Saint-Pierre-Des-Nids brings together the Canyon des Toyères and a history that goes back to the former use of the Moulin de Trotté. From the belvedere, you can look out over the green canyon carved by the Sarthe; there is also a circular trail at the canyon and granite cliffs for climbing. Le Bac à Chaînes adds a seasonal river crossing. For planning purposes, you can choose between experiences according to your interests: scenery, outdoor activity, crossing the river or the history of the mill. Two practical conditions deserve special attention: the raft may be temporarily closed or removed depending on navigation conditions, and the garden of the Manoir du Plessis Bochard can only be visited by prior arrangement.
Panoramic Views, Circular Trail or Climbing
The belvedere at Toyères offers an impressive view of a green canyon carved by the Sarthe. A circular trail at the Canyon des Toyères lets you experience the area's hilly landscapes, while the granite cliffs at the canyon are suitable for climbing. These offer a range of nature experiences: a viewpoint, a circular trail for experiencing the area's hilly landscapes, and climbing on granite cliffs. If you make the canyon the focus of your visit, you can plan your stay around the experience that interests you most: scenic views, walking or climbing.
Le Bac à Chaînes Across the Sarthe
In the hamlet of Le Val, the chain ferry Le Bac à Chaînes allows pedestrians to cross the Sarthe between Saint-Pierre-Des-Nids and Saint-Léonard-des-Bois. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility, pedestrians and bicycles from 1 May to 30 September. The raft may be temporarily closed or removed depending on navigation conditions. If you need the crossing for your plans, check the conditions before your visit. The seasonal dates and navigation conditions answer different planning questions: the first indicates the period when it is accessible, while navigation may also lead to a temporary closure or removal.
The Moulin de Trotté and Its History
The Moulin de Trotté appears to date from the 16th century. Farmers from the surrounding area came there to have wheat, rye, barley and buckwheat milled. This connects the mill with the area's former agricultural work. It provides a historical focus alongside the canyon's landscapes and climbing opportunities: here, the focus is on past work and grain, while there it is on scenery and outdoor activities.
Summer Markets in the 2026 Programme
The summer night markets were scheduled for every Friday from July to September 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The first event was planned for 10 July and the last for 25 September 2026. Tourists were expected to be able to buy local produce there. As these announced dates have now passed, check the latest market information before a future trip.
The Jardin du Manoir du Plessis Bochard
The Jardin du Manoir du Plessis Bochard can be visited by groups and individuals by prior arrangement. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance, whether you are travelling alone or in a group.
Discover more destinations: Ballots, Aron, Saint-Mars-Sur-Colmont, Ruillé-Froid-Fonds, Couesmes-Vaucé, Saint-Denis-D'anjou, Mézangers, Saint-Thomas-de-Courceriers
For the broader travel guide: Mayenne.
