Rémalard lies on the Véloscénie, a signposted 450-kilometre cycling route between Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel. When choosing a destination, in addition to this long-distance route, gardens, Romanesque architecture and paths through the countryside are also relevant. The 450 kilometres refer to the total length of the route, not to a local route in Rémalard.

Cycling route and valleys

Another point of reference is a signposted 62-kilometre road circuit. It runs along the Huisne, Commeauche and Corbionne valleys. This means there are two different types of route: the long-distance cycling route between Paris and Mont-Saint-Michel, and a shorter circuit along three valleys. If you choose Rémalard for a trip involving a route, its length and type may play a role in your planning.

Gardens with different focuses

The Jardin de La Petite Rochelle covers about 1.5 hectares and is divided into ten themed gardens. Hélène d’Andlau began creating it in 1976. Its themed layout and approximate total area give a concrete impression of how the garden is arranged. For garden enthusiasts, this offers a different aspect of Rémalard from its paths and historic buildings.

The Jardin du Moulin de Vaujours has a different focus: it is a working garden covering more than one hectare, managed according to the principles of permaculture and agroforestry. Guided visits with commentary are available by appointment from July to September. As dates and arrangements may change, please confirm them in advance. In the barn, a stall displays the day’s harvest as well as honey from the Perche. The stall is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the selection may vary seasonally. The difference between the two gardens therefore lies not only in their size, but also in their focus: themed garden areas on the one hand, and a working garden managed according to permaculture and agroforestry principles on the other.

Architecture, history and culture

The “Nobles logis” circular route starts at the Église Saint-Germain-d’Auxerre and follows small paths through the Rémalard countryside. The church preserves a Romanesque west façade, a nave and a semicircular apse. The route also includes a detour to the motte-and-bailey castle of Châtellier. William the Conqueror had it built in 1078. By exploring the route, you can take in both the church’s architecture and a historic structure along the way.

Le Passage brings together a media library, a small art gallery and a space for meetings, conferences and performances. Each exhibition is accompanied by a meeting with the exhibiting artist or a specialist. These meetings take the form of a public lecture or workshop. Activities are free and open to all; as access arrangements may change, check the latest information before planning a visit. This programme complements the architectural and landscape themes with cultural events, each of which is linked to an exhibition.

Geology and bats

The underground quarry complex of La Grotte de la Mansonnière is a bat hibernation site and the second most important hibernation site in the Perche. About ten species have been observed there, including six species of community interest. The quarry is also of great geological interest because primary karst can be observed there. These details show that, alongside gardens, architecture and cycling routes, Rémalard also has a distinctive natural and geological appeal.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Aubin-d'Appenai, Gacé, Mardilly, Lalacelle, Damigny, Semallé, Médavy, Saint-Bômer-Les-Forges

Go to the regional travel overview: Orne.