Moutiers-Au-Perche can be explored through a variety of themes: horse-riding activities, trails through an agricultural landscape, a wetland with peat bogs, and the church of Notre-Dame du Mont-Harou. This gives you a practical choice when planning your trip, between active horse riding, exploring the landscape, nature and architecture.
Horse-riding options for different lengths of time
Perch'Orizon offers horse-riding activities in Moutiers-Au-Perche for all levels. Options include rides lasting one to two hours and themed horse-riding trips lasting from one to three days. These different time frames offer different experiences: a ride takes up a clearly defined block of time, while a multi-day horse-riding trip requires a longer commitment. If you are planning to take part in one of these activities, check the dates and booking conditions in advance; both may change.
Trails through the village, pastures and forest
The Le gué de Culoiseau circular trail passes through a characterful village and an agricultural landscape with pastures, forests and ponds. La route du Libérot, by contrast, starts in the village centre and leads to the forest. One is a circular route featuring several types of landscape; the other has a clearly stated starting point and the forest as its destination.
Wetland and respectful conduct at Étang de Culoiseau
The Étang de Culoiseau is a special natural highlight: the wetland is surrounded by peat bogs designated as a Natura 2000 site. Its biodiversity includes mallards, coots, grebes, great egrets, herons, loons and kingfishers. Fish such as tench, roach, carp and perch are also found here, along with amphibians and the flora of the peat bogs. Together, these features give the area a diverse natural character. Visitors to the Étang are asked to behave quietly and discreetly, and to avoid noise, litter, motor vehicles and dogs off the leash.
Notre-Dame du Mont-Harou: architecture and furnishings
The unusual bell tower and remarkable gargoyles stand out at the church of Notre-Dame du Mont-Harou. The building is listed as a “Monument historique”; identified architectural elements date from the 11th century. There are also organs and wall paintings from the 16th century. The different dates help distinguish the architectural elements from the later furnishings. This makes the church a cultural heritage attraction in its own right, alongside the landscapes and natural attractions. The architectural elements and furnishings are approximately five centuries apart.
Which highlights suit your trip?
When choosing a destination, you can weigh up your interests: would you like to make time for a horse ride or a multi-day horse-riding trip, choose a circular trail through the village and agricultural landscape, or focus more on the wetland? The church offers a distinct cultural highlight, too. The options differ not only in theme, but also in duration when it comes to the horse-riding activities.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Cyr-La-Rosière, Macé, Belfonds, Saint-Bômer-Les-Forges, Bellou-En-Houlme, La Ferté-Frênel, Carrouges, Le Theil
For the wider travel overview: Orne.
