Those choosing Lavernat for a stay will find a clear focus on its chestnut groves and Nouzillard trees, along with a circular trail passing a church built in several phases and paths in the Forêt de Bercé. The Fête du Nouzillard provides a recurring seasonal highlight: it is celebrated every year in early November. For travel planning, it helps to distinguish between these features: the forest, chestnuts and architectural history shape the village’s connection to its landscape, while the festival marks a specific time of year. If you are travelling for the festival, check the dates for that year’s edition in advance.
Chestnut Groves and Nouzillard
The Guillaumeries and La Naillerie chestnut groves are in Lavernat. Both are owned and maintained by the Sarthe Department. The ENS (Sensitive Natural Area) of the La Naillerie and Guillaumeries chestnut groves is a former orchard used for chestnut production; Nouzillard chestnut trees grow there. The site is near the A 28 motorway.
At the ENS site, the Department owns about 3 hectares, where around 85 old Nouzillard chestnut trees grow. Together, the former use and approximate number of trees give the chestnut theme a specific agricultural and landscape context.
Landscape and Architectural History
The “Aux portes de Bercé” circular trail passes the Église Saint-Pierre in Lavernat. Parts of the church date from the 11th and 16th centuries; this span points to more than one building phase. The church thus adds a specific cultural dimension to the chestnut theme.
After leaving the village, the “Lavernat – Aux portes de Bercé” circular trail runs mainly along forest roads and paths through changing areas of deciduous and coniferous woodland in the Forêt de Bercé. The route description therefore identifies both the types of paths and the different kinds of woodland. Those who want to focus on the landscape rather than architectural history will find a clear connection with nature here.
The Fête du Nouzillard and Chestnut History
The Fête du Nouzillard is celebrated every year in early November in Lavernat. The festival has featured celebrations of the local chestnut variety and efforts to protect its environment. This brings together a seasonal occasion and a clear theme: the chestnut variety and environmental protection. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the dates for that year’s edition in advance.
In the surrounding area, chestnuts were formerly sold as “marrons” at markets in Mayet and nearby.
When choosing a focus for your trip, you can therefore distinguish between the different features: the chestnut groves link former production with old Nouzillard trees, the circular trail brings in the history of church architecture, and the forest paths offer a connection with the landscape of the Forêt de Bercé. The festival provides a seasonal occasion, while the historical market sales offer a glimpse into the chestnut trade of the past.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Mars-Sous-Ballon, Yvré-Lʼévêque, Poncé-Sur-Le-Loir, Congé-Sur-Orne, Pezé-le-Robert, Vaas, Fresnay-Sur-Sarthe, Saint-Corneille.
For the broader travel overview: Sarthe.
