Church art, themed walking trails and natural spots offer a variety of experiences in Athis-De-L'orne. The Église Saint-Vigor and Chapelle du Sacré-Cœur offer insights into architecture and history; outdoors, options range from a botanical nature trail to longer routes. At Étang de la Queue d'Aronde and in Bois Meunier Velay, you will also find walking opportunities and recreational facilities. For planning, it is worth considering route lengths, themes and seasonal exhibitions separately.
Churches and architecture
The Église Saint-Vigor is listed in its entirety as a historic monument; it was listed on 16 February 2006. The Neo-Romanesque church has three naves. Louis Chifflet created its murals between 1888 and 1894. The architecture and paintings each bring their own artistic accents.
Another building is the Chapelle du Sacré-Cœur. It was planned in 1901 and built by architect Félix Pignard. Granite and sandstone define the building; the façade features sculpted capitals and a large rose window. The Athis Temple is part of the architectural heritage that can be discovered along the Chemin Huguenot. Please check access to the temple separately.
Walking trails with different themes
Circular Route No. 14, “Autour d'Athis,” starts at the car park near the town hall, opposite the church. It is 15.5 km long; a variant covers 9.9 km.
The 12 km-long Chemin Huguenot is marked with seven information panels. They recall important milestones in Protestantism in Sainte-Honorine-la-Chardonne and Athis-De-L'orne. This trail therefore focuses on Protestantism, while “Autour d'Athis” offers two different distances to choose from. The Chemin Huguenot's markers and trail conditions may change; please check them on site.
Those interested in plants will find another themed option in the approximately 2 km-long “Vallon humide” botanical nature trail, where they can discover various local species.
Natural spots and recreational activities
Fishing is possible at Étang de la Queue d'Aronde. The grounds also have children's play equipment, a fitness trail, picnic tables and walking opportunities. The Courteille, a small tributary of the Lembron, flows through the pond. This spot offers both waterside activities and options for exercise and a break outdoors.
Bois Meunier Velay has outdoor play equipment for children and a sports trail for children and adults. It is possible to take a walk of about 30 minutes through the forest and around the pond opposite. The approximate duration offers a practical guide; you can also take local conditions into account when planning your specific route.
Garden and seasonal exhibitions
The contemporary garden “Intérieur à ciel ouvert” in Athis-De-L'orne is open to the public. Contemporary artworks are located along its paths. The garden grounds are also home to Galerie Libre COURs, which offers exhibitions from May to September. If the gallery is important to your travel plans, schedule your visit within this period.
The trails mentioned differ in length and theme: “Autour d'Athis” offers two distance options, the Chemin Huguenot focuses on milestones in Protestantism, and “Vallon humide” on discovering local species. This allows you to choose between culture, walks and nature for your getaway in Athis-De-L'orne.
Discover more destinations: Brieux, Mardilly, Fontenai-Sur-Orne, La Ferrière-Bochard, Saint-Siméon, La Chapelle-D'andaine, Bellême, Parfondeval.
For an overview of the wider region: Orne.
