Trail 42 passes through a bocage landscape to the Tour de Bonvouloir and its educational trail. This connects a specific hiking route with a striking historic site. For further planning, the hiking trails offer different distances and landscape experiences.
Hiking Trails and Landscape
Juvigny-Sous-Andaine has four official hiking trails, measuring 13 km, 8.2 km, 5.2 km and 5.1 km. The two shortest routes differ by just 0.1 km; 8.2 km is a mid-length option, while 13 km is the longest route. This comparison can help you first match the distance to your plans for the day.
The educational trail at the Tour de Bonvouloir features landscape elements including an orchard, wild pear trees, fruit pear trees and hedgerows. The Bonvouloir grounds are near the GR22 and serve as the starting point for several hiking trails. At a crossroads, the J2 trail offers a view of the Étang du Moulin Neuf and its waterwheel. It then passes through woodland and along a stream. The arboretum is also located on the Route de Bagnoles in Juvigny-Sous-Andaine.
Bonvouloir: Building History and Views
The Tour de Bonvouloir is the last surviving remnant of the former Château de Bonvouloir. It was built in 1485 by Guyon Essirard, steward to the Duke of Alençon. The tower consists of two connected towers; the ensemble has been classified as a Monument historique since 1926. Its building history and protected status give the site a clear cultural and historical focus.
From the viewing platform, the view extends up to 30 kilometres across the Andaine Forest, Orne and Mayenne. The tower thus brings together two distinct features: traces of the former château and expansive views over the named landscapes.
Chapel, Dolmen and Equestrian Show
The Chapelle Sainte-Geneviève was rebuilt in 1939 by Honoré Derouet, a priest and artist from Juvigny. Derouet decorated it with symbols inspired by nature. The chapel grounds are freely accessible; the interior is not open to visitors, but can be viewed through a grille. As local access arrangements may change, check before visiting.
The Dolmen Le Lit de la Gione also has a place in local tradition: it is linked to the legend of the evil fairy La Gione, who is said to have lived there. The story remains a legend and adds a folkloric motif to the built heritage.
The equestrian show “De la Terre à la Scène” is performed at the Ferme du Cheval de Trait in Juvigny-Sous-Andaine. Featuring around forty horses, it includes acts such as the Hungarian Post, carriage driving, dressage and vaulting. Those interested in equestrian shows will find a different theme here than the hiking trails and historic buildings.
Local Cuisine
The restaurant at La Michaudière serves dishes featuring the flavours of local produce in a former hay barn. At the foot of the Tour de Bonvouloir, the Crêperie de la Tour serves savoury galettes, sweet crêpes, and local ciders and poirés. The two culinary experiences differ in their setting and offerings: regional cuisine in the former barn on the one hand, and galettes, crêpes and drinks by the tower on the other. As the menu may change, check the current offering before planning a visit for this purpose.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Fraimbault, Crouttes, Saint-Maurice-Lès-Charencey, Le Sap, Sainte-Marguerite-de-Carrouges, Autheuil, Boëcé, Mieuxcé.
For the regional travel overview: Orne.
