Discover

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margin: -15px 8px 15px; } .section { padding: 15px 12px; } h2 { font-size: 1.3em; } .attraction-card h3 { font-size: 1.1em; } } 🌳 Discover La Flèche & the Loir ValleyYour guide to attractions and activities in Sarthe La Flèche and the Loir Valley welcome you for a stay full of discoveries! Located in the heart of the Sarthe region, between Le Mans and Angers, this tourist destination offers exceptional heritage, activities for the whole family, and unspoiled nature. From the famous La Flèche Zoo to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, not forgetting historic castles and bucolic walks, prepare to experience unforgettable moments in the Pays de la Loire region. 🦁 Must-See Attractions🦁 La Flèche Zoo 10 minutes from La Flèche The jewel of the region! Ranked among the 5 most beautiful zoological parks in France, the La Flèche Zoo is a unique experience made famous by the show "Une Saison au Zoo" broadcast on France 4. More than 1,500 animals of 160 different species on 21 hectares Polar bears in a 900m² pool with underwater viewing Lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, rhinoceroses Daily shows: sea lions, free-flight birds Safari Lodges : sleep among the animals! Educational activities and meetings with animal keepers Playground, on-site restaurants Practical information ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all year round (hours vary depending on the season) 💰 Prices: From €32 for adults, €25 for children 🎫 Duration: Allow a full day 📍 Address: Le Tertre Rouge, 72200 La Flèche 🏁 Le Mans 24 Hours Circuit 40 km away (25 minutes) Voted France's Favorite Monument 2024! The legendary circuit that has hosted the world's most famous endurance motor race since 1923. Guided tours behind the scenes of the legendary circuit Discovering the Hunaudières straight (6 km) 24 Hours Museum : a unique collection of historic cars Karting on an approved circuit Professional racing simulators Official Store Events all year round (motorcycle races, truck races, historic events) Practical information ⏰ Tours: All year round by reservation 💰 Museum admission prices: €9 for adults, €6 for children 🏆 24 Hours Race: Mid-June every year 📍 Address: Circuit de la Sarthe, 72100 Le Mans 🏰 Castles & Heritage Nearby (15-50 km) Château du Lude (20 km) - One of the last great Loire Valley châteaux. Remarkable gardens, sound and light shows in summer Prytanée National Militaire (La Flèche) - Prestigious military academy founded by Henry IV in 1604. Guided tours available. Solesmes Abbey (28 km) - A major center for Gregorian chant. Exceptional Romanesque architecture Baugé Castle (35 km) - 15th century medieval fortress Malicorne Pottery Works (30 km) - Traditional arts and crafts, workshops and museum History Architecture Culture 🎯 Activities & Leisure 🚴 Cycling & Hiking Explore the Vélofrancette and the trails of the Loir Valley. Marked routes, cycle paths, bike rentals available. Nature Family 🛶 Water Sports Canoeing and kayaking on the Loir river , paddleboarding, supervised swimming at Lac de La Monnerie. Watersports centre with equipment rental. Water Sport 🎣 Fishing The Loir and its tributaries offer excellent fishing spots: pike, zander, carp. Day permits available. Nature and Relaxation 🎨 Workshops & Crafts Discover the artists' studiosPotters, painters and sculptors. Craft markets and local shops. Shopping Culture 🍷 Gastronomy Coteaux du Loir wine route , rillettes from Le Mans, fouées angevines. Visits to cellars and wine estates. Local produce tasting 🎭 Shows & Festivals Varied cultural programming: theatre, concerts, summer festivals. Art house cinema, modern media library. Culture & Animation 🌳 Nature & Local Discoveries Natural Areas 🌊 Lake of La Monnerie 500m from the town centre. Playground, picnic area, fishing. Ideal for a relaxing family break.🦋 Gardens of La Flèche Landscaped green spaces, public gardens, walks along the Loir river. Botanical trail. 🌲 Bercé Forest Exceptional state forest (5000 ha), centuries-old oak trees, hiking trails, wildlife observation. Markets & Shops Weekly markets: Wednesday and Saturday mornings (La Flèche town centre). Local produce, market gardeners, cheesemakers, artisans. A friendly atmosphere guaranteed! Permanent covered market (market halls) Christmas markets in December Regular flea markets and garage sales Artisan shops and concept stores 📍 Geographic Location La Flèche benefits from a strategic position in the heart of the Pays de la Loire, easily accessible from major cities. 🚗 Le Mans 44 km - 35 minutesTGV Paris-Le Mans: 55 min 🚗 Angers 52 km - 45 minutes International Airport 🚗 Tours 80 km - 1 hour Loire Valley Castles 🚗 Nantes 140 km - 1h30 Atlantic Ocean 🚗 Paris 240 km - 2h30 A11 direct ✈️ Air access: Angers Airport (50km), Nantes Airport (140km), Paris-Orly Airport (240km) 🚂 SNCF train station: La Flèche (Le Mans - Angers line) 🛣️ Highway: A11 exit 12 (Sablé-sur-Sarthe/La Flèche) 💡 Practical Tips 📅 Best timeApril to October for outdoor activities. The Zoo is open all year round. ⏱️ Length of stay A minimum of 2-3 days is needed to fully enjoy the experience. A week is ideal for seeing everything. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 With family Perfect destination with children: Zoo, water sports, playgrounds, castles. 🍴 Restoration Wide selection of restaurants, crêperies, brasseries. Discover Sarthe specialties. 🎫 Tourist Pass: Ask the Tourist Office for combined Zoo + Tour + Castles rates. Guaranteed savings! 📞 Tourist Information La Flèche Tourist Office 📍 Address Place du 8 Mai 1945 72200 La Flèche 📞 Contact 02 43 94 02 53 info@tourisme-lafleche.fr Useful Links Official website of La Flèche Zoo: www.zoo-la-fleche.com 24 Hours Circuit: www.lemans.org Tourism in Sarthe: www.vallee-du-loir.com Loire Valley Castles: www.chateauxloire.com Discover La Flèche and the Loir Valley A destination for nature, culture and heritage in the heart of Sarthe - Pays de la Loire Tourist Guide 2025