieties are offered there, depending on the season. The selection is therefore seasonal and has a different focus from the architecture and routes. If you want to plan your stay around this offering, bear in mind that the apple varieties are seasonal.

Discover more destinations: Villeneuve-en-Perseigne, Lavernat, Neufchâtel-En-Saosnois, Moncé-en-Belin, Ruillé-Sur-Loir, Montfort-Le-Gesnois, Bourg-le-Roi, Château-Du-Loir.

For the wider travel overview: Sarthe.