サルト周辺のおすすめ犬連れハイキング＆ウォーキング

Alençon is the capital of the Orne department and lies on the southern edge of Normandy. It was once very famous for its lace and was therefore known throughout Europe. There is evidence of the existence of the city of Alençon as early as Roman times. In the 11th century, when the Normans secured their duchy to the south, the first fortified settlement was built here. This was later followed by the construction of a mighty castle. The city really achieved economic prosperity around 1650 when Madame La Perrère invented an original lace. It was in no way inferior to the Venetian lace known at the time, but it was considerably cheaper to buy. With the support of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, a royal factory was founded. As a result, more than 8,000 people worked in lace production. The "Point d'Alençon" lace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

If you are looking for a hike combining nature, history and art, you can visit the Caves of Saulges and the prehistory museum. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the caves and shelters that were occupied by humans around 25,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic period. Some caves are decorated with rock art, such as paintings, carvings and graffiti. You can also visit the Prehistory Museum, which features archaeological collections and interactive exhibits related to prehistoric life in Mayenne. The site is located in the Erve valley, which is a protected natural area with rich biodiversity. The hiking trails allow you to admire the landscapes of the valley and the limestone cliffs. The site is open from April to November. You can check opening hours and prices on the website. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, a flashlight and a camera to immortalize your experience.

The Gô mill is a water mill which dates from the 15th or 16th century. It is located on the Erve, between the old Moulin aux Moines and the Moulin du Pont, in the town of Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve. You can admire the architecture and mechanism of the mill, which was renovated with the help of volunteers and won an award for its restoration in 2018. The mill is also surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, with green hills, forests and streams. You can follow the hiking trails along the river or explore the surrounding villages and castles. Le Moulin de Gô is a place where you can enjoy culture and nature in a peaceful setting.

The Saint-Sylvain chapel in Saint-Pierre-Sur-Erve is a 15th century chapel dedicated to an eremitic who lived on the hill in the 6th century. You can admire the panoramic view of the Coëvrons hills and discover the graffiti engraved on the walls by pilgrims over the centuries. The chapel is accessible by a wooded path which leaves the village. You can also extend your hike to discover other attractions in the region, such as the Saulges caves and canyon, the Thévalles mill or the ruins of old lime kilns.

This fascinating edifice was built on top of a cave in 1849 to protect the statue of the saint therein, Céneré, a 7th-century Benedictine monk. He would have caused the manifestation of the source which springs from the rock at this place. This continuous stream of water from the spring gave the saint the nickname "saint who pisses".

This hall created for the grain trade between the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century has multiplied roles during its history: hospital during the First World War; host of exhibitions, fairs and markets; and today a center dedicated to new technologies and headquarters of the Cité des Métiers de l'Orne. It is distinguished by its large glass dome inspired by that of the old corn exchange in Paris.

A former 12th century fortified castle, the fortress was gradually destroyed from the 16th century, before being transformed into a prison during the French Revolution. Today, only three towers remain, the gatehouse and the main body. The old courtyards have been requalified to make the current Simone Veil park.

Who dreams of seeing a castle in the middle of a city? 😍😍😍 Me, me, me! The medieval castle is very well highlighted. We should make movies there!