Levaré can be explored on two scales: the Sentier botanique No. 23 is an easy 9-kilometre circular walk, while the Grand Chemin Montois is a 320-kilometre pilgrimage and hiking route from Tours to Mont-Saint-Michel. The local loop focuses on botany, while the long-distance route passes through Le Mans and Mayenne, linking the tomb of Saint Martin with the sanctuary of the Archangel. There is also a prominent viewpoint and a historic château. Levaré thus offers both specific natural features and a history of routes and buildings.

Botanical Highlights Along the Route

Along the Sentier botanique No. 23, signs give the names of plants found along the route. At Taillis-Laurent is the highest viewpoint in the northwest of the Mayenne département, at an elevation of 251 metres. Further signs there provide information about the different plants of the siliceous hill. This gives you two specific botanical perspectives: plants along the route and vegetation at a particular hill site. At Taillis-Laurent, the route also passes a sunken lane and a picnic table at the edge of a private wooded area. Alongside the botanical information, the sunken lane and picnic table are two specific features of the route; the wooded area beside the table is private.

Levaré on the Grand Chemin Montois

The Grand Chemin Montois is more than just a long route: this pilgrimage and hiking trail links the tomb of Saint Martin in Tours with the sanctuary of the Archangel at Mont-Saint-Michel, passing through Le Mans and Mayenne. In the Middle Ages, Levaré was one of 13 stage towns. Between Levaré and La Dorée, the historic route follows a wide curve. A local sign of the town’s connection to pilgrimage can be found in the town centre: the Croix de la Cervelle depicts a pilgrim’s staff, hat and bag—the attributes of a pilgrim. Thus, Levaré’s connection to pilgrimage ranges from its historic role as a stage town to a depiction that makes the pilgrimage association immediately recognisable.

The Château and Its History

The château in Levaré dates from building phases in the 11th, 16th and 18th centuries. On 30 October 2006, it was partially listed as a Monument historique. The partially protected complex includes moats and the remains of defensive structures, as well as a chapel and a former walled kitchen garden. The estate therefore encompasses fortifications, a religious building and a former garden area; its building phases offer a different historical perspective from Levaré’s medieval role on the pilgrimage route.

Which side of Levaré interests you?

You can choose what to explore in Levaré based on your interests: the easy botanical loop is a clearly defined 9-kilometre option, while the 320-kilometre Grand Chemin Montois provides a wider regional perspective. The cross in the town centre and the château complement this view of the routes with local pilgrimage and architectural history. If you are considering Levaré as an overnight destination, you can weigh up whether you are most interested in a nature walk, the history of the pilgrimage route or the historic complex.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Denis-De-Gastines, Ambrières-Les-Vallées, Meslay-Du-Maine, Villaines-La-Juhel, Bazougers, Saint-Mars-Sur-Colmont, Port-Brillet, Saulges

For the broader travel overview: Mayenne.